The Gatekeeping of Authorship: Self-Published Authors and the Struggle for Recognition

In the world of literature, the labels we assign to ourselves and others can sometimes be arbitrary and even unfair. One of the most common debates revolves around the legitimacy of self-published authors, who are often dismissed as not truly being 'authors' despite their significant creative endeavors. This article aims to explore the phenomenon of authorship gatekeeping and bridge the gap between self-published and traditionally published authors.

Gatekeeping for Self-Esteem

The phenomenon of gatekeeping in the literary world is rooted in a desire to maintain a sense of self-worth. Many traditionally published authors claim to be the 'real' authors, implying that only those who go through the rigorous and expensive process of traditional publishing should be considered legitimate. Conversely, other authors argue that any writer who completes a book deserves the title of author, regardless of the method of publication.

For example, one might argue, 'You might be making more money from your books, but I am traditionally published, and you are not. Therefore, I am a real author, and you are not.' Another person might say, 'You might have written a book, but you haven’t actually done anything with it, so you’re not any better than me.' Both stances are misguided, as a writer is anyone who writes, regardless of their skills or reception.

What Defines an Author?

An author is generally defined as someone who writes and completes a finished product, typically a book. However, this definition excludes other forms of written work, such as research papers, which are not typically considered 'authorship' as they are not literary in nature. The term 'author' is often reserved for those who publish their work, either through traditional publishers or self-publishing platforms.

Nevertheless, the question of authorship gatekeeping arises when we consider the achievements of self-published authors. If we acknowledge that a writer who completes a book is an author, why do some still argue that self-published authors are not real authors? The answer lies in personal biases and a desire to maintain a sense of superiority.

A Comparative Analysis: Steven King’s Journey

To shed light on this debate, let us look at the example of Stephen King, a widely respected author. When did King become an author? Some would say it was when he hit the bestseller list, but his journey began long before that. He had already written and published his books long before they achieved commercial success. Similarly, many self-published authors can proudly claim authorship even before achieving financial success.

The idea that one must be making money to be considered an author is a restrictive notion. Just as a soccer player who practices with the team at three years of age can be considered a soccer player, a writer who has completed a book can be considered an author. Many self-published authors have written numerous books and considered themselves authors long before they achieved recognition or made a significant profit.

Fanfiction and the Origins of Publication

Some argue that writing fanfiction disqualifies an author from being considered real. However, the historical context of many accomplished authors, including Stephen King, reveals that their journey often began with fanfiction. Even great authors started as amateur writers, often publishing their work online or in fanzines before moving on to more substantial projects. It would be unfair to dismiss their early work as non-authorship just because it was fanfiction.

In essence, the title of 'author' should be based on the act of writing and publishing a finished product, not on the means of publication or the commercial success of the work. As long as an individual can honestly say, 'I am the author of that work,' they should be free to claim the title and be recognized for their efforts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the gatekeeping of authorship in the literary world is a complex issue that requires deeper understanding and empathy. Both self-published and traditionally published authors contribute to the literary community, each in their unique way. By recognizing and validating the efforts of self-published authors, we can foster a more inclusive and respectful literary culture.