The Demise of American Literary Fiction: A Supply and Demand Crisis
2025-06-22
This article explores the decline of American literary fiction, moving beyond simplistic explanations like identity politics or smartphones. It argues that a dual supply and demand shock is to blame. On the supply side, the shrinking magazine and academic pipeline has choked the talent pool, leaving writers unable to make a living. On the demand side, contemporary literary fiction, in its pursuit of critical acclaim, has alienated mass audiences, resulting in dismal sales. The solution, the article suggests, lies in restoring the appeal of literature itself, not just addressing identity politics.
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