Fan fiction has long been a creative outlet for fans to explore their favorite characters and worlds in new ways.
But what happens when fan fiction becomes popular? So compelling, that it transcends its humble origins and becomes a mainstream bestseller?
The fanfic-to-published-work phenomenon
The journey from fan fiction to published novel is a rare one. It's a path that a few high-profile examples have paved. Perhaps the most famous is E.L. James' Fifty Shades of Grey. This was originally a Twilight fan fiction. It featured characters inspired by Edward Cullen and Bella Swan. While the novel was heavily reworked and reimagined, its roots in fan fiction are undeniable.
The novel that would become a bestselling erotic trilogy was first published online. It was posted under the title ‘Master of the Universe’ in August 2009. It appeared as Twilight fanfiction on Fanfiction.net. James used the pseudonym "Snowqueens Icedragon."
E.L. James is synonymous with fanfiction's mainstream breakthrough. The meteoric rise of Fifty Shades ignited a publishing frenzy. Everyone wanted the next fanfiction-turned-bestseller.
Other notable examples include:
- Anna Todd's After series. Initially a fan fiction featuring Harry Styles, this series has been adapted into a successful film franchise.
- Ali Hazelwood's The Love Hypothesis. This romantic comedy began life as a Reylo fan fiction (Rey and Kylo Ren from Star Wars) before becoming a critically acclaimed standalone novel.
- Paul Cornell's Timewyrm: Revelation. While not strictly romance-based, this Doctor Who novel began as a lengthy fan fiction published in the fanzine Queen Bat. Cornell later went on to write for the Doctor Who TV series.
- Cassandra Clare's City of Bones. The author of the popular Mortal Instruments series initially wrote fan fiction centred around Harry Potter characters Draco and Ginny.
It's important to note that the path from fan fiction to published work isn't easy. It is often fraught with challenges. Issues of copyright, character ownership, and ethical considerations can be complex. Not all fan fiction is suitable for publication. Many authors choose to keep their origins hidden to avoid potential backlash.
What makes some fanfictions succeed commercially?
Several factors contribute to the success of fan fiction turned published works:
- Strong character development. Even in the confines of an existing universe, fan fiction authors often create complex and relatable characters.
- Unique storytelling. A fresh perspective or a different take on familiar characters can resonate with readers.
- Mass appeal. While initially appealing to a specific fandom, the story must have broad appeal to transition into a mainstream market.
- Author talent. Of course, the author's writing skills and determination play a crucial role. This is what turns fan fiction into a polished novel.
Legality and ethical issues of commercial fanfic
The commercialisation of fan fiction presents a complex literary landscape. It's fraught with legal and ethical challenges. At its core, the conversion of fan-created content into profit treads a tightrope of copyright and IP rights. The allure of leveraging established characters and storylines is tempting. However, authors must tread cautiously to avoid infringement. Original characters or substantial alterations can provide a safer path.
Beyond legal considerations, ethical dilemmas also abound. The question of transparency regarding a work's fan fiction origins is contentious. Openly acknowledging the source material can foster authenticity and trust with readers. This enhances the work's appeal to dedicated fans. Conversely, disclosing the fan fiction connection may alienate readers. Those who prefer a clean slate, unburdened by the original text. This delicate balancing act requires careful consideration of the target audience. Consider the desired narrative identity.
Further, it raises concerns about exploitation and fair compensation. If a fan fiction author achieves significant commercial success, questions of fair use arise. Striking a balance between protecting original creators and rewarding fan-based creativity is essential.
Ultimately, navigating the legal and ethical complexities demands a nuanced understanding of copyright law and best practice. If you really want to do it, you must be prepared for these factors. It's been proven that authors can change from fan to published writer. It's possible to maintain artistic integrity and ethics.
The future of fanfic in literature
The rise of fan fiction has irrevocably altered the literary landscape. As the digital age continues to evolve, we can anticipate an even more profound impact.
With platforms like Wattpad and Archive of Our Own provide vast audiences for fan-generated content. Aspiring authors will have increasing opportunities to hone their craft. They can build dedicated followings, and potentially secure traditional publishing deals. The democratisation of publishing creates a fertile ground for new voices.
The blurring lines between fan fiction and original fiction will likely lead to hybrid forms of storytelling. Authors may incorporate fan-inspired elements into their original works. This has been seen in recent years with authors publishing different character POVs. They're essentially publishing fanfic of their own work.
As fan fiction becomes more mainstream, there may be increased pressure to conform to traditional publishing standards, potentially stifling the genre's rebellious spirit.
The success of fan fiction will depend on its ability to evolve and adapt. It must preserve its essence: a celebration of shared passion and creativity. If fan fiction can maintain its connection to its roots while embracing new opportunities, it has the potential to become a powerful and enduring force in the literary world
