24:40
books that used to be fanfiction (and the fic to book pipeline)
ColeyDoesThings
Overview
This video explores the increasingly common phenomenon of fanfiction being adapted and published as original books, a process often referred to as 'filing off the serial numbers.' It delves into the history of this practice, its current mainstream acceptance, and the motivations behind it, such as legitimizing fanfiction as an art form and capitalizing on a growing market. The video also discusses the controversies and mixed feelings surrounding this transition, including concerns about quality, the loss of free access for fans, and the potential disrespect to fan culture. Finally, it provides numerous examples of popular books that originated as fanfiction, highlighting specific fandoms and pairings that have fueled this trend.
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Chapters
- The practice of adapting fanfiction into published books has become significantly more common and visible.
- Publishers and agents are actively seeking out popular fanfiction authors on platforms like Wattpad and AO3.
- Fanfiction is shedding its 'guilty pleasure' stigma and is increasingly embraced by mainstream culture and marginalized communities.
- This trend is driven by the publishing industry's desire to capitalize on a proven market and the authors' dream of professional recognition and financial success.
Understanding this pipeline reveals a significant shift in the publishing industry and the evolving perception of fan-created content as a legitimate source of popular literature.
Publishers and agents are actively headhunting on platforms like Wattpad and AO3, directly soliciting popular fanfiction authors.
- For authors, publishing fanfiction as an original work represents a dream of professional success, potential for further deals (TV/movie adaptations), and financial reward.
- This transition is seen by many as a way to legitimize fanfiction as a valid art form, countering past criticisms of it being a 'waste of time.'
- Fanfiction serves as a valuable training ground, allowing writers to hone their skills within a supportive community before seeking professional publication.
- The inherent community within fanfiction provides a pre-existing audience predisposed to liking the transformed work.
This chapter explains the personal and artistic drivers behind the fanfic-to-book phenomenon, highlighting how it serves as both a career stepping stone and a validation of fan creativity.
It's like Rumplestiltskin turning straw into gold; it can mean more book deals down the road, or even TV and movie adaptations, and a lot of money in your pocket.
- A key criticism is that the most publishable fanfics are those already sufficiently distanced from their source material, potentially indicating a lower quality of 'true' fanfiction.
- Authors must remove their fanfiction from online platforms, leading to a loss of free access for dedicated fans and the disappearance of beloved stories.
- Fans may lose interest when beloved characters are replaced with original ones, as the appeal often lies in the continuation of specific relationships and worlds.
- Monetizing fanworks can be seen as disrespectful to the 'gift economy' of fandom, where creation is driven by passion and shared joy rather than profit.
This section addresses the significant ethical and emotional complexities involved when fan-created content transitions to a commercial product, impacting both creators and consumers.
Some fans feel that the story they used to enjoy for free now requires payment, and the characters they were attached to have been replaced with strangers.
- The Twilight fandom has historically been a major source for published fanfiction, with 'Edward and Bella' (Bedward) serving as inspiration for numerous novels.
- More recently, the Reylo (Rey and Kylo Ren) and Dramione (Draco and Hermione) pairings from Star Wars and Harry Potter, respectively, have fueled a surge in published works.
- Wattpad is a significant platform for music fandom and band-centric fanfiction, with examples like 'After' originating from a Harry Styles self-insert.
- Many other fandoms, including Supernatural, X-Men, Sailor Moon, and Teen Wolf, have also contributed to the fanfic-to-book pipeline.
Examining specific examples across different fandoms illustrates the breadth and impact of the fanfic-to-book trend, showing how certain pairings and source materials become fertile ground for adaptation.
50 Shades of Grey by E.L. James, originally Twilight fanfiction for Edward and Bella, is one of the most notorious examples.
- Reylo and Dramione pairings have gained immense popularity on BookTok, fitting into the dark romance and fantasy niches favored by that platform's audience.
- These popular fanfiction pairings serve as a gateway for BookTok users unfamiliar with fanfiction to explore the broader world of fan-created content.
- The transition of these specific fanfics into published books demonstrates how fan culture can influence mainstream literary trends.
- Even works not originally fanfiction, but written by prominent fanfiction authors (like Bridget Knightly's 'Draco Malfoy and The Mortifying Ordeal of Being in Love'), gain traction due to their authors' fanfiction roots.
This chapter explains the specific cultural and platform dynamics (like BookTok) that have propelled certain fanfiction pairings and their adaptations into mainstream success.
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood, which was originally a Reylo fanfic called 'Head Over Feet,' is a well-known example that gained massive popularity.
Key takeaways
- The line between fanfiction and traditionally published literature is increasingly blurred, with fanfiction serving as a significant incubator for new authors and popular stories.
- Publishing houses are actively tapping into the fanfiction market, recognizing its potential for commercial success and audience engagement.
- While the fanfic-to-book pipeline offers opportunities for creators, it also raises valid concerns about intellectual property, fan community impact, and the commodification of creative passion.
- The success of certain fanfiction adaptations highlights the power of online communities and social media platforms like BookTok in shaping literary trends.
- The evolution of fanfiction's public perception from a 'guilty pleasure' to a recognized source of published work reflects broader cultural shifts in valuing diverse forms of creative expression.
- Authors often face a difficult decision between maintaining their fanfiction presence and pursuing traditional publishing, balancing artistic integrity with career aspirations.
- The specific pairings and fandoms that become popular in the fanfic-to-book pipeline are often influenced by current trends in online reading communities and social media.
Key terms
FanfictionFic to book pipelineFiling off the serial numbersPulled to publishAO3 (Archive of Our Own)WattpadBookTokFandomPairing (ship)TropesGift economySelf-insertAU (Alternate Universe)
Test your understanding
- What are the primary motivations for fanfiction authors to adapt their work into published books?
- How has the mainstream perception of fanfiction changed, and what factors contributed to this shift?
- What are the main criticisms or controversies surrounding the practice of turning fanfiction into published novels?
- Why have certain fandoms and pairings, like Reylo and Dramione, become particularly prominent in the fanfic-to-book pipeline?
- What role do online platforms like Wattpad and social media trends like BookTok play in the fanfic-to-book phenomenon?