'One of the only contemporary authors who can inspire this kind of hype': how Sally Rooney became the voice of a generation

When Sally Rooney shared her experience at the Oxford Literary Festival, it highlighted the stark contrast between the frenzy of the publishing deal and the reality of launching a debut novel. Despite the early hype surrounding her debut, 'Conversations with Friends,' Rooney faced a disappointing turnout at her first official literary event, with only about ten attendees, which included several publishers.

This event encapsulated the precarious nature of a new author’s journey, where the excitement of securing a lucrative publishing deal does not necessarily translate into reader interest or initial audience engagement. The disparity illustrates the often unpredictable and competitive landscape of book launches.

Read at Independent