In an era where the digital transformation of industries is ubiquitous, the literary world has not remained untouched. At the forefront of this evolution within the historical fiction genre stands Dee Marley, the visionary CEO and Editor-in-Chief of The Historical Fiction Company. With a journey marked by personal tragedy, resilience, and a profound passion for historical narratives, Dee has carved out a unique space for authors and readers alike in this niche but burgeoning sector. This exclusive interview sheds light on her transformative journey from a grieving mother to a beacon for aspiring authors, the inception of Xanadu Book Awards & Press, and her insights into the future of historical fiction.
The genesis of The Historical Fiction Company was not merely a business venture for Dee; it was a therapeutic channel to navigate through an overwhelming ocean of grief. The loss of her daughter and son-in-law in a tragic accident in 2015 plunged her into sorrow. Yet, as she recounts, it was this very loss that propelled her towards creating something that would honor their shared love for historical fiction. Merging three decades worth of expertise in graphic design, marketing, and writing within this genre, Dee sought to offer something far beyond just another publishing house—she aimed at building a community.
As we delve deeper into our conversation, Dee’s excitement becomes palpable when discussing the upcoming launch of Xanadu Book Awards & Press. Positioned uniquely amongst its contemporaries, Xanadu strives to extend its reach beyond historical fiction to embrace other genres while maintaining its core ethos—a personalized touch in editorial reviews and fostering success among authors. Unlike mainstream platforms that often rely on artificial intelligence for book reviews, Xanadu prides itself on its human-centric approach. Each submission is meticulously read by real people who offer constructive criticism aimed at helping authors refine their craft and succeed in their literary endeavors.
Historical fiction serves as more than just entertainment; it’s an immersive tool for education that bridges past and present. According to Dee, shows like ‘Bridgerton’ and ‘Outlander’ have significantly contributed to a resurgence in interest towards this genre. Yet there lies an untapped potential for stories emanating from diverse cultures and histories outside the Western narrative—a direction she envisions steering towards with future submissions.
In discussing the role of indie publishing within this context, Dee highlights how platforms such as BookTok have revolutionized author promotion strategies. Social media now plays an integral role in connecting writers with their audience—a trend Xanadu Book Awards & Press intends to amplify through strategic marketing efforts across various online communities.
When probing about what makes a manuscript stand out from the rest, Dee emphasizes storytelling prowess coupled with historical accuracy as key components. Her advice echoes that of her mentor’s: rules can be bent if one succeeds in telling a compelling story. Historium Press underlines this philosophy by providing a platform for overlooked yet powerful narratives that traditional publishers might disregard due to rigid market considerations.
Dee’s approach transcends conventional publishing paradigms by prioritizing authorial vision over profitability metrics—a testament to her commitment towards nurturing talent within the historical fiction realm. Drawing inspiration from Toni Morrison’s wisdom about creating stories yet unwritten, Dee has indeed established not just a company but a sanctuary for those passionate about bringing history alive through literature.
Reflecting upon our conversation with Dee Marley offers invaluable perspectives on resilience in face of personal tragedy and innovation amidst industry conventions. Through The Historical Fiction Company and Xanadu Book Awards & Press, she pioneers not only new avenues for independent authors but also champions diversity and authenticity within literary spaces—an endeavor both commendable and inspiring.
As we conclude (without explicitly stating so), it becomes evident that individuals like Dee Marley are instrumental in shaping not just future narratives within genres but also transforming how stories are told and shared globally. Her dedication serves as an enduring legacy—one that transcends mere literary contribution to embody empowerment, innovation, and heartfelt homage to timeless tales waiting to be told.
Visit: www.thehistoricalfictioncompany.com
Published By: Aize Perez
