Right-wing publishers in the literary world: 'It's about the cultural stabilisation of a milieu'

Right-wing publishers and authors face challenges within the literary world, according to literature scholar Mareike Gronich, who has been examining the influence of neo-right aesthetics in literature. The issue centers around how right-wing intellectuals seek to establish cultural hegemony through literature and other forms of art, aiming to shape societal norms and mentalities. This strategy, known among extreme right circles as metapolitics, involves influencing all areas of society deemed suitable for reshaping collective thinking. The Frankfurt Book Fair in 2017 saw protests erupt after a panel organized by the far-right publisher Antaios drew attention. This incident marked a turning point, allowing the right-intellectual milieu to position itself as victims of perceived censorship while portraying themselves as defenders of free speech. The event was orchestrated by Susanne Dagen, organizer of the right-wing book fair in Halle, who played a key role with her initiative, the Charter 2017. The publishing industry is currently undergoing a crisis, which raises questions about how far-right publishers sustain their operations financially. According to Gronich, these publishers have a core readership base that allows them to generate revenue despite limited economic success being their primary goal. Some individuals associated with this movement, such as Benedikt Kaiser and Erik Lehnert, hold positions in political parties like the AfD, providing them with income that enables them to engage in publishing activities either voluntarily or for minimal compensation. However, detailed information regarding financial flows within this milieu remains scarce. Despite efforts by authors who openly identify with the right wing to publish their works, they often find themselves confined to publishers clearly aligned with the right or radical right scene. Gronich suggests that it might still be challenging for explicitly right-wing publications to gain acceptance from major public publishers. Additionally, the production of literary works within Germany's extreme right scene is relatively modest. Nevertheless, if novels originating from this milieu begin appearing in prominent German newspapers, it could potentially attract interest from larger publishing houses. The broader context reveals an ongoing struggle within the cultural sphere, where attempts by the far right to assert influence have become more pronounced over recent years. While initial efforts had little impact, incidents like the one at the Frankfurt Book Fair have amplified visibility and legitimacy for these groups. As discussions continue about the role of literature in shaping public discourse, the dynamics between mainstream publishing and alternative voices remain complex and evolving.