July 2026
I first tried to publish books through self-publishing. It didn't work out the way I had hoped. The dream of seeing my work as a book had to be put aside for a while.
I then returned to submitting short stories to literary magazines. But there, too, the barriers were high. Rejections became part of the process, and I realized I was spending more time waiting for permission than actually publishing my work.
So I chose a different path.
For decades, zines have been a way for writers and artists to reach readers directly. That tradition appealed to me. I decided it was worth trying.After five self-published issues, the decision has slowly begun to pay off. My work has found readers, especially outside Germany. While the German zine scene remains relatively small, the international DIY community has been welcoming and supportive.
Publishing zines gives me something that traditional publishing never could: complete independence. I decide what to publish, when to publish it, and how it should look. The format suits my writing far better than a conventional book.
I'd rather have a small readership that genuinely connects with my work than chase bestseller lists. For me, being read matters more than fitting into the publishing industry.