The Power of Independent Thought: Why I Reject Mainstream Publishing
By Faraz Parvez
Professor Dr. (Retired) Arshad Afzal
Retired Faculty Member, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, KSA
(Pseudonym: Professor Dr. Arshad Afzal)
Over the past few months, I have been approached by numerous friends, colleagues, well-wishers, and followers, all asking the same question: "Why don’t you submit your work to mainstream publications, newspapers, or literary journals?" Today, I want to clarify my position.
For years, I have observed and analyzed both Pakistani and global mainstream media. What I found was a system driven by money, influence, and power. These platforms serve vested interests—political parties, deep-state institutions, corporate giants, and powerful businessmen. Genuine voices are often drowned out in favor of controlled narratives. This realization led me to a conscious decision: I will not be dictated by editorial boards who themselves are bound by these forces. I choose independence over subjugation.
Social media is a revolutionary gift—a space where writers, thinkers, and intellectuals can share their work without interference. Here, I am free to write both fiction and non-fiction, explore narratives without censorship, and engage with readers directly. Unlike traditional publishing, where approval hinges on conformity, independent publishing allows me to remain true to my voice and vision.
History is replete with examples of brilliant writers who were shunned by mainstream publishers, only to later achieve global recognition. Beatrix Potter had to self-publish The Tale of Peter Rabbit before it became a literary phenomenon. John Kennedy Toole’s A Confederacy of Dunces was dismissed repeatedly before it won the Pulitzer Prize. Even J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter faced multiple rejections before it revolutionized the fantasy genre. Their stories prove one thing: mainstream publishing is not the ultimate judge of literary excellence.
By choosing independent publishing, I am not just avoiding censorship—I am rejecting a system that prioritizes financial and political agendas over creativity and intellectual freedom. I refuse to let my words be molded to fit someone else’s framework. My writing—both fiction and non-fiction—will appear in a space where authenticity is valued over conformity.
This choice is not about isolation but liberation. It is about engaging directly with my readers, fostering a community of critical thinkers, and ensuring that my words remain untouched by corporate greed or political pressure. My platform belongs to the people who seek truth, depth, and originality.
So, to those who have asked why I remain independent, here is my answer: I write on my own terms, for readers who value honesty over agenda-driven narratives. This is not just a choice; it is a stand for literary integrity.
Thank you for your support, and I look forward to sharing more of my work with you all.
---
By Faraz Parvez
Professor Dr. (Retired) Arshad Afzal
Retired Faculty Member, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, KSA
(Pseudonym: Professor Dr. Arshad Afzal)
