Examining the Visibility and Celebrity in Contemporary French Literature

In the contemporary era, overwhelmed by the spectacle and cognitive capitalism, human beings are submerged under a constant flow of data and intangible goods; a direct result of the emergence and proliferation of information and communication technologies. In the realm of cultural products, particularly in the literary creation sector, where it is impossible to strike a balance between creation and reception, the concepts of attention and reception assume a particular importance. In contrast to outdated heirs of the aesthetic approach to literature, whose roots extend back to the 19th century and have contributed to the contemporary crisis and devaluation of French literature, many contemporary writers, particularly bestselling authors, utilize the capabilities of digital media to promote and sell their works. This study aimed to explore the impact of these media on author visibility and contemporary literary success, drawing on the theories of Yves Citton on the ecology of attention and Nathalie Heinich on the sociology of visibility. This study demonstrated how, on the one hand, it is possible to create value by attracting attention and gaining visibility and celebrity, and on the other hand, to move beyond textocentrism and extend the scope of a literary work.