This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Tse Hao Guang, a 38-year-old researcher and writer based in Singapore. It has been edited for length and clarity.
With a passion for literature and a desire to support emerging writers, Tse Hao Guang embarked on a creative publishing venture in Singapore. His aim was straightforward: to spotlight new talent without incurring financial losses.
Tse’s literary journey began in his youth during family visits to Canada. With limited activities available, he often persuaded his uncle to drive him to the library, where he would borrow huge stacks of books.
Since 2015, Tse has authored two books and edited several anthologies. However, he acknowledges the rarity of sustaining oneself solely through writing. His freelance years involved teaching writing workshops and doing copywriting, which he found mentally exhausting.
Currently, Tse works full-time as a strategic foresight researcher, which provides him the financial stability to pursue his creative interests without the pressure of monetizing them. Among these pursuits is Paper Jam, an annual publication showcasing the works of Singaporean writers.
Launching Paper Jam
Identifying a gap in the avenues available for emerging writers to showcase their work, Tse noted the lack of a vibrant independent zine culture in Singapore. This realization led him to conceive Paper Jam, a literary pamphlet publishing initiative. Supported by Sing Lit Station, a local nonprofit dedicated to empowering writers, he launched the project in 2024.
Exclusivity Through Limited Copies
Annually, three writers are selected through an Instagram open call to create a 28-page pamphlet. Tse engages in detailed editing, promoting a collaborative process with the authors. Each pamphlet is published in 100 copies, emphasizing the idea of limited edition and non-reprinting, enhancing their exclusivity factor. The pamphlets are then sold at bookstores and literary events in Singapore each September.
Ensuring Financial Sustainability
Tse established a key constraint for Paper Jam: it should not result in financial loss. In 2024, each of the 300 pamphlets was priced at SG$16, increasing to SG$18 in 2025. Production costs, excluding design and labor, range from SG$2,000 to SG$3,000. Over the past two years, the project has broken even, with slight profits enabling the hiring of an intern for the current year’s run.
Though not a lucrative endeavor, Tse regards Paper Jam as successful for its ability to avoid financial loss and its role in publishing otherwise unseen literary works.
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