Quote:
Originally Posted by fjtorres
So far, the BPHs are putting out *more* titles than ever.
And if the quality is going down... well, they *are* choosing what to put out there, right?
The point of being gatekeepers is to only put out what you believe in. 
Now, long term, the odds are good that the BPHs will be putting out more and more crap, simply because that is a trend that started long *before* indie publishing became mainstream. (The world has been going to hell in a handbasket since at least roman times. There is a summerian tablet out there, though...  )
Also, because the smarter, more business-focused authors will know *not* to give away 87% of their future revenue in exchange for a few thousand dollars of present day services. Predatory contracts are not good long term business strategies in *any* business.
Book publishing *is* becoming Darwinian... for authors.
Savvy ones will prosper, the unwary... will go to Author Solutions. |
I don't think that the primary perceived benefits of a traditional publisher are the services themselves, but the fact that they can provide those services seamlessly in many cases.
It must be a daunting task for a first time author to get reliable editing, marketing etc.
And then the prestige of having the book chosen by a publishing house must weigh in a lot.
The savvy businesslike author, is possibly a rarity among new authors. There are of course some savvy people who become authors because they see a market that might make them some money, and many do well, but the author who writes because they want to or must, is not generally going to be a savvy business person (my opinion only)
And as you and others have said, no one is seriously harmed by accidentally buying a horrible book, and we have had and always will have drek and those who want to read it
Helen