Current and future publishing 101

I often disagree with Barry, likely more than you'd guess, but... go on and read this. Then we can talk about publishers. No, don't think in "Amazon vs. the world" overtones. But...

Realize that a writer putting her book through CreateSpace & Amazon can reach about 50% of the US market. Anywhere, anytime, as long as there's a network up. What are your chances of getting a book to a guy in, say Castle Rock, CO, with Ingram and with Amazon? Ingram will offer it, sure, and then a manager in a mall several miles off town will decide it she buys it or not. And you'll get your car, make a trip to Wallmart (or Target, or...) and see if you can find it, along with the rest of your list. You want the same book through Amazon, its click & order. Yes, the impulse buy is not as high in hardcopy, but the rest of them...

Then, compare with this, and this. Traditional isn't going the way of bullwhip makers, but they are going the way of video producers, some huge releases now and then (blockbusters) a lot of small producers and services (commercials, clips, youtube fanart...). They don't like the feeling, and it seems they can't accept it.

Five stages of grief, anyone?

Take care.