Self-publishing seems like a terrific money-making opportunity for presses selling book prep, distribution, and "editing" services, but I have trouble seeing the real benefit to writers or how this broadens opportunities. Authors in the US are still predominantly upper-middle class whites, and being able to buy publication opportunities seems like just another way for them to maintain their foothold on the market. Also, while I disagree that traditional publishing is currently a high school popularity constest, going exclusively to direct-to-consumer would turn it into one. I don't have any hard data or stats to point to here, but neither does this post. I would be interested in seeing what you are basing your claims on. I believe vanity presses will always have their place, but that's just what they are.
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