Obviously I am a bit sensitive about this topic, but it seems that everywhere I turn, there is another dire prediction about the end of books. Bill Keller, the executive editor at the NY Times, is the latest to point out that the sale of print books in the U.S. has been in steady decline since 2005. He then (in a quasi-tongue-in-cheek way) says that at least this demise will put an end to "the annoying fact that everyone who works for me is either writing one or wants to."
Another recent piece in the NYT described a six-week course given to people who want to be in publishing - and pay $6990 for the privilege! Professionals who visit the classes describe their industry as "a roller coaster," noting that the ebook revolution has upended traditional publishing. (This reminded me of the dark warning of my agent, saying that authors do not do very well on ebook sales. Note to self: check publishing contract.)
Sigh. I still believe that people will always read books - no matter what the format - because human beings love stories. It's how we make sense of the world. I hope I'm not naive.
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