Facebook and Twitter are coming out with new publishing platforms that will “empower” independent writers and journalists by letting them make money from their work. You can read Variety's article here. my link text

I love that so many people are excited about writing, stories, and sharing their work. And I have enormous sympathy for those who really deserve an opportunity to do so but are denied it for years, even decades, by publishers who turn them down.

For many of us, it feels like publishers hold all the power over us and that Amazon holds all the power over them. We authors are trying to get through an ever-narrowing bottleneck and into print. And just being published isn't enough. We then have to fight for attention in a crowded marketplace, often using our meager advances to do so.

In theory, publishers are supposed to select and enhance manuscripts, position them in the market, alert the media, promote to bookshops and libraries, and ultimately draw readers' attention. If a book is selected as a lead title, they generally do a very good job.

However, not everyone gets that "golden ticket". Many good books would never have been read if an indy author hadn't made the effort to publish their own work. Even traditionally published authors have to self-promote and find ways to be noticed. No matter how you publish a book, traditionally or independently, expect hard work. There are exceptions...some people get very lucky and their books get into every roundup and book box going!

So why is publishing generally so hard? Some people blame a shrinking marketplace.

I've lost count of how often I'm told that people don't read any longer. How can books compete with all-you-can-eat streaming, increasingly engrossing games, not to mention the constant flow of live social media exchanges?

It's an interesting question. I suppose that reading provides a unique experience.

Despite what has been said about publishers failing, the industry had its best year for ages in 2020 and continues to survive despite decades of predictions otherwise. Like Mark Twain said when his own obituary was printed, the rumours of (its) death is greatly exaggerated.

But Facebook and Twitter have market access that is the envy of every publisher. Will this new turn of events finally accomplish what every other type of media could not? Will it kill traditional publishing once and for all?

And what will that mean for readers? What will it mean for authors?