Did things used to be better for writers?

On opportunities in publishing then vs. now

So often, I see or hear writers express that things aren’t as good as they used to be for writers, or in publishing. Their thinking can take many forms:

• Years ago, it was a less crowded market.

• It was easier to get published “back in the day.”

• When you did get published decades ago, your publisher did more work to ensure the book reached readers than they …