Having worked in many bookstores over the years (yes, I bought more than I made at times; evil industry to work in if you’re a big reader), I’ve seen the stores shuttered or consolidated to the point that it’s, like you said, down to 2. I worked for Hastings Books (before they added records, videos, toys…see a pattern?). I also worked for B-Dalton. Neither are around now, Hastings having lasted longest before being sold.

I was skeptical about the self-publish/indie publishing route when I first started in 2013, I was willing to take a chance because I felt I had nothing to lose. It was either try it on my own or repeat my brother’s wall paper project with all the rejection slips.

Thanks for giving us another good look at the state of the job.