In the past few years the book publishing industry has become ever more consolidated. With each buy out, it seems, the new even larger conglomerate places greater emphasis on the bottom line. It is difficult for quiet, profound work to find a place in commercial publishing, yet established independent presses also have difficulty finding a place for talented writers and deep thinkers who are not known in the marketplace. What if your work is wholesome, whimisical, and entertaining rather than brooding and profound. The same holds true.
Commercial publishing is conducted largely on one island.
Certain styles of writing are in vogue. Others are anathema. Still, grass will find a way to grow through the pavement. What's happening in publishing is that grassroots presses are growing rapidly. Many are reaching audiences through direct mail, trade fairs, and over the Internet.