“Lazy and inept, publishers let go of their direct path to their customers. The book business once had branded retail outlets — for example, Scribner’s famous and iconic store on Fifth Avenue in New York City. It once had close relationships with networks of small distributors (i.e. your local bookstore). It once had a sophisticated direct selling operations (i.e. book clubs). But, now, it doesn’t. None of that. No real relationship with, or influence over, its customer.”