Southern Fried Chicas

 

 In light of the recent economic troubles plaguing the U.S. economy, it might be interesting to hear opinions about how this recession (and it has been a recession for quite some time, whether labeled so or not) will affect the writing/publishing/bookselling fields as everyone tries to tread water…

WRITING and PUBLISHING

Is it likely there may be fewer new authors “discovered”, as publishers may stick with the tried and true, or their already proven authors, rather than wasting time with unknowns?

Or are publishers likely to back away from big-name authors with huge advances, etc., and become more conservative with not only how much they’re releasing, but how much they’re willing to pay?

Are the current economic problems likely to cause a surge in e-publishing, possibly to cut back on the cost of print?

Do you see this changing certain current trends in publishing?  YA is popular at the moment, but if money is tight, are young people more likely to spend it on books, or movies, music, or video games?  And does it portend a rise in Mad Max-type stories, government conspiracies, or the ever-popular billionaire-takes-poverty-stricken-lover type fantasy?

BOOKSELLERS

Do you see bookstores raising their prices?
Fewer indie bookstores?
On-line bookstores possibly charging so much per chapter, with their customers willing to pay for only as much as they can afford at one time?
Fewer hardcover books being offered?
Comfort reads becoming more popular?

Thoughts on any or all of the above?