I do see one cause for optimism for those "little guys," though: Independent bookstores are still doing well.

At the start of the pandemic, when a lot of bookstores had to close briefly, people thought: Okay, this will be the nail in that coffin the doomsayers have been building for years. But--surprise!--bookstores have rebounded and many new ones have opened.

I didn't mention that in this story because I've dealt with it before, but it may be time for an update. Don't lose hope!