You are so right about market forces controlling the publishing industry. An example you often hear is that a few decades ago, it was common--maybe standard--for publishers to "carry" exceptionally talented authors for several books (i.e., keep giving them advances until their books started earning money). Now the view tends to be "up or out": Your books must start earning money much faster than they used to.

I actually agree with you that AI is likely to bring major changes before 2035. That McKinsey study is five years old, but I quoted it because it was the only I could find that dealt specifically with book authors. And so much has happened in AI since then! McKinsey probably needs to revisit that one.

You have a good weekend, too, Mark! And thanks for such thoughtful comments.