Traditional publishers face increasing competitive pressure and have to adapt to market conditions. Authors can take advantage of a growing arsenal of media platforms to develop their brand and create a niche market for their books. This spells trouble for legacy publishers that service large static markets.

It’s generally not good for public relations when any internal company memo is leaked. It’s much worse when it is the memo of an industry-leader that explains why the industry is still relevant.

Below is a short excerpt from the absolutely hilarious response by Eisler and Konrath, two successful, self-published authors.

Publishers should stop trying to convince themselves and others that they’re relevant, and start actually being relevant. Here’s how:

1. Offer much better royalties to authors.

2. Release titles faster. It can take 18 months after a book is turned in to be published. I can do it myself in a week.

3. Use up-to-date accounting methods that are trackable by the author, and pay royalties monthly.

4. Lower e-book prices.

5. Stop futilely fighting piracy.

6. Start marketing effectively. Ads and catalogue copy aren’t enough. Neither is your imprint’s Twitter feed.