Stop us if you’ve heard this “news” before: Publishing is dead. We know, we know. You’ve read variations on this theme in the mainstream media for decades. But now, Garrison Keillor is saying it! Which means the New York Times is listening. In his op ed, timed to coincide with annual publishing industry mega-conference Book Expo America, the Prairie Home Companion star forecasts a bleak future comprised of “18 million authors in America, each with an average of 14 readers, eight of whom are blood relatives. Average annual earnings: $1.75.”

While he’s free to correct us if we’re wrong, we’re pretty sure Keillor is no expert on the industry. And, call us crazy, but when we want to know about the future of publishing, we’d prefer to hear from people who know what they’re talking about. That’s why we’ve gotten in touch with some of our favorite book editors, publicists, critics, and agents to see what they thought of Keillor’s piece. Read their insightful, funny, and sometimes scathing responses after the jump. … Read More