Even though I am not a writer, I found this broadcast thought provoking. I generally agree that there still is a role for someone between the writer and the public. Everything from correcting actual errors in grammar and language to serving as a second opinion on the writing quality and what may be improved. Writers can be blind to flaws in their own creations.

The rise of e-books is making it easy for an author to publish their own works . . . too easy, according to Joy Cardin's guest, after six, who says it's the job of the publisher to help to sift and winnow the good stuff from the bad. Guest: Eric Felten, culture columnist, The Wall Street Journal. click to streaming audio.