Yes. It is a bit scary. Having a huge following is why so much emphasis is put on building an author's platform and having social media outreach, etc. I understand the need for that because that's how we'll find those many of those newer writers.

Self-publishing is also changing the publishing terrain. EVERYONE can now publish. (I've read some that are so bad and so poorly edited that I'm embarrassed for the writer.) But there are thousands of great writers with superbly-told stories publishing out there, too. Without the backing of a publisher, it's harder and harder to showcase those stories since many bookstores don't accept self-published works.

It's certainly an interesting time to be a writer and to be aware of the fluctuating industry we're in!

Thanks so much for reading and responding. That means a lot.