Totally agree with the headline on this piece. But, here’s the thing. All those gatekeepers? They weren’t just there to stop people expressing themselves. Many of them were very good at spotting talent, developing it, and marketing it. Andy Weir would have found a publisher, because he can write. He has talent. Most people who want to be writers lack the talent, perseverance, and mental toughness to finish, let alone market a book. That hasn’t changed just because self-publishing has got easier.