Here's a more detailed write up about the event: http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6704369.html?talk_back_header_id=6631409#talkback

Thanks, Molly, for posting this insightful and thought-provoking glimpse into publishing in the digital age. So much of publishing is driven by bottom lines, not literary quality. Every publisher loves an author that will go out and actively promote his or her book; as an acquisitions editor, I can tell you that if an author has demonstrated an ability to market himself or herself through media connections, events, and sites like Twitter, Facebook, blogs, etc., it's definitely a plus, and I'm sure our sales and marketing staff feels the same way. George, our sales and publishing guru at Heyday, once directed us to an intriguing article (I believe in Publisher's Weekly) that talked about how Stephenie Meyer tirelessly built and interacted with her fan base through her website and MySpace in the days just after her novel was published instead of merely relying on her publisher to spread the word. It goes to show you that sensations don't magically happen and aren't always solely a result of the efforts of a dedicated and connected sales and marketing team. But boiling it down to bottom lines seems hard-hearted and doesn't tell the whole truth. As our publisher will tell you, publishing is, at its best, a dynamic interaction with--and, sometimes, creation of--communities of people: the book is only a part of this--a launching point, something to rally around, a celebration, an educational tool. Readers who love good, literary writing (a rather subjective point, in any case) are only one of many communities of potential book buyers out there. I love good writing, but it's not the only reason I'd buy a book. The cult of authorship is not exclusive, nor should it be. I think most published writers will tell you that publishing in and of itself is only satisfying up to a point: it's the engagement with their readers that is the real reward--intellectually, emotionally, professionally, and, yes, financially (sales = royalties!). I would encourage any writer with a project--whether or not s/he has a publisher, whether or not s/he is likely to win a Pulitzer for his/her writing--to follow Stewart's lead and find, if not create, the communities that will support his/her project. Congrats to Stewart!

Nice job, Molly.

There are a lot of very good writers producing quality work on blogs and Twitter, but it is still a publisher's responsibility to separate the wheat from the chaff.