I agree on scientific publishing - if the research is publically funded then having a journal charge exorbitant prices for access is completely corrupt. I don'

I agree on scientific publishing - if the research is publically funded then having a journal charge exorbitant prices for access is completely corrupt. I don't think it's the same thing for books by individual authors though. Good writing is a lot of work, whether it's bytes in a text file or ink on wood pulp. Giving authors a way to make a living at it so they don't have to wait tables the other 8 hours a day would be nice. If publishers, agents, etc. are providing a real service to the author - marketing, networking, getting good work seen - then I don't see anything wrong with them getting a cut, if the author chooses to hire them. Or if the author wants to take that on, build a social media following, beat the pavement doing book tours etc. that's fine too.