But still it remains very difficult for a talented writer to make a living without some kind of brick and mortar publishing house agreeing to represent that writer
is not actually necessary anymore (as it well may be in the world of physical books and brick-and-mortar retailing).
Ah, in that context the comment makes more sense. Then the argument is that because we have these new electronic storefronts, there's no need for the traditional marketing/sales effort that publishers traditionally provide (which used to be necessary for blockbuster success). I guess then it's just a matter of whether or not you believe that. I don't.
Marketing/sales is, of course, a necessary part of success (as are effective editing and, within the limits of the medium, effective design). Simply making the book available for purchase is never going to be enough (unless you're the type who likes to by very expensive tickets in a long-odds lottery). What is not necessarily part of the equation is that the channels for that part of the process be restricted to its traditional agencies and suppliers in the e-realm.
But still it remains very difficult for a talented writer to make a living without some kind of brick and mortar publishing house agreeing to represent that writer
is not actually necessary anymore (as it well may be in the world of physical books and brick-and-mortar retailing).