[HDThoreaun]

This is why you see these massive advances for known names. The only thing publishers seem to know is that authors who create their own publicity sell copies, and those that dont have an audience dont.

[inanutshellus]

"Step one: hype the human, step two: publish their books" reminds me of being a senior in college and seeing and despairing at job postings saying

"MUST have 5 years experience in [tech that came out 9 months ago]"