Part 6/11:
Crowdfunding platforms, which have become vital for many independent creators and publishers, are also feeling the pinch. Heidi McDonald of The Beat reports discussions with creators unable to move forward with printing projects due to the lack of press time. Even projects that are ready to go may be stalled or delayed indefinitely, emphasizing how this shortage is not confined to mainstream publishers alone.
This situation underscores a broader industry trend: supply chain fragility can have outsized impacts on small publishers and self-publishers, who often lack the leverage and resources of larger corporations. As a result, consumers might see longer waits for new titles and a potential uptick in digital-only offerings.