8 Pictures that Show How the Publishing Industry Has Changed in 30 Years

1984

In Murder, She Wrote (of beloved 80s memory), New York publishing is quite a glamorous profession. But humble Jessica Fletcher, from a tiny town in Maine, isn’t going to let success change her, gosh darn it! Here’s what happens when she goes to visit her editor in New York City.

1. It’s sad in here. The editor has forgotten about us. And we put on fancy clothes and everything. Nice drapes, though.

because editors are too busy and important to remember appointments, obv

2. There goes the editor! OMG quick, catch him! This may be our only chance, he’s got VIP meetings from here to next April!

i’d stop and chat but, you know, private jet waiting

3. The New York editor’s fancy publishing job has bought him a shiny mansion.

bouquet of peach with a ketchupy aftertaste…wait why are you dressed like peter pan again

4. With a butler and everything.

i knew i should have majored in accounting

2014

30 years later, the industry seems to have fallen on some hard times. Pinky the Penguin REALLY needs that next bestseller. Or else.

1. The office is a bit of a fixer-upper.

good price we promis

2. The roof leaks and the walls are a little crackly.

drip drip drip drip drippity drip

3. But at least we’ve still got heat!

i really think pink is your colo

4. And sweet state of the art computer equipment.

wait a minute larry i forgot my aol password