Mandy Brett on 'Why the World Needs Editors Even if it Doesn't Need Books'

It is increasingly uncertain whether bookshops, publishers and even books themselves will exist in a few years' time - at least as we recognise them today. Do we care? Should we? Herewith a humble plea for the future of the book editor, arguably the linchpin of modern publishing, and a less humble assertion of her contribution to culture, commerce and - yes, goddammit - moral standards.