unbelievably talented authors clinging to the hope their novels will be recognized

Gosh, yes. They definitely exist, and readers want to find them. The blockchain could change everything.

To clarify, as I know you know, Elaine (but others reading this may not) we will not be publishing novels to the blockchain. At least not at any point we can foresee. However, the blockchain is a powerful tool for marketing, promotion of shorter works in the same manner that Diana Gabaldon has so much success with spinoffs from Outlander, and is the most reliable means I've seen for interaction between readers, authors, and publishers. The possibilities are endless. Steemhouse has laid low for a while, waiting for FUD to die away, for bots to lose their influence, for the development of SMTs and communities...never mind that some people may not know what SMTs are yet. What's important is having the right people on board at the right time to push forward, and I think that time has come. You are right: this could change everything. It's one of the most utilitarian--and potentially profitable--uses of blockchain technology that I'm aware of.