But with its future so much in doubt, Morrow has lost editors and big-name authors.

It appears that the crop of books by big-name authors may have squeezed out some mainstays in the fall season.

"One reason is the shortage of big-name authors, and the competition for them among the publishing conglomerates."

That, in general, means big-name authors few small publishers can afford.

Moreover, a number of big-name authors have new books scheduled for the fall.

But all the publishers say they need big books by big-name authors to jolt sales and help weaker areas of the business.

But publishers say they are not worried that big-name authors will try to go it alone any time soon.

Adding to the pressures on profits are the huge advances that publishers continue to pay for big-name authors.

They are spending more for advances for big-name authors and to market their books.

Today, in the quest for big-name authors and bigger profits, the order has reversed.