I don't have statistics, but to an extent I would agree. Only I'd add a qualifier: It's harder for good writers to get work published these days. I say that because we'd all like to blame the difficulties on changing markets, but is now on the third publication for which I review submissions, I have to tell you, the majority of submissions aren't even close to acceptable. Now, as to the reasons why I think it's more difficult for good writers? For one, Word Processors and online submissions are causing more people to write and submit. It's the law of supply and demand. No literary publication online or in print is having trouble finding enough work to fill their pages. Also, print publications have so much more competition. I'm going to bet reading of printed books and periodicals fell off a bit when people started listening to the radio, more so with TV, and more so with the Internet. On the other hand, I think the net has increased reading of short fiction and poetry a lot over what it was just a few years ago. Novels, probably not. Point being, whether it is short fiction and poetry or novels, print publishers are looking more for the sure bet, and being a lot more careful what they take on.

 

Getting a book published traditionally has always been daunting. I suppose this is because literary agents and publishers go for stories that have greater market potential. This makes it difficult for those who came up with fresh, out-of-the box stories.

Publishing, you see is still a business. They want to know what they can make out of with your book before they decide to accept it for publication.

This explains why more and more aspiring authors who have been having a hard time getting an agent turn to self-publishing. 

I came across this self-publishing site and thought you might want to check it out and see if it helps you: 

http://selfpublishingjourney.wordpress.com/