Meaning: The quote "The publisher is a middleman, he calls the tune to which the whole rest of the trade dances; and he does so because he pays the piper" by Geoffrey Faber, a publisher himself, offers a succinct and insightful perspective on the role and influence of publishers in the world of literature and the broader publishing industry. With this quote, Faber captures the essence of the publisher's power and influence, emphasizing the pivotal position they hold within the trade.

At its core, the quote emphasizes the idea that publishers wield significant influence over the entire ecosystem of the publishing industry. They are depicted as the "middlemen," positioned at a critical juncture where they have the ability to shape and dictate the direction of the industry. This imagery of calling the tune to which the rest of the trade dances evokes a sense of control and authority, highlighting the publisher's role as a central figure whose decisions reverberate throughout the industry.

The phrase "he does so because he pays the piper" further elucidates the dynamics at play. It underscores the notion that the publisher's influence is underpinned by their financial investment. In other words, they hold sway because they are the ones providing the resources, whether it be in the form of financial backing for authors, funding for printing and distribution, or investment in marketing and promotion. This financial leverage affords publishers the power to shape the industry according to their priorities and interests.

In the broader context of the publishing world, this quote speaks to the asymmetrical power dynamics that often exist between publishers and other players in the industry. Authors, for instance, may find themselves beholden to the decisions and preferences of publishers due to their reliance on the resources and platform that publishers provide. Similarly, other actors in the trade, such as literary agents, booksellers, and distributors, may also be influenced by the choices made by publishers, further reinforcing the idea of the publisher as a central orchestrator within the ecosystem.

Furthermore, the quote also sheds light on the complex interplay between creativity and commerce within the publishing industry. While literature and artistic expression are at the heart of publishing, the business and financial aspects, as represented by the figure of the publisher, exert a significant influence on the entire enterprise. This tension between artistic vision and commercial imperatives underscores the multifaceted nature of the industry and the balancing act that publishers often navigate in championing both creative work and commercial success.

In conclusion, Geoffrey Faber's quote encapsulates the influential role of publishers in the publishing industry, portraying them as central figures with the power to shape the trajectory of the trade. Through the imagery of calling the tune and paying the piper, the quote illuminates the dynamics of influence and control that publishers wield, shedding light on the intricate interplay between creativity, commerce, and power within the world of publishing.