There are a few ways that self-publishing is affecting the traditional publishing industry.
One way is that self-publishing is making it easier for authors to get their books published. This is because they don't have to go through the traditional process of finding an agent and then a publisher. They can simply publish their book themselves. This is making it harder for traditional publishers to find new authors, as they are increasingly going the self-publishing route.
Another way that self-publishing is affecting the traditional publishing industry is by making it easier for authors to reach their target audience. With self-publishing, authors can bypass the gatekeepers and get their books straight into the hands of their readers. This is making it harder for traditional publishers to compete, as they are not able to reach as many readers as the self-published authors are.
Finally, self-publishing is affecting the traditional publishing industry by changing the way that books are distributed. With self-publishing, authors can sell their books directly to their readers, without going through bookstores. This is making it harder for traditional publishers to sell their books, as they are not the only ones with a direct line to the readers.
Overall, self-publishing is having a major impact on the traditional publishing industry. It is making it easier for authors to get their books published and reach their target audience, and it is changing the way that books are distributed.