As publicity budgets dwindle, some writers struggle to bring crowds to literary readings. Last night Jeff Gordinier (author of the Generation X-focused book, X Saves the World) solved that problem by assembling a crack commando unit of authors at McNally Jackson in Manhattan.

The reading brought together cultural critic Douglas Rushkoff ("Life Incorporated"), hip-hop historian Jeff Chang (Can't Stop Won't Stop), and teen magazine scholar Kara Jesella (How Sassy Changed My Life).

In this special video feature, GalleyCat spoke with each of the authors, exploring various aspects of the publishing world: book promotion, YA literature, conglomeration, and how American culture will survive the recession.