And books that were published in much larger numbers than Selfish, Little are hard to find. And publishers who wanted to publish my last few works have them stuck in limbo while new distribution ideas and legal issues and fears are blown away.

Peter Sotos’ quote reflects on the challenges he faced as a writer in the realm of publishing, particularly regarding the distribution of his works and the legal issues surrounding them. He notes that his book, Selfish, Little, was published in significantly lower numbers compared to other books, making it more difficult to find. This highlights the difficulty faced by authors, especially those with more controversial or niche content, in achieving widespread distribution. Sotos is commenting on how the commercial success of books can sometimes be at odds with their availability and the market dynamics that publishers face.

Sotos further emphasizes that the limbo his works are in is due to a combination of legal issues and the fears of publishers. These concerns likely involve the potential controversy or censorship of his writing, as well as the evolving challenges in the publishing industry. His mention of new distribution ideas speaks to the technological advancements in book publishing, such as digital platforms, but also alludes to the uncertainty publishers face in adapting to these changes while dealing with legal and social concerns about the content they publish.

The mention of legal issues also hints at the complex relationship between creativity, free speech, and the legal landscape in which authors work. Sotos seems to suggest that fear of legal repercussions or public backlash can lead to works being "stuck in limbo," unable to be fully released or widely distributed. The quote reflects his frustration with the limitations imposed on his work due to factors beyond his control, which highlights the broader tension between artistic freedom and the commercial and legal constraints that govern the publishing world.

The origin of this quote comes from Peter Sotos, a controversial author and artist known for his provocative writing that often explores themes of taboo, violence, and social critique. His works, such as Selfish, Little, have been the subject of much criticism and censorship due to their challenging nature. Sotos’ reflection on the barriers to his work’s distribution underscores the broader tensions between art, commerce, and the legal framework in the publishing industry.