"After an author has been dead for some time, it becomes increasingly difficult for his publishers to get a new book out of him each year"

This quote by Robert Benchley is a humorous way of saying that when an author has died, it is difficult for them to produce any new works. Benchley is suggesting that the publisher's efforts to get a brand-new book out of the author each year are futile, as the author is no longer alive. This quote is a reminder of the value of treasuring the works of authors while they are still alive, as once they are gone, their works will no longer have the ability to be produced. Benchley's quote is a funny way of highlighting the significance of valuing authors while they are still alive, as once they are gone, their works will no longer have the ability to be produced.