Tim Parks in The New York Review of Books, explores the question's history in under 2000 words. Parks doesn't take on the actual historical role of the writer, only the perception left on those attempting the profession. Let’s leave aside how accurate this is historically; it’s what they taught us … [Read more...] about Can Writers Have “Careers?”
Assocation of American Publishers: Ebooks’ Sales Explode, Print Declines
The Association of American Publishers reported today that e-book sales increased 117% in 2011. All print categories showed revenue declines, with trade paperback falling 15.6 percent. The AAP represents 300 publishing companies, including all the big six. Via Publishers Weekly. … [Read more...] about Assocation of American Publishers: Ebooks’ Sales Explode, Print Declines
Is Amazon’s Larry Kirshbaum an Author’s Best Friend or Publishing’s Worst Nightmare?
Amazon claims that they've hired Kirshbaum, former head of Time Warner Books, to manage a publishing laboratory, "where authors and editors and marketers can test new ideas." Established publishers see that, by taking on ebook production itself, Amazon can decimate their business by paying authors … [Read more...] about Is Amazon’s Larry Kirshbaum an Author’s Best Friend or Publishing’s Worst Nightmare?
Study Shows Hockey Stick Growth for E-Book Readers
Though not in those words. After conducting several phone polls, the Pew Research Center believes that in the early part of the year the percent of U.S. adults with e-book readers doubled from 6% to 12%. By December, the figure had increased to 18% and as of this week, the number had jumped to 29 … [Read more...] about Study Shows Hockey Stick Growth for E-Book Readers
Hachette’s Leaked “Manifesto” at Digital Book World
A bit of a contretemps over a leaked document at Digital Book World illustrates the divide between what publishers think they offer -- support, backing, quality assurance, marketing -- and what self-publishers think traditional publishers bring to the table. Prepared by Hachette as part of a … [Read more...] about Hachette’s Leaked “Manifesto” at Digital Book World
ex-HuffPo CEO Betsy Morgan’s “Rule of Thirds” Content Strategy
In conversation with Ken Doctor, author of "Newsonomics," Betsy Morgan explained how her baseline content strategy was divided evenly into thirds: one-third original, professional journalism, one-third opinion, and one-third curation. On the financial side, Huffo paid virtually nothing for curated … [Read more...] about ex-HuffPo CEO Betsy Morgan’s “Rule of Thirds” Content Strategy
Mike Shatzkin Says Experiment With Publishing Model, Not Reading
On January 25, 2012, influential publishing consultant Michael Shatzkin spoke with the video team from digital book world. According to Shatzkin, the big six are "Run by a legitimately smart, forward-thinking leadership. And yet, they are in a very, very difficult position. Because the model on … [Read more...] about Mike Shatzkin Says Experiment With Publishing Model, Not Reading