Today’s links of interest: The Value of a Publishing HouseIn which Laura Dawson says it better than we ever will: In between the opening question and the conclusion is a gap roughly the size and consistency of the La Brea tar pits. Books, periodicals among items banned from flights by Transport Canada (updated – books can now fly)Okay, then, Canada is now allowing books as carry-ons.
Today’s links of interest: Predictions 2010: Cloudy With A Chance of AlarmWhile it doesn’t seem like Michael Cairns goes out on any limbs in his 2010 publishing predictions, the final item on his list is bold indeed (ducking!). e-Books: Averting a Digital Horror StoryA look at how various publishers are trying to subvert Amazon and build market share in ebooks. Bookshops Are Dead: And I Killed ThemOur friend Eoin Purcell confesses to a crime…he didn’t work alone!
Today’s links of interest: States Close The Book On Libraries To Cut CostsThis is a big deal, people. Fight for your right to libraries. Amazon could pay for Kindle sales coynessAs much as we’d like to see real sales numbers, uh, we’re not fond of speculative pieces like this. Dreamy Sales of Jung’s ‘Red Book’ Surprises Book IndustryHmm, give the people something special and exciting and…they’ll pay big money for books!
Today’s links of interest: Some studios moving digital releases ahead of DVDWhile some studios remain stubbornly convinced there will be a rebirth of the DVD boom. Smashwords: Smashwords Year in Review, Plans for 2010Loved this post, the thoughts expressed, and the idea that making a product better and more responsive is the goal. The secret behind the Kindle’s best-selling e-books: They’re not for saleSo many things to say about this, so little time, so: this is not a surprise if you think about how books are bought, sold, and read in print form. Many are free. Most are free. The
Today’s links of interest: Liza Daly 2009 In Review – Moving From If to HowLiza Daly offers a look at her desk, technology, and the future. It’s a future we like. Kindle Total Cost of Ownership: Calculating the DRM TaxInteresting analysis, but not sure overall approach makes sense. Given ephemeral nature of type of books being purchased, seems a subscription service would be better choice. The key to literary success? Be a man — or write like one.Much to chew on here: the overwhelming choice of men for best of lists, the fact that male authors are taught in greater
Today’s links of interest: Technology Predictions Are Mostly BunkInventions have long since reached their limit, and I see no hope for further developments, said Roman engineer Julius Sextus Frontinus in 10 A.D. Paperback Nostalgia: High Culture at Low CostMark Bertils looks at the current problems facing Canada’s McNally Robinson through the lens of other large (and defunct) independent booksellers. News flash: the book isn’t dead – yetWe’d change this headline to The book isn’t dead, it’s evolving.
Today’s links of interest: Kindle Ebooks Outsell Real Books on ChristmasHey, parse the numbers however you want, it’s still pretty darn amazing. Lessons from the Rick Moody Twitter ProjectMany lessons to be learned from this project. Some of them uncomfortable for those on the receiving end. All gets back to audience and how to live it.
Today’s links of interest: City Tries to Rewrite Lone Bookstore’s Last ChapterThe worst part about closing Laredo’s only remaining bookstore is the reason why. Pure corporate decision, not lack of sales.
Today’s links of interest: Judging a publisher by formatting?Oh yes! Poor formatting pulls the readers out of the story, and readers do notice (hey Big Six, don’t look smug, you are making a lot of poor quality lists!). Steal These BooksAn interesting look at the books people steal…and the people who steal books. NSFW: Free as in “my publisher will disown me after I pirate my book on TechCrunch”Author Paul Carr, caught up in a territorial rights war and desire to garner publicity and maybe sell a few more books, goes rogue. Love this quote: “The consensus seems to be
Today’s links of interest: Board of Director Election Results December 2009Congratulations to all the IDPF board members and new president. Carolyn Reidy’s Two WorldsReidy’s annual letter to the Simon Schuster staff looks back at accomplishments and forward to challenges. At PW-Moderated E-Book Session, Questions Rise for One Panelist, Revenues Rise for AnotherA lot to consider in this article, and publishers are probably squirming at the increase of authors wondering what have you done for me lately. Also note the innovations of Oxford University Press.
