Today’s links of interest:
- Random: UK legal context on digital rights ‘different’
You know this has something to the do with the war (the one we don’t mention), right? - Self-publishing Attracts Star Authors Too
Eoin Purcell extends some of our recent thoughts about the world of self-publishing. - PW’s African-American Cover Image: Black Beauty or Big Mistake?
Excellent piece from Calvin Reid on the cover image that rocked the Twittersphere. The reactions were really interesting, and the conversation was well done. - Authors Guild Calls Dohle Letter Regrettable and Unhelpful
It’s nice to see the Author’s Guild fighting the good fight. Here’s hoping this sets a precedent for smarter battles in the future. - Stephen R. Covey Grants E-Book Rights to Amazon
So much of interest here. Let’s start at the top: Covey granted rights to Rosetta, not Amazon. It appears to be an Amazon-specific deal. Rosetta pays a higher digital royalty than Simon Schuster. As with other authors, it’s about the money, and the authors who have the clout are speaking clearly. Also, the self-publishing aspects are worthy of consideration by themselves! - What Do Ebooks, Zombies, and Copyright Terms Have in Common Besides this Headline?
This is not a trick question! - Authors Guild Statement on Random House’s Rights Grab
Full letter at Writer Beware! - IDPF elections: Faster e-book standards-making expected—given BOTH presidential candidates’ platforms
A very impressive list of candidates. - World, Meet Kobo!
Shortcovers has rebranded as Kobo. Ah, c’mon guys, admit it: you went with the book anagram because it’s infinitely more Twitter friendly! 🙂 - One in Three Americans Cutting Back on Book Purchases Due to Economy, According to Bowker’s New PubTrack Consumer Survey
This is not good news. At all. Interesting notes on gender (are men not cutting back as much because they don’t purchase as much?). Hardcover sales trending downward (ahem). - Macmillan to Sell Enhanced E-Books
Really? List price higher than hardcover for, uh, what appears to be minimal content upgrades? C’mon Macmillan, if you’re gonna do it, at least put some oomph into it! - Open Road Media Talks eBook Pricing
$14? Hope it’s DRM free and more! - Wary Book Publishers Are Fighting the Future
Nick Bilton speaks up for the consumer: publishers aren’t protecting their business by alienating their best customers. - Kobo eBooks: anytime. anyplace.
Absurdly enthusiastic about the switch from Shortcovers to Kobo. Probably because of all the book goodness surrounding it. And it appears Borders finally has an ebook strategy.