In the News: Book Publishing in Transition

In “A Tumultuous Year in Books,” Peter Osnos of Public Affairs Books describes a “historic shift” in the publishing industry: “the widespread acceptance of digital devices and a simultaneous contraction of shelf space in stores” (The Atlantic). In simplest terms, it was the year “Borders fell and Kindle soared.” Osnos cites a few numbers and transformative events of 2011 before discussing the unresolved issues being carried over into the new year and mentioning what he considers a strong group of nonfiction bestsellers from the past year. 

Laura Hazard Owen, writing for mocoNews, also begins with “Borders’ bankruptcy” and “Amazon’s ambitions” in her book-publishing highlights. She looks at five very specific numbers to illustrate the most significant developments of the year, including digital book sales, device prices, e-book prices, original e-singles (long articles/short books) sold by sites such as Byliner, and Amazon’s title acquisitions. 

Also noting Amazon’s new role as publisher in 2011, a “stormy year for book publishing,” Jeremy Greenfield, editorial director of Digital Book World, speaks with industry experts and colleagues to give “Ten Bold Predictions for Book Publishing in 2012.” Greenfield looks at self-publishing, publisher restructuring and transmedia groups, device development, the role of literary agencies, author rights and royalties, and the blurring line between e-books and book apps.

Image courtesy of Zhao (kodomut).