I'm in the middle of reading Be The Monkey which is a conversation on the future of publishing and ebooks between J A Konrath and Barry Eilser. I've seen this book raised online often, so I may be the last writer to read it.
The text explores the growing popularity for digital books vs traditional publishing and they certainly put forward a good argument for self-publishing. It's definitely worth reading if you are uncertain of which path to take or just want to support your decision to produce an ebook rather than paper copy of your novel.
The speakers are well informed on the subject, J A Konrath running the popular blog:
And Barry Eilser hosts:
There is a lot of talk about the future of books, will paper eventually die out? I doubt it, I love books as do most writers, but I love ebooks too. Probably like most of you, I worry for the popularity of the traditional book, and most definitely for those cute little boutique bookstores I love to frequent, and I've found some new ones up here in Brisbane. But what about the traditional publishers? Does anyone worry for them?There are some that I love and look for in bookstores. One of my favourites was Black Dog Books - why? Because they had a little dog as their logo. Now they've merged into Walker Books (which are still a great children's book publisher). I'd be sad to see some of these publishing houses go. I guess they can turn to publishing digital books, but once again, what about the bookstores? What will they sell?
Hi,
ReplyDeleteApologies for the off-topic comment, but I couldn't find a contact email for you.
I'm a Melbourne-based amateur fantasy author. I recently put out an ebook of my writing, called The New Death and others. It's a collection of short pieces, mostly dark fantasy.
I was wondering if you'd be interested in doing a review on your blog.
If so, please email me: news@apolitical.info. Let me know what file format is easiest for you, and I'll send you a free copy.
You can download a sample from the ebook's page on Smashwords:
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/92126
I'm also happy to do interviews, guest posts, or giveaways. Just let me know what you'd prefer.
Yours,
James.
Interesting. I've been reading about publishing e-books. I've discovered a little about digital text books also. Amazing time we live in.
ReplyDeleteI hope this debate will be won by both sides. I remember, (I'm pretty old), when there was controversy about TV and Radio. Yet they have both survived.
I love the bookstores, and real books that I can touch, smell, review easily, mark the pages. But I love my Kindle too and I guess I do a lot or e-reading.
Thanks for the links.
Have a great day!
anarchist - writing is always the topic :)
ReplyDeleteMyrna - You're a softy like me - I'm also hoping traditional books, publishers and bookstores don't have to suffer while the digital books become more popular. Now I'm thinking ebooks are not stealing sales but simply adding to them.
You're not the last writer to read that book. I haven't read it yet! I'm with you guys. I hope publishing houses and "real" books can survive, too. I love them, even though I also love my virtual book shelf.
ReplyDeleteHere in the states, I worry about this too. I don't want to see the publishing houses go, including all the "little" ones. When the Borders chain closed here in Virginia for good, my granddaughter and a lot of her friends lost their job. Job losses always wrenches my heart. And Borders, like Barnes & Noble, was like a library in its setup, so warm and inviting, with soft chairs to sit in while you were browsing.
ReplyDeleteI just saw your comment on my post about the old typewriter. I loved the "ting" of it too.
Ann Best, Author of In the Mirror & Other Memoirs