Deborah J. Ross (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
deborahjross) wrote2010-10-08 10:47 am
deborahjross) wrote2010-10-08 10:47 am
Will technology kill book publishing? More thoughts
Harold McGraw III and Philip Ruppel of USA Today weigh in on the debate by debunking some myths:
Myth No. 1. Publishers are merely printers. Publishers today are in the content business. We develop it; we design it; and we deliver it however our readers want it.
Myth No. 2. Authors don't need publishers in the digital age. Anyone who has ever written a book knows this to be false. Many great authors would never have found their audience without a great publisher willing to take a risk on their talents and market their works. At every stage of the editorial process, publishers partner with their authors as creative consultants, editors and designers.
Myth No. 3. E-books should essentially be free books. This would be true only if paper and binding represented the bulk of publishing expenses.
Myth No. 4. Consumers won't pay for digital content. Tell that to the millions of customers who have already purchased e-books.
Myth No. 5. The last word on publishing has been written. Around the world, innovative publishers are pushing the boundaries of technology to meet the demands of a new generation of readers. These publishers understand that the e-book is not a threat to their survival but rather an extraordinary opportunity to connect authors and readers in ways never before possible.
Myth No. 1. Publishers are merely printers. Publishers today are in the content business. We develop it; we design it; and we deliver it however our readers want it.
Myth No. 2. Authors don't need publishers in the digital age. Anyone who has ever written a book knows this to be false. Many great authors would never have found their audience without a great publisher willing to take a risk on their talents and market their works. At every stage of the editorial process, publishers partner with their authors as creative consultants, editors and designers.
Myth No. 3. E-books should essentially be free books. This would be true only if paper and binding represented the bulk of publishing expenses.
Myth No. 4. Consumers won't pay for digital content. Tell that to the millions of customers who have already purchased e-books.
Myth No. 5. The last word on publishing has been written. Around the world, innovative publishers are pushing the boundaries of technology to meet the demands of a new generation of readers. These publishers understand that the e-book is not a threat to their survival but rather an extraordinary opportunity to connect authors and readers in ways never before possible.