According to recordings of internal meetings shared with the New York Times, the tech giant Meta held discussions over the potential acquisition of prominent book publisher Simon & Schuster for Advanced AI training. From the recordings, it was found that the company's staff had discussed buying Simon & Schuster and some had debated paying $10 per book for the licensing … [Read more...] about Meta Tried to Acquire Simon and Schuster
Digital Publishing News
HarperCollins Sales Shake-Up
Mary Beth Thomas, VP and Director of Independent Retail Sales at HarperCollins, has left the company, as confirmed by Publishers Weekly (PW). It's uncertain whether a successor will be appointed. Additionally, HarperCollins is launching a voluntary buyout program for sales staff, according to an insider. This shakeup follows strategic initiatives led by Ed Spade since he … [Read more...] about HarperCollins Sales Shake-Up
Digital publishing witnessing sharp growth in Vietnam
Digital publishing is seeing a sharp upward trajectory in Vietnam, the publication Vietnamnet reported. It was on March 22nd that luminaries from the publishing realm convened to reflect on the year that was 2023 and to introspect as to what lies ahead in 2024. What emerged from this conference, hosted by the Authority of Publication, Printing, and Distribution under the … [Read more...] about Digital publishing witnessing sharp growth in Vietnam
How Books Influence Digital Culture
Different generations have different meanings of the world’s culture. Currently, we’re living in a digital era so we’re experiencing the rise of digital culture. As a mix of elements, it takes influence from various sources. Technology has made its existence possible and takes future generations further down the road. Digital culture takes influence and influences films, TV … [Read more...] about How Books Influence Digital Culture
eBook revenues were up in 2023 and generated $1.0 billion
Digital book revenues in the United States were up 0.6% in 2023, generating $1.0 billion. Digital audiobooks are the fastest-growing segment in digital publishing, and sales were up 14.9%, reaching $864.0 million in revenue. Physical Audio was down 16.2%, coming in at $12.9 million; this shows that digital audiobooks are killing off the tape and CD market. Trade revenues … [Read more...] about eBook revenues were up in 2023 and generated $1.0 billion
Al Pacino to Publish Memoir
AI Pacino (Alfredo James Pacino), the legendary American actor is set to release his memoir Sonny Boy in October this year. The actor’s highly anticipated new book will be published by Penguin Press. The memoir will cover the 83-year-old Oscar-winning actor’s childhood in New York and his upbringing by his mentally unwell mother. It also talks about Pacino’s young friends in … [Read more...] about Al Pacino to Publish Memoir
Book Publishing in Modern Times
Traditionally, authors would pass through judgements in the publishing world for getting their books published and distributed. In old times, it was a challenge for authors to market or produce their books without the help of a book publisher. But things have changed now in modern times. The growth of the internet and marketing digitalization, authors can now overcome many … [Read more...] about Book Publishing in Modern Times
Why Print Books Have Blank Pages
You must have noticed blank pages in both paperback and hardcover books. But have wondered what is the purpose of these blank pages? On top of that, why don’t ebooks have blank pages like that? Well, blank pages in print books can be intentional, for example, for allowing authors to sign or for readers to make notes. Intentional empty pages In hardcover books, the first … [Read more...] about Why Print Books Have Blank Pages
Boom in Graphic Adaptation of Middle Grade Books
Image credit: Publishers Weekly Middle grade graphic novel category is becoming popular in recent years. As a result, the number of graphic adaptations of middle grade books has also exploded. That’s because graphic adaptations bring older stories to life and expand the audience. In fact, such graphic novels have gained acceptance among educators, parents, and librarians also. … [Read more...] about Boom in Graphic Adaptation of Middle Grade Books
Inkitt AI Self-Publishing Platform Nabs $37M
Image credit: Inkitt Inkitt is a brand-new self-publishing platform that allows people self-publish stories. Then, it uses AI and data science to select the most compelling stories. Finally, it tweaks, distributes and sells those stories on a second app Galatea. Now, it’s raised $37 million in aid of that ambition. The startup has already attracted 33 million users … [Read more...] about Inkitt AI Self-Publishing Platform Nabs $37M