Ingram is betting on a future where authors and publishers are selling e-books directly to consumers via their websites and blogs. The intention is to bypass retailers altogether so everyone can get a larger piece of the pie. The Ingram Content Group has just purchased a company called Aer.io. This company began as a developer of “native commerce” programs that gave … [Read more...] about Ingram wants authors and publishers to sell directly to readers
Digital Publishing News
France forces Amazon to change Kindle Unlimited
France has been very apprehensive about e-book subscription platforms and how disruptive they might be towards the book selling industry. Fleur Pellerin, the French Minister of Culture in late 2014 prompted the government to start an official investigation to explore whether or not Amazon Kindle Unlimited was fundamentally illegal. In February 2015 Laurence Engel, la … [Read more...] about France forces Amazon to change Kindle Unlimited
Watch Kobo CEO Michael Tamblyn talk about e-books
Newly minted Kobo CEO Michael Tamblyn was at the Future Book conference in London earlier this month and gave a provocative keynote address on e-books and the future of digital reading. Considering Kobo provides the closest competition to Amazon on the worldwide stage, this is very compelling. The main element of Tamblyn's discussion is how publishers, analysts, market … [Read more...] about Watch Kobo CEO Michael Tamblyn talk about e-books
Digital Book World is Totally Irrelevant
Digital Book World is a publishing news website that used to be respected in the industry. For the last seven years they have run an annual event, with the same name that gave the public a sense of trends in the industry. Over the last few years they have become totally relevant and are no longer the hot ticket they once were. Conferences on digital publishing are becoming … [Read more...] about Digital Book World is Totally Irrelevant
NetGalley now supports Social DRM
Major Publishers and online bookstores in Europe have been slowly been forgoing Adobe DRM and embracing Digital Watermarking technology. They are doing this because it is easier for the customer to be able to load the eBooks they purchase onto their e-Reader, smartphone or tablet. This phenomenon has not crossed over in a meaningful way in North America, but one company hoping … [Read more...] about NetGalley now supports Social DRM
Books have increased in length by over 25% in the last 15 years
Books have gradually increased in size and length by over 25% in the last 15 years. Major publishers are spending more money than ever before securing lucrative book contracts and bidding on international rights. They have a tendency to buy longer books - as a "value" thing, an attempt to justify the price tags on new hardcover books to readers. People are more likely to … [Read more...] about Books have increased in length by over 25% in the last 15 years
Wattpad should offer Patreon Donations to Authors
Wattpad has popularized the notion of serialized digital books on their website. Millions of readers and writers use the free service to hone their writing skills and develop a loyal following. The serialized approach is the most dominant on the platform with readers giving their feedback after every chapter. Many authors are writing because its a labor of love and all but a … [Read more...] about Wattpad should offer Patreon Donations to Authors
The EU will decide mandatory Google Tax in 2016
The European Union is mulling over whether or not all member countries should be charging Google and Yahoo for displaying news snippets. This comes at a time where there is a bitter debate over tech companies and publishers. Google News is apart of our lives, it’s free to use and includes everything from the world’s biggest newspapers to small, local publications and … [Read more...] about The EU will decide mandatory Google Tax in 2016
Scribd has just added sheet music
If you wanted to learn how to play Adele's latest hit Hello or simply want to learn some Tori Amos tunes on the Piano, Scribd has you covered. The e-book subscription site has just added over 2,600 different kinds of sheet music. Co-founder and CEO Trip Adler states, “We are excited to bring even more value to our subscribers and to connect them with many different types of … [Read more...] about Scribd has just added sheet music
Thousands of Russians are live streaming War and Peace
The epic saga War and Peace by Tolstoy is being read online by thousands of Russians in a marathon session. Readers include schoolchildren, sports personalities, scientists and armed forces staff. One of the big highlights is a chapter being read by Cosmonaut Sergei Volkov who is currently abroad the international space station. This is the first time that a collaborative … [Read more...] about Thousands of Russians are live streaming War and Peace