It's been a long time in the making, but Amazon Publishing finally has some big news to share: the traditional arm of Amazon's company will work with Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) to put its 10,000-plus titles in libraries. Previously, Amazon Publishing has not offered ebook lending through public libraries, unlike many traditional publishers--albeit publishers who … [Read more...] about Amazon, DPLA Finally Join Forces on Library Lending
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Audiobook Scams Highlight the Issues in Self-Publishing
From the earliest days of self-publishing, scammers have been looking to make a buck. From paid review scams to enticing followers to download books simply for the pages views, there's no end to the ways people have taken advantage of these opportunities in a negative way. Every time a platform offers a new feature, someone figures out how to game the system, leaving … [Read more...] about Audiobook Scams Highlight the Issues in Self-Publishing
Standard eBooks builds upon Project Gutenberg to offer a better reading experience
Project Gutenberg has always been a commendable literary initiative that ensured the classic titles of yore lived on in the digital age. While that is great, the eBooks lack consistent typography. Cover art leaves something to be disired, in addiiton to many typos, that can mar the reading experience considerably. It is here that the Standard eBooks come into the picture. … [Read more...] about Standard eBooks builds upon Project Gutenberg to offer a better reading experience
Is Digital Publishing Overlooking their Biggest Consumer?
Everywhere you look on social media, it seems like it's Gen Z versus Millennials versus Boomers (Gen X is sitting this one out, giving everyone the side-eye). But one thing recent events have taught us is that the stereotypes that have been assigned to these different age demographics are typically wrong... and that these preconceived notions might be most inaccurate when it … [Read more...] about Is Digital Publishing Overlooking their Biggest Consumer?
Big Changes that May Save Barnes and Noble
Everyone is talking about Barnes and Noble CEO James Daunt's keynote address to the Independent Book Publishers Association annual event recently. This important talk offered a lot of insight into crucial changes at the brick-and-mortar locations (especially as to how the company is bouncing back from a global pandemic), from mundane changes like new furniture to major … [Read more...] about Big Changes that May Save Barnes and Noble
Book Buying Habits Really Aren’t Changing… That Much
As the publishing industry changes and adapts to new circumstances, the book-selling industry must adapt as well. Changes in formats, rising popularity of different genres and crossovers, and even worldwide pandemics that spark global lockdowns have all had an impact on how consumers buy and utilize books in the last few years. Fortunately, there are ways to understand book … [Read more...] about Book Buying Habits Really Aren’t Changing… That Much
Amazon Blocks Libraries from Loaning eBooks
Ebook lending through public libraries has been something of a headache since the advent of digital reading. Strange "hoop jumping" requirements from publishers and technology obstacles to overcome for libraries and patrons has made this a winding road, to be sure. But as it turns out, some of the barriers are not artificial... and not in the best interests of these … [Read more...] about Amazon Blocks Libraries from Loaning eBooks
Enki Enables Free eBook Borrowing to All CA Residents
All aspects of society have learned a few things during the past year as we braved a worldwide pandemic. First, we learned that working from home actually is a possibility for a great many industries. We've also learned that working from home can be difficult if you have family members to care for. We've learned that masks can stop the spread of COVID and a lot of other … [Read more...] about Enki Enables Free eBook Borrowing to All CA Residents
Books in the Time of COVID: The Panorama Project Report
Last year was a difficult one for retailers and consumers alike. Lockdowns, vital restrictions on the public, job loss and business closures, and more--coupled with the ever-present fears for health and safety in the face of a deadly global pandemic--led to a lot of financial anxiety in every industry. But a new report not only unearthed some positive news about books and … [Read more...] about Books in the Time of COVID: The Panorama Project Report
NetGalley Bought by Japanese Company Media Do
This month, a significant publishing acquisition occurred which turns all of the shares of Quality Solutions/Firebrand Technologies over to a Japanese company's US operations, Media Do International. Firebrand is the parent company of popular ARC distributor and potential review source, NetGalley. Launched in 2008 shortly before BookExpo America by Rosetta Solutions, the … [Read more...] about NetGalley Bought by Japanese Company Media Do
Authors to Dept of Justice: Stop the Penguin Random House Buy of Simon & Schuster
Once upon a time, the publishing world involved a vast, gatekeeping entity called the Big Six. Shortly after a devastating anti-trust lawsuit involving five of those publishers, Penguin and Random House merged to become the current largest trade publisher in the US. But a new deal to buy Simon & Schuster--amounting to what the Washington Post has called "the Big Bad Wolf … [Read more...] about Authors to Dept of Justice: Stop the Penguin Random House Buy of Simon & Schuster