The fifth annual London Futurebook conference featured 47 speakers from the publishing industry and beyond. A pre-conference survey suggested only 1 in 7 publishing insiders thought the industry was ready for the next stage in the digital revolution. But the atmosphere was excitement, not anxiety. Billed as Europe’s largest publishing conference it was certainly one of the … [Read more...] about 5 Highlights from Futurebook 2014 Conference
FutureBook
Let’s Help the Industry by Publishing FEWER Books?
At yesterday's Futurebook conference, one of the anticipated panels was once again the "big idea" panel in which industry professionals came together to propose ideas that will have an impact on publishing in the near future. Each of the eight panelists were given the chance to share and explain one key idea that could revolutionize or secure the book business. But with … [Read more...] about Let’s Help the Industry by Publishing FEWER Books?
The FutureBook Innovation Awards
At this week's annual FutureBook conference, put on each year by The Bookseller, a number of highly impactful and forward thinking companies were honored as Digital Innovation Awards winners and nominees. The awards, issued in a wide variety of categories, were given November 21st during the global digital publishing event. Nosy Crow, Random house, Rough guides, Bibliocloud, … [Read more...] about The FutureBook Innovation Awards
Luzme Aids Readers in eBook Discoverability
With so many digital reading platforms on the market, readers can become overwhelmed when trying to make an informed choice about which device to go with for ebook consumption. Luckily, a number of the devices have incorporated the apps for various ebook distribution sites, allowing consumers with the know-how to purchase their ebooks from different sources. This method allows … [Read more...] about Luzme Aids Readers in eBook Discoverability
The Global Reach of Digital Publishing
When digital publishing first reached the mainstream, some of the many benefits included the ability to bring books to outlying areas where bookstores and libraries were few and far between, as well as making access to publication a far more viable option for those authors--especially international authors--who did not have easy access to publication. This focus on a more … [Read more...] about The Global Reach of Digital Publishing
Bookseller’s FutureBook Innovation Awards 2012
The final presentation at this year's FutureBook event, hosted by The Bookseller and sponsored by Kobo, Ingram, Atwood Tate, Nielsen, and YUDU, was to give out the Innovation awards in a large number of diverse categories that spanned the major functions in digital publishing. Hundreds of nominations were made in each of the eight categories. "One of the reasons that we got … [Read more...] about Bookseller’s FutureBook Innovation Awards 2012
FutureBook Digital Census Report Is Available
This report, which is available for purchase, covers the views of publishers, authors, developers, and booksellers. For the year 2012, five percent of the respondents were self-publishers, two-fifths of whom were new to the industry as of 2012. The report's key findings were summarized in an email I received today: eBooks continue to increase in number with fully 90% of … [Read more...] about FutureBook Digital Census Report Is Available
What Does a Literary Agent Do Anymore?
Nigel Roby, managing director and owner of The Bookseller, made an interesting statement in his welcome remarks to this year's FutureBook event: "About six months ago, we stopped thinking of this as a digital publishing conference." He's very right. The entire concept of a "future book" must include all aspects of where the publishing industry as a whole is headed, and where … [Read more...] about What Does a Literary Agent Do Anymore?
Lonely Planet and Niche Specific eBooks
Dominic Rowell, Managing Director Digital of Lonely Planet, gave a dynamic presentation at FutureBook about the business of interactive ebooks. Lonely Planet, started in 1972 and later growing into an entire brand to include an online community, pocket guides, city-by-city guides, and more. "Travel is a good thing if we can learn to interact with people, share stories, share … [Read more...] about Lonely Planet and Niche Specific eBooks
Good e-Reader Radio – Breaking News – Futurebook and Amazon FreeTime Unlimited
We have a breaking news update today! Amazon has just announced FreeTime Unlimited, which gives you and your kids access to thousands of apps, games, books, and videos. The company is offering this for a low monthly fee if you are an existing Prime member, or a little bit more if you aren't. I'll break down all the essential elements you need to know! Staff writer Mercy … [Read more...] about Good e-Reader Radio – Breaking News – Futurebook and Amazon FreeTime Unlimited
Pottermore CEO Explains the DRM-Free Decision
Charlie Redmayne spoke on two panels today in London at the FutureBook conference, the third annual conference put on by The Bookseller. Aside from the morning presentation in which he spoke on the importance of establishing a global brand for an author or a book series, Redmayne spoke quite vehemently in the later panel about how the practice of DRM-free ebooks can be better … [Read more...] about Pottermore CEO Explains the DRM-Free Decision
Bilbary Launches eBook Rentals
Digital bookseller Bilbary launched last year with an ebook sales platform, making over 800,000 titles available for sale to customers across the UK and other markets. Now, Bilbary has announced that its ebook rental service will hopefully launch before the end of the year. Unlike rental platforms that tried with limited success to create a Netflix-like subscription based … [Read more...] about Bilbary Launches eBook Rentals
Readmill’s CEO Henrik Berggren at FutureBook
Over the course of the past several years, social reading platforms have sprung up almost as fast as digital ebook distribution platforms. While each platform has its standard features, newcomer Readmill offers an unique insight into what the possibilities for social reading are. With so much focus this year at FutureBook on the emerging ebook markets in foreign locations, … [Read more...] about Readmill’s CEO Henrik Berggren at FutureBook
Transforming the Digital Textbook
Any parent who has witnessed his child struggle under the weight of an oversized school bag has probably wondered when those digital textbooks we keep hearing about are finally going to get here. Moreover, plenty of parents have bought their children the technology needed to run the ebooks--the tablets, the iPads, even the dedicated e-readers--so, where are the books? When will … [Read more...] about Transforming the Digital Textbook