Online publishing: A Tool or a Threat?
April 9, 2008
“My mother did not tell me they were coming. Afterwards she said she did not want me to appear nervous. I was surprised, for I thought she knew me well […]”
This is a snippet of the Girl with a Pearl Earring, by Tracy Chevalier. You can read the entire first chapter for free online from the official website!
That is just one example of the possibilities that the internet offers to readers to get literature for free. It is also a good strategy that can help to launch unknown writers.
TVBL Biz Watch is aware of the growing debate in regards to the book piracy subject. There are a great number of books ilegally available on the internet. This growing situation reveals that the publishing industry has failed in attempting to adapt to the digital age. Just like the music industry.
Tracy Chevalier offers samples of her book for free on her own site as well as the Amazon “Search Inside” button, which allows readers to have a look at some pages. This new preview system has helped to sell lots of books.
Meanwhile Google is in legal disputes with publishers to offer free copies of each book in the next ten years! Digital Publishing…surely this will be a nightmare for the book industry… An entire new payment model will have to be devised! Any suggestions?
Will we be reading through the computer in the future? Will we be tucked up in bed with a cup of cocoa whilst reading a good book through your IPHONE?
And how will all this affect the publishing industry? Will internet piracy stop authors writing? Or maybe this is the first step for the industry to start concentrating on the quality of its publications instead of in the quantity?
Source: Click here
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