"In an exclusive interview yesterday on the Smashwords blog, Dan Poynter discussed his views on the future of publishing. When asked to comment on the turmoil in the book publishing industry, Poynter predicted dramatic changes ahead: Said Poynter, "The large six publishers in New York have not altered their business plans since 1947. The downturn in the economy did not cause their problems but economics are making them reexamine the ways they do business. Brick-and-mortar store sales are decreasing. Online sales are increasing. We will see smaller advances, the elimination of returns, the abolishment of the three annual selling seasons and the proliferation of eBooks. pBook (paper) sales are decreasing. eBook sales are increasing. With change comes opportunity. The 86,000 self-publishers in the U.S. are prepared because they are closer to their subject than a large publisher and, being more nimble, are quicker to adapt to trends, conditions and changes. It takes a large publisher 18 months from manuscript to shelf. Smashwords can get your book out at the speed of light."
The full interview can be read here at the Smashwords Blog. Take from it what you will.
The full interview can be read here at the Smashwords Blog. Take from it what you will.
2 comments:
I think dan has it right on the nose with his views in this interview.
I completely agree. I am not afraid to share my views on "art as commerce." We all know what eventually happens when artistic and creative vision becomes bound to the methodical, the economic, and the practical. Such systems become too rigid, too hardline, favoring reason over creation. It's bound to come crashing down at some point. And just like life, art will also find a way, for no other reason than humanity needs it. So yes, I agree.
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