The emergence of the smartphone, internet and e-reader due to digital technology has altered how people read and acquire books. These shifts give book publishing industries new prospects since they are accessible in several forms. A reader can choose between conventional hardcover books and eco-friendly e-books and audiobooks. Nevertheless, the digital publication has disadvantages since it is relatively simple to distribute, plagiarize, or obtain illegal but free information online, rendering it more difficult for publishers to safeguard copyrights.
With the advancement of technology, more book summary sites have evolved. A rising number of sites and services that summarize the content of nonfiction books have surfaced. Blinkist, a Berlin-based firm with 18 million subscribers, is a pioneer in this expanding industry. Blinkist provides audio and textual summaries of novels, which they refer to as “blinks” (Howarth, 2020). MentorBox encourages authors to turn a book into a course, not simply a synopsis.
As demand for digital material increases, publishers and libraries are engaged in a competition. The use of libraries fosters the free flow of information. However, many publishing corporations fear that library checkouts would reduce their earnings. In past years, book publishers imposed restrictions on how libraries might provide users access to their e-books (Howarth, 2020). In late January 2019, Macmillan, one of the “big five” publishing firms, implemented a new policy limiting libraries to a single copy of an e-book for the first two months after its release (Howarth, 2020). They wanted to employ this strategy to increase sales.
Additionally, libraries are aware of Amazon’s limits on e-books. The web giant does not make any e-books produced under its labels available for purchase by libraries. On the other hand, they have only recently begun negotiations with the Digital Public Library of America over a strategy to deliver materials to libraries (Howarth, 2020). Furthermore, legislation has been proposed in Rhode Island and New York states that, if passed, would mandate publishers to render e-books accessible to various public libraries at affordable charges.
Ultimately, digitalization is a valuable possibility for publishers in the twenty-first century, despite all the hurdles and difficulties that must be overcome. Conventional print books will continue to exist and be supported by book enthusiasts, while digital books will assist in revitalizing the publishing industry. In other words, publishers must find novel techniques for adapting to the digital era sustainably.
References
Howarth, J. (2020). 11 Key Publishing Trends For 2022-2024. Exploding topics; Exploding Topics. Web.