When publishers talk about bundles, they’re usually referring to is multiple formats of the same work sold as a package—usually a print version together with a digital version for download. The success of DVDs with digital download means this is definitely a worthwhile conversation to be having, but remember that bundling can also refer to bundles of different titles—and this model is looking more and more promising.
The World in the Palm of Your Hand: A New App by Collins
Thank Collins, in conjunction with The Other Media, for bringing us Atlas by Collins, a continually updated app that allows iPhone and iPad users to discover their surrounding world—near and far—through three-dimensional colour-coded (and pretty!) maps.
Pack Your Books We're Going on a Field Trip
Keep Your Head in the Clouds: Publishers, SaaS, and Cloud Services
Yesterday, I tuned in to a Publishers Launch webinar, titled An Introduction to SaaS and Cloud Services for Book Publishers. If you found yourself scratching your head in bewilderment at more than one word in that title, you’re not alone. The term “cloud computing” is often spoken at conference these days, and it’s time to unpack the jargon and look at the key points of the webinar: the benefits and challenges of cloud systems for publishers.
A Closer Look at 360
Yesterday, HarperCollins Publishers announced a new “global publishing program”, called HarperCollins 360. In their press release, HarperCollins said: “The goal of the initiative is to ensure that all books published by any division of HarperCollins around the world are available in print or digital format in all English-language markets.”Native Apps vs. HTML5: To the Victor Go the Users
Turning a Paywall into a Bridge: Is It the Right Time to Sell Content Online?
The book industry’s digital toolbox is still relatively underused, and there are some truly powerful gizmos in there. At Tech Forum 2012 we heard how eager readers tweeted favourite chapters of PressBooks’ Book: A Futurist’s Manifesto. At the most recent CMPTO we learned how Small Demons is changing browsing forever by hooking books into the web of things. And that’s just to name two. With more and more readers carrying tablets and smartphones around with ever-improving data plans, maybe the time ia ripe to look at new models for selling books in browsers.
Thinking B2C: Is Scaling Back Imprints Enough?
In a post on Monday, Mike Shatzkin advised publishers to reconsider the number of imprints they currently have as they shift focus from B2B branding to B2C branding. Shatzkin reminds us that imprints were originally used to brand titles to buyers, librarians and media—not consumers. Having an established imprint helped a book get its foot in the door and increase the chances of wider media coverage and stocking.
It seems that somewhere along the way some of us forgot this.
It seems that somewhere along the way some of us forgot this.
So what are the branding opportunities and challenges presented by imprints, and what are the implications for publishers?
What's in a Name? Using a Nom de Plume
Yesterday’s piece in the New York Times about the author who used a pen name to sell a manuscript is piquing the curiosity of authors, literary agents and publishers. But using a nom de plume to find a new audience is nothing new.
We take a look at the PR implications for publishers of the pen name.
Penguin Canada's Groupon Reconnaissance
This week, Penguin Group (Canada) ran a Groupon offer offer for one of their most popular series, the Millenium Trilogy by Stieg Larsson. But as bestseller lists attest, the Millenium Trilogy is not having any difficulty selling. So, why run a Groupon?