'We live in a brave new world, full of digital wonders and distractions. The internet has irrevocably changed how people consume information, but as Affirm Press’ Martin Hughes points out in his column for us, the rapid onslaught of its delivery and at times unreliable nature of its content can be exhausting and confusing. Are print books the antidote? A way to slow down the hyperactivity, cut through the incessant chatter and absorb information more deeply?
'I’m in danger of preaching to the choir here, but the sanctuary of print is something to hold on to, even as different arms of this industry look to embrace new technologies to stay competitive. You can read about how publishers and authors are navigating the Cambrian explosion in digital marketing and promotions in Danielle Binks’ article, which also features some takeaways from Louise Cornegé’s Copyright Agency Publisher’s Fellowship report on how US publishers are tackling the same subject.
'Technology is a pressing issue for booksellers too. Amazon has now launched its Australian store, and while the grand opening was more of a fizzle than a bang, many booksellers in our annual Christmas survey expressed their concern that the local supply chain would have to improve to compete with the US behemoth. But as Readings’ Tom Hoskins reports from the American Booksellers Association’s Winter Institute, booksellers can also look to the opportunities. ‘While it is impossible for individual stores to compete with Amazon’s research budget, booksellers should still endeavour to monitor these developments to predict retail trends,’ writes Hoskins. ‘By staying abreast of changes in consumer behaviour and expectations, and collaboratively embracing new platforms, independents may remain competitive.’
'Finally, this year, Books+Publishing welcomes two new faces: Sarah Farquharson takes over as news editor and Nathania Gilson as editorial assistant.' (Jackie Tang : Editorial)
'I came into publishing on the back of a fad. About 10 years ago I had an idea for a book, The Slow Guide to Melbourne, and ended up with a little DIY indie hit. In fact, the book went so well that I was sucked into creating a series including Sydney (flop), Dublin (hit) and London (flop). That’s how I ended up as a publisher.' (Introduction)
'Prolific children’s author Morris Gleitzman has been chosen as the Australian Children’s Laureate. He spoke with Sarah Farquharson about his plans for his two-year term as laureate.' (Publication abstract)
'‘Alice-Miranda’ and ‘Clementine Rose’ author Jacqueline Harvey assembles a world of espionage and mystery in Kensy and Max: Breaking News (Random House, March). She spoke to Books+Publishing about launching a new adventure series.' (Introduction)
'Tablo creative director Jemma Birrell has spent her career connecting audiences with books, whether it be in bookshops, at festivals or online. She shares her career journey.' (Introduction)
'Lorien Kaye asks how the book industry can connect reluctant girl readers with books.'
'Danielle Binks investigates how publishers and authors are using digital marketing and promotional strategies to reach new readers.' (Introduction)
'When Melbourne’s Avenue Bookstore owner Chris Redfern opened a second store in Elsternwick in 2012, the year after the REDgroup collapse, some were sceptical. Bookseller Savannah Indigo explains how the store survived and thrived.' (Introduction)
'This year Books+Publishing will publish a regular column from Nielsen Book Scan Australia associate director Julie Winters on book data trends. In her first column, Winters looks at the fastest-growing subject categories in 2017.'
'Debut author Margot McGovern was inspired by her favourite childhood reads to create Neverland, ‘a dark and compelling examination of memory, self-determination and the dangers of romanticising the past’. Reviewer Lian Hingee spoke to the author.' (Introduction)
'Adam Cece won the 2017 Text Prize for The Extremely Weird Thing That Happened in Huggabie Falls. Reviewer Holly Harper describes it as ‘a funny read full of hijinks and adventure’ with a narrator reminiscent of Pseudonymous Bosch. She spoke to the author.' (Introduction)
'Holly Ringland's The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart is 'a lush, powerful contemporary novel' about female survival in Australia's Red Centre. Reviewer Claire West spoke to the author.' (Introduction)
