'Set in a period of heightened public debate in the 2000s and with predictions of the demise of printed books in the background, this study examines whether Australians turned to books in relation to some of the most heated international issues of the era: those associated with the wars on Iraq and Afghanistan. Analysis of the data reveals that over one and a half million books worth over AUS $50 million (AUS $50,213,000) which could be read directly in relation to debates about the wars were sold in the 6 years timeframe and far more if indirect reading is included. This research is one of the first major scholarly studies internationally to identify English-language contemporary reading patterns based on Nielsen BookScan sales data and is located in an illustrative timeframe (2003–2008): after the introduction of Nielsen BookScan in Australia and before the popularity of ebooks.' (Publication abstract)
'As the world becomes increasingly international and new markets open up for business, questions arise for small, niche publishers: what makes a book sell well internationally? Can niche titles sell well abroad? And, more importantly: How can I find and publish a book that will be a global success? To answer these questions in this article, Scottish publishing companies will be used as examples to illustrate the ways in which even region-specific niche publishers can successfully sell and market abroad.' (Publication abstract)
