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posted by Emma on 15 May 2008
Just read this in Publishing News which says we are developing the Bookbackers idea into something tangible and real, right now. There's no reason why they should know, I suppose, but we're not actively developing Bookbackers at the moment. We'd love to, of course, but the only way it will work is as an industry initative - hence the presentation at the BA conference in a session about industry wide initiatives. I got lots of good feedback at the conference, so do get in touch if you'd like to form a team to develop this idea. And bring your corporate credit card and diary, as it'll need money and time to work - another reason why we're not developing it immediately ourselves.
Comments: 2
An interesting idea, though it could - if not managed correctly - descend into a type of "Book Idol": Ring O891 666 555 if you want X to be published... or 0891 666 556 if you want Y...
Posted by: Christopher Teague | May 15, 2008 08:33 PM
I'm not part of the industry (just a writer) but I've been banging on about this for ages, to anyone who'll give it blog space.
All the effort goes into selling more and more books to an existing market, using a tired formula of high advance = high promotional spend.
Yet there is virtually no co-operative research aimed at identifying potential for market growth, or joint promotion aimed at capitalising on new markets.
What other industry does not seek to grow its market and is uninterested in creating brand loyalty?
Many publishers seem to sit contentedly in a vacuum, insulated from writers by literary agents, and isolated from readers by retailers.
How many publishers test brand identity, or are interested in customer satisfaction?
What value does a publisher add, that (say) an internet retailer couldn't?
With all the challenges that currently face the industry, surely every publisher should be asking themselves that last question.
Posted by: Paul | May 16, 2008 09:23 AM