The constantly evolving digital world has had a significant
impact on every aspect of society, and in particular, the relationship between
business and consumer. The increasing demand for
instant downloads and the latest news available at the click of a button, means
that publishers, booksellers, and newspapers alike are having to work harder
than ever to attract the modern consumer.
The working model of publishing is evolving, rendering
certain respected roles within the industry obsolete. The publisher now has direct access to their
market thanks to the role of social media in modern society, and
self-publishing is becoming increasingly easy, affordable, and profitable, which
is bad news for the book agent.
The consumer is more demanding than ever, leaving high street
booksellers earnestly searching for a way to compete with Amazon. Waterstones may soon follow in the footsteps
of Boarders and Ottakers if they are unable to lower their prices and provide
instant access to a wider range of books from the consumer’s living room, or find
a way to add value to their current product.
The availability, and more recent affordability, of eBooks and eReaders means
that publishers and booksellers are facing the increasingly urgent need to
incorporate digital media and innovation into their business models in order to
stay relevant.
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