In a previous article I addressed the topic of the digital industry in China and its concerns. At an international level, trends, perspectives and use of technology in publishing slightly vary depending on the communication habits and the culture of a country. In 2010 took place the Editech conference, organized by the Italian Publishers Association, an event dedicated to book publishing. It presented publishers with a variety or short- and medium-term digital strategies while warning them of the risks of a digital conversion. However, digital publishing offers business models full of opportunities.
In 2009 in the United States the e-book market represented 1,5% of the overall book market, and was expected to reach 5% by 2010. In 2012, this number reached 13%, and up to 50% in specific segments. The e-book market, with a value of $1,100 million in 2009, had tripled by 2012 ($3,400 million). In 2013, nearly 20% of the book market consisted of digitals (e-books, audio books downloads…) Publishers in the U.S. have successfully responded to consumers’ quick adaptation to new reading habits. Various strategies have been adopted by publishers, including collaboration between competitors and ‘customized’ delivery. New concepts led to the emergence of hybrid business models, which reflect technological change and the effects of globalization.
In the UK, one in four books purchased in 2013 was an e-Book, with this number going up to one third in 2012. In 2013, adult fiction e-Books accounted for over 40% of purchases, which has been attributed to the success of E.L. James’ 50 Shades of Grey.
In 2012, numerous book chains started offering digital reading opportunities; Waterstones started selling Amazon’s Kindles, Barnes & Noble began selling its NOOK, while a hundred WHSmith stores engaged in a partnership with Kobo.
As traditional models inevitably need to be adapted to the potential of digitization, publishers have to embrace the need for new value by supplying chains and business models.
In 2009 in the United States the e-book market represented 1,5% of the overall book market, and was expected to reach 5% by 2010. In 2012, this number reached 13%, and up to 50% in specific segments. The e-book market, with a value of $1,100 million in 2009, had tripled by 2012 ($3,400 million). In 2013, nearly 20% of the book market consisted of digitals (e-books, audio books downloads…) Publishers in the U.S. have successfully responded to consumers’ quick adaptation to new reading habits. Various strategies have been adopted by publishers, including collaboration between competitors and ‘customized’ delivery. New concepts led to the emergence of hybrid business models, which reflect technological change and the effects of globalization.
In the UK, one in four books purchased in 2013 was an e-Book, with this number going up to one third in 2012. In 2013, adult fiction e-Books accounted for over 40% of purchases, which has been attributed to the success of E.L. James’ 50 Shades of Grey.
In 2012, numerous book chains started offering digital reading opportunities; Waterstones started selling Amazon’s Kindles, Barnes & Noble began selling its NOOK, while a hundred WHSmith stores engaged in a partnership with Kobo.
As traditional models inevitably need to be adapted to the potential of digitization, publishers have to embrace the need for new value by supplying chains and business models.
Flood, A. (2014). Digital publishing: the experts' view of what's next. [online] the Guardian. Available at: http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/jan/10/digital-publishing-next-industry-revolution [Accessed 15 Nov. 2014].
Martin, B. and Tian, X. (2009). Business Models in Digital Book Publishing: Some Insights from Australia. Springer Science+Business Media.
Mussinelli, C. (2010). Digital Publishing in Europe: a Focus on France, Germany, Italy and Spain.Publishing Research Quarterly, 26(3), pp.168-175.
Wischenbart., R. (2014). The Global E-Book Report. Ruediger Wischenbart Content and Consulting, pp.5-30.
Martin, B. and Tian, X. (2009). Business Models in Digital Book Publishing: Some Insights from Australia. Springer Science+Business Media.
Mussinelli, C. (2010). Digital Publishing in Europe: a Focus on France, Germany, Italy and Spain.Publishing Research Quarterly, 26(3), pp.168-175.
Wischenbart., R. (2014). The Global E-Book Report. Ruediger Wischenbart Content and Consulting, pp.5-30.