Writers want their books read. E-publishing and e-readers seem to be offering writers a lifeline to reach a wider audience. As the publishing industry faces up to the reality of digital publishing and the Kindle effect, Samantha Watson talks trends, reader interaction and how writers can benefit.
Writers are in a timely position, where the capability of digital publishing provides them with innovative approaches to their craft. The publishing industry has witnessed a shift in the trade as writers learn how to navigate their creativity in the burgeoning world of digital publishing.
Opportunities for writers to collaborate with other writers online are now greater, and the issue of isolation, often associated with being a writer, is now optional as the digital publishing steam train gathers pace.
No one can deny that Amazon and its Kindle has revolutionised the way we buy and read books. The impressive growth in digital publishing sales is set to continue as the recently published Digital Census 2013 reveals. Google and Apple are just two of the many sellers in a growing ebook sales industry.
The variety of e-readers on offer, and how products will develop in the future, has given rise to a more interactive reader experience. E-readers, like Kobo, Kindle and Nook, have only skimmed the surface to what the next generation of e-readers will achieve. Perhaps we will be able to find out about the back stories of the characters we are reading, or click links to read a character’s personal thoughts in a chapter.
The Literary Platform recently invited comments from Words of Colour and other literary organisations, agents and publishers about what they expect to see in 2013 in the way of digital publishing. Although there are still concerns over rights, protection and the royalties of ebooks, we will continue to see a rise in sales, but one thing that is set to change is how e-readers will interact with authors and their stories.
Today, television viewers can control what they see. They can vote on the direction a central character can take. The possibilities are infinite as literature and digital publishing merge. For example, you may read a chapter referring to the sound of a river stream. Will e-readers allow you to create this sound effect while you read?
What about serial e-books? In the case of author James Patterson, renowned for his serial thriller novel featuring the character of private investigator Alex Cross, Patterson has produced entertaining television trailers for his books. Now as digital publishing grows will we see interactive digital books allowing readers to influence the decisions a character like Alex Cross will make, giving readers personal ownership of the story led by the author?
Writers should see this as a chance to extend their readership as well as their creativity. One thing that may alter is the way in which authors take part in book signings. This will certainly change if writers decide to only publish in ebook formats. Instead of book signings, we may have blog book tours, more of Skype chats and Google Hangouts, and listen to writers read chapters from their work using these digital media platforms.
I am sure there will still be opportunities for readers to attend book readings in a variety of settings, but one challenge digital publishers will need to overcome is how readers will be able to keep the precious writer autographs that we all love to see in our books.
Writers must look at the digital possibilities impacting on publishing and take advantage, by pushing the boundaries associated with their craft. This will enable them to collaborate with others, and even their readers, to create a stronger bond between literature and the digital publishing movement.
Samantha Watson is Words of Colour’s digital communications consultant.