Simba Information

"Retailers need to know what their value is, and not partner with companies that want to exploit that," says Michael Norris in this exclusive interview.

A new study from research firm SIMBA Information reveals some unsettling information: The loss of physical bookstores in 2011 did not translate to ebook growth. The fourth edition of its Trends in Trade Book Retailing posits that the showroom effect is real, and that physical discovery is a factor, even in ebook sales.

"It may go against common sense, but the loss of hundreds of physical bookstores and several million square feet of book retailing space in 2011 actually negatively affected the expansion of e-book usage."

STAMFORD, CT--(Marketwire - Jul 9, 2012) -  Awaiting the implementation of Common Core State Standards and a turnaround in the economy, the PreK-12 publishing market is in a transitory period: experiencing strong growth in digital courseware while other key segments hold steady, decline or prepare to evolve. According to a recent report by publishing forecast firm Simba Information, the PreK-12 market will post a strong compound annual growth rate of 8.8% through 2015 for digital courseware, while textbooks prepare for a major shift. 

Publishing forecast firm Simba Information has released the highly anticipated fourth edition of its flagship Trade E-Book Publishing report series and estimates 17% of U.S. adults have read at least one e-book in 2011, up from the 11% who did so in 2010.

During alast week's Publishing Business Conference & Expo, Marcus Leaver, the outgoing president of Sterling Publishing, offered what he described as some "common-sense prescriptions" for book publishers. "We must offer consumers an amazing value for their dollars," Leaver said, arguing for a shift in emphasis on quality over quantity. "The world does not need another book," he added. "We're still publishing far too many."

In 1455 Johannes Gutenberg produced his famous "Bible"—the first book printed with moveable type—launching what would become in subsequent centuries the modern publishing industry. In 1995, Jeff Bezos sold the first book through Amazon.com, launching what would produce in less than 20 years the end of the modern publishing industry.

Hyperbole? Perhaps not, when the earth-shaking influence of the e‑commerce giant's recent moves in publishing are taken into account.

Carolyn McCosh says she has loved "real books, the printed-on-paper kind," ever since she got her St. Louis Public Library card in first grade. The 45-year-old had little interest in e-books — until Christmas.

Along with millions of others, she unwrapped a Kindle Fire, a gift from her boyfriend and "a huge defining moment for me." Since then, she has bought $100 worth of e-books — from histories to mysteries — and wonders, "Am I a traitor to printed books?"

Representing just 6% of the total trade book market, the sci fi/fantasy segment will grow 3.4% in 2011, despite the overall market's expected 5.2% decline.

Broad based opportunities are unfolding from the U.S. federal stimulus program School Improvement Grants. Market research firm Simba Information finds in its latest report that PreK-12 publishers are teaming up with program implementation partners.

Approximately 40% of iPad owners "have not used the device to read a single e-book," according to a press release issued yesterday from research firm Simba Information.