Oyster's Matthew Shatz on Helping Publishers Tap Next Generation of Readers
Founded in 2012, Oyster set out to create an access model for the book industry, providing complete, digital access to its titles for under $10 a month. As of July 2014 the company boasts the largest consumer ebook library, with over 500,000 titles from approximately 1,600 publishing partners. Scribd, Oyster's foremost competitor, mirrors Oyster's sales model, granting access to unlimited ebooks for $8.99 per month. Scribd is also striving to close the gap in titles with over 400,000 ebooks in its library. Both platforms are significantly bolstered by partnerships with Big Five publishers HarperCollins and Simon & Schuster, the latter of which signed on in May, bringing over 10,000 of its titles to Oyster and Scribd. As the arms race between these two services heightens, not to mention Amazon's recent launch of the Kindle Unlimted subscription service, Shatz's role is increasingly vital to Oyster's success.
- Companies:
- HarperCollins
- People:
- Matthew Shatz
Ellen Harvey is a freelance writer and editor who covers the latest technologies and strategies reshaping the publishing landscape. She previously served as the Senior Editor at Publishing Executive and Book Business.