Tapping the Supply Chain Opportunity
Google’s Book Search and Microsoft’s upcoming Windows Live Book Search (which plans to launch later this year) have upped the ante for publishers entering the digital game. Most smaller publishers see these initiatives as a substantial benefit in broadening their global reach. For major publishers with substantial lists and heavy front list investments, unlimited digital exposure is often seen as eroding their control over copying, sales and unauthorized commercial exploitation.
Eugene G. Schwartz is editor at large for ForeWord Reviews, an industry observer and an occasional columnist for Book Business magazine. In an earlier career, he was in the printing business and held production management positions at Random House, Prentice-Hall/Goodyear and CRM Books/Psychology Today. A former PMA (IBPA) board member, he has headed his own publishing consultancy, Consortium House. He is also Co-Founder of Worthy Shorts Inc., a development stage online private press and publication service for professionals as well as an online back office publication service for publishers and associations. He is on the Publishing Business Conference and Expo Advisory Board.