The Business of Digital Publishing

Book excerpt: Thoroughly revised and updated throughout, the second edition of The Business of Digital Publishing provides an essential introduction to the development of digital products in the book and journal industries today. Offering a fundamental overview of the main technological developments that have influenced the growth of digital publishing, the author introduces students to the key terms and concepts that make digital publishing possible. The four key publishing sectors (professional reference, academic, education and trade) are explored in detail, providing students with the technical literacy to understand digital developments and examine the growth of new business models. In this edition, sections have been updated to address the growth of audiobooks, reading apps, metadata, and open access, while original case studies address key issues such as digital-first publishing, EPUB, social media and crowdsourcing. Also covered are the key issues and debates that face the industry as a whole, such as pricing and copyright, and their impact on the industry is explored through relevant case studies. Taken together, the chapters examine the challenges of digital publishing and explore the opportunities it provides to develop new and diverse audiences. The Business of Digital Publishing remains an invaluable resource for any publishing student looking for a starting point from which to explore the world of digital publishing.