Self-publishing, like politics, makes for unusual bedfellows. Not only authors, but also now publishers are turning to platforms like Smashwords that publish and sell e-books, and taking advantage of digitally-devoted distribution services.
Publishers Weekly’s Calvin Reid takes a look this week at the broader themes of the digital revolution,” Andrew Albanese, the magazine’s features editor, tells CCC’s Chris Kenneally. “Among the most interesting observations come from Mark Coker, CEO of Smashwords, who notes that there are today a billion smartphones in use in the world, with a billion more to come. Parts of the world that once were difficult – if not impossible – to reach are now within the grasp of authors and publishers. That’s a total game-changer.”
Among the weekly review of PW reviews, Rose Fox finds Simon Garfield’s “exuberant” history of maps, On the Map. “Garfield’s droll humor and infectious curiosity will keep readers engrossed as he uncovers surprising ways in which maps chart our imaginations as much as they do the ground underfoot,” Fox says.
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Every Friday, CCC’s “Beyond the Book” speaks with the editors and reporters of “Publishers Weekly” for an early look at the news that publishers, editors, authors, agents and librarians will be talking about when they return to work on Monday.