I spend my days, these days, at least, doing independent cultural publicity, much of the time for literary projects, and my general opinion of the publishing industry is that it's touchingly myopic. Several people who I respect and admire suggested that I listen to a recent radio piece on author promotion (I am doing so right now) and wow, this is scarier than a town full of zombies. Keywords (notably none of them are: "innovation," "online media," "evolving," "future of the book," etc.): JACKIE SUSANN, DICK CAVETT, JULIA CHILD, "1970," "I DON'T BELIEVE THAT THERE'S ANYTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN." You get it, right? I'm starting to.
A better idea than tuning in to this hot mess? If in London on June 1, go hear Jeremy Ettinghausen discuss the smart things he's doing as Penguin UK's digital publisher.
Previously: This is Not a Love Song, London Journal.
Image: film still from Susann's Valley of the Dolls.
Don't forget "department stores." To her credit though I did hear something about a "long tail" repeated loudly and proudly.
Posted by: Sean | May 21, 2007 at 10:41 PM
Tres bien! I like the part about how smart college girls want to do something important, so they go into publishing, which, let's face it, still is a very male-dominated industry -- except in the publicity departments!
Posted by: Mary | May 22, 2007 at 11:28 AM
LC ~ That photo illustrates this
http://www.randomhouse.com/boldtype/1099/grass/excerpt.html so well! You're a genius.
Posted by: Ms.Peel | May 22, 2007 at 04:50 PM