The two dominant screen-book providers, Google Print and Amazon Kindle, purse models so different that neither may represent the emergent s-book. Google captures from paper in research libraries while Amazon supplies publishers’ files. Amazon delivers to a proprietary device while Google delivers to any terminal. Google books are free while Kindle books are sold. Google owns its own postings, but the capture scans and source paper copies are owned by libraries and the s-book access is assured. Amazon could turn off its servers, or selectively delete, at any time. Finally, Kindle books are in device format and Google is in print format.

Both of these models, and their delivery products, relate not at all. Users conflate them because of the general features of screen reading including automated search routines. These clues, everywhere, return attention to the eventual roles of the s-book and p-book. Perhaps we should, as suggested, look at the common definer; book.

Hand-selling is the only way to ensure survival of the long-form print book. More retail outlets to attract readers that aren’t going to bookstores. Also, smaller numbers of books in each location. It is hard work on the boot leather – I’ve experienced it myself – but it is definitely worthwhile.

As for: ‘the fact that millions of people seem to be content to shell out to Apple and Amazon for downloads of music’ … well, I’d be surprised if the music industry’s revenue on recorded tracks is anything that it once was.

I’m sure the quoted example below suggests the same:

Sydney Morning Herald:

Due to Short Stack’s largely younger, tech-savvy fan base, Diviney says that between 80 and 90 per cent of the group’s songs on PCs and iPods were obtained illegally.

He said the band was in a catch-22 position because, although piracy reduces revenues from CD sales, it is also one of the big drivers of Short Stack’s success as it means more people can experience their music.

That has translated into increased earnings from gig ticket sales and merchandise sales.

“It’s great to see people getting into your music and the fact that they want to download it in the first place, that’s very humbling,” Diviney said.

Steel said the label was looking to entice fans to buy CDs by running competitions but there were plenty of other revenue sources.

“If you’re just looking at selling records you’re not going to last very long,” he said.

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I’m thinking of singing each chapter of my novel in stadium concerts … ticket anyone?!

For better or worse, I think sending thousands of people out beating on the doors of craft stores and brew-pubs hoping to get them to add novels to their inventory is a doomed effort. But more power to you if you can manage it, Cory. One of my authors has persuaded his local game shop to carry his books–because he’s a gamer.

Rob Preece
Publisher, http://www.BooksForABuck.com