E-library strategy idea for Sony: Long Tail books, especially of local interest
Sony’s new deals with Smashwords and Author Solutions were progress, all right.
People there see a role for Long Tail books—in other words, the non-bestsellers that so often are better than potboilers from the big guys.
But how can Sony get these books onto the e-readers, laptops and desktops of consumers? Public libraries are one way.
Bypassing the big p-retailers
Perhaps Sony should make a special push for this to happen, with special emphasis on title of local interest. Both Sony and the public would win. Yesterday I showed how inept the retail chains could be in their handling of books by local writers. Sony and public libraries to the rescue? Ahead are specifics. Other companies, too, might consider such strategies—something for Sony to ponder, now, lest it dillydally as it once did with e-book standards.
In Sony’s place, whether directly or through its partners, I wouldn’t just accept books from the likes of SmashWords. I would also home in on the better titles and set up pages where readers could easily spot different kinds of books of strong local interest.
Doing both good and well
Only so many library users at once can access individual books, from OverDrive, Sony’s library-related partner—the typical limit is probably just one, as with a paper book. So by promoting “free” library books, Sony actually would help its eBook Store, through which people could avoid library wait lists.
Why, I can even envision Sony working with local libraries to sponsor local author appearances, with the results available on YouTube or Sony’s own site. Sony could also sponsor local writing classes and author groups. Talk about productive ways to connect with potential buyers!
Libraries could also work with other companies. I don’t want libraries, in any respect, to become annexes of Sony.
Beyond E
A Sony library program wouldn’t necessary focus just on e-book distribution and promotion. It mighgt also team up with a print-on-demand company to offer Sony-branded POD versions of the most popular titles in E to libraries libraries and individuals. The very best or most popular of the POD titles might even become regular books under a Sony imprint.
How about it, Sony? I’m not simply making a do-gooder appeal here: The above strategy would be just plain good business.
And remember, guys, this isn’t the first time I’ve come forward with a suggestion.
Several years ago I begged you to get behind the OpenReader e-book standard. Your people protested that proprietary formats were the future. Well, we know the rest of the story. If Sony and certain other companies had listened, they could have been in the catbird seat on e-book standards—simply by getting a head start. Now Sony is having to go elsewhere for technology. I hope that Sony will show more foresight in coming up with inventory and distribution strategies. This week’s deals are just a start, but do provide hope.
No Sony connections here, by the way—other than my ownership of a PRS-505, bought for $170 or so, off Craig’s List. My novel is on sale at the Sony eBookStore but isn’t getting special attention. I just hate the thought of Amazon dominating e-books, and of the usual suspects in the retail world continuing to diss local writers.
Related: Sony adds nothing new to Reader for library, by librarian and TeleRead contributor Jeff Scott—which in effect back up what I said here before. Sony’s library-links in its e-store aren’t enough. They really don’t save the reader that much time compared to the possibilities here. In the same item, Jeff wisely cites Paul Biba’s complaint that his public library doesn’t offer e-books, just audio books. The same holds true in my town, Alexandria, VA. Directly or through OverDrive, Sony could help fill these vacuums. I hope Sony will pay attention to both Jeff and Paul!
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