A roadmap: How a book becomes a book
Whether the issue is e-book formats or copyright or identifiers of intellectual property, it helps to understand the complexities associated with book creation and distribution.
For readers and writers, all kinds of issues emerge. Which companies should handle which parts of the process? And what about timing? Should Internet distribution happen before or after the release of the paper edition? What happens if Amazon expands its already considerable power, through the growth of print on demand?
Here is just part of a chart that the Book Industry Study Group has prepared. Click on the image for a better view. Download the related PDF here.
July 1st, 2008 at 9:06 am
David, just a point of clarification. The information the BISG is providing is about book distribution, not book production. There is a world of difference between the two processes.
July 1st, 2008 at 10:01 am
Thanks, Richard. Actually the best way to put it would be “Book creation and distribution”—check out the part of the chart I omitted since I didn’t want to risk going beyond fair use. The chart’s real focus is on the use of identifiers, given all the various kinds of copyrighted content that can go into a book. Good to see you caring about the details. I encourage others to do the same—since the total value of the blog isn’t just in the posts, but also in comments like yours. I’m just frustrated that we lack forum software right now. Thanks. David