MacMillan goes Digital
Susan Wyndham’s Undercover blog tells us that Macmillan down under is launching its digital publishing program:
Including authors such as Matthew Reilly, Di Morrissey, Helen Garner and Andy Griffiths, Macmillan has about 400 books from its backlist in three ebook formats - Adobe eReader, Microsoft Reader and Mobipocket - and an online version.
Just as a test, I went to the Macmillan online bookstore. Here’s some thoughts. The range is small, but there were a few titles that I would be happy to buy. But the value equation is still not there - an electronic version of The Book Thief is listed at $18.14 - for $19.95 (inc GST) I found a paperback edition of the same book at a bricks and mortar shop. Like I said, for e to be convincing, it has to be better than p. And,for most of us, better means cheaper.
Update: I’ve just come across a press release (pdf link) from Dymocks which suggests that Dymocks has a 6 month excllusive on Macmillan digital titles (and numbers those titles at 750). Which is a little confusing seeing as it appeared that I could buy directly from the MacMillan online store (although I didn’t actually purchase anything, so it may not be possible). Instinctively, I’m not a big fan of exclusive distribution deals - but if that’s what it takes for Australian publishers to embrace ebooks, then so be it…
I started a blog yesterday and discovered today that you have one with essentially the same name! Sorry about that…I’ll be sure to post a link to yours.
I’m looking forward to reading your book. Please check out thebookisdead.ning.com and see the discussion there.
I’m a freelance writer and author and I couldn’t agree with you more about this being a time of transition. I’m trying to create a “value-added” format for books, using new media to add that value. Price will always be important, of course, but I’m thinking about “books” that give the reader a lot more for his/her money.
Before I go — is there a reason you’re not using RSS? I’d like to subscribe to your blog, but I don’t see the feedmarker.
Cheers,
Osha
Hi Osha
The feed can be found at :
feed://shermanfyoung.wordpress.com/feed/
I’ll be sure to check out your blog
Cheers
Sherman
Downloaded and read chapt. 1 of your book. Liked it so much I immediately pre-ordered it from Amazon. Hope it arrives soon.
Cheers,
Osha
Hey Osha
Thanks for that. Hope you enjoy the rest of the book too
Cheers
Sherman