This morning BISG presented two studies prepared by Bowker’s PubTrack on ereading habits with markedly different objectives and conclusions. “The most important thing want want you to walk away from is to consider who your consumer is,” said Bowker’s Kelly Gallagher. “We’re looking at two completely different sides of the spectrum.” The newest iteration of its survey on Consumer Attitudes Toward eBook Reading pinpointed (once more) the core ebook buyer: a 44-year-old female with a median household income of $77K who reads and buys romance novels above all else to read on a dedicated device. 18 percent of respondents buy […]
Archives for May 2011
Current Developments in the Spanish-Language Digital Market
At the “Why eBooks in Spanish in the US and How to Make them Available to Readers” panel this morning, CEO Arantza Larrauri announced that Libranda, Spain’s major ebook distribution platform, will be launching in Latin America next week, starting with Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia, with plans to expand to other countries by the end of the year. To begin with they will partner with local affiliates of the big houses that back Libranda – Planeta, Santillana and Random House Mondadori – but they are in negotiations to partner with local houses in each country as well. At launch they […]
People: Grann to Retire; Hannigan Salky Getzler Agency Opens; and More
After more than 40 years in publishing, and more than 10 years with Doubleday, editor-at-large Phyllis Grann will retire from the company on June 9. “Phyllis is among the towering figures who have shaped book publishing,” said Knopf chairman Sonny Mehta in a statement. “We know her as a brilliant editor and savvy businesswoman, but more important, in my view, is the role she has played as a confidant and mentor to many in our industry. I certainly have learned a great deal from her.” Grann says, “as much as I have enjoyed the work, I now feel it is time […]
Bookspan Owner Najafi Buys French DirectGroup Book Clubs, and More
Phoenix-based investment firm Najafi Companies, which bought the ailing North American Direct Group assets (including book club giant Bookspan, along with Columbia House) from Bertelsmann in 2008, has gone back for a second helping. Najafi is also buying DirectGroup France, Belgium, Switzerland and Quebec. Called “a billion-dollar, top-line” business, terms were not disclosed for the deal, expected to close by the end of May. Najafi will continue to operate the Paris-based unit separately, under current management, and intends to “invest significant capital into growing DirectGroup over the next several years, including strengthening its book club model, travel and financial services, […]
BEA Shorts: New Kobo Touchscreen Reader; New Twilight Graphic Novel for October
As Borders ceo Mike Edwards recently leaked in part, Monday morning at BEA the Kobo executive team announced their new ereader — a $129.99 model with an eInk Pearl screen—which raises the bar for tomorrow’s announced features and price point for Barnes & Noble’s expected touchscreen ereader. Kobo will have the new model on display starting tomorrow at their BEA booth, and visitors to Borders’ Columbus Square location can test it out between noon and 2 PM Tuesday. Kobo says the new model will ship in early June, though Borders’ release says it won’t ship until July. Kobo’s wi-fi model will […]
Buzz Reviews: Rin Tin Tin: The Life and the Legend, by Susan Orlean
Review by Edward Champion Susan Orlean’s work has long circled the eccentric cauldron bubbling above the dutiful fire of American life. Orlean’s journalistic gifts have led her to souls who socialize on Saturday nights, the intoxicating originality of misunderstood artists like The Shaggs, and the wayward passions of orchid collectors. Now Orlean has discovered another effervescent subject hiding in plain sight: a cultural canine with a remarkably resilient heritage. You don’t have to be a dog enthusiast or a couch potato to appreciate this hearty tale, for Rin Tin Tin’s ascent and duration coincides with several high points throughout the […]