It's only a few hours after the face and we all probably know that Jeff Bezos (CEO of Amazon) bought
The Washington Post for 250 million. Publishers Weekly weighed in on how Bezos might use the post to benefit and Amazon--and, by extension--book sales. I was personally most interested in their take on how their book review policies might change--or not.
Here's the PW take on it: "…
Amazon has become more aggressive about buying content and the creation of a
relationship between Post columnists
and reporters with Amazon Publishing is one possible move as is using the
archives of the Post to
create new print and digital offerings. (The Post
already has a deal with Diversion Books for e-book originals). Bundling content
exclusively for sale through Amazon is considered another possibility. Like
most all newspapers, the Post
drastically reduced its book review coverage several years ago, but upping the
number of reviews is not seen as a priority."
The last part is discouraging, but I wouldn't bet on it. Further, I think that review policy may
be made more egalitarian—that is they may be more inclusive of releases from
indie publishers and individual authors.
What do you think?
-----Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of This Is the Place; Harkening: A Collection of Stories Remembered; Tracings, a chapbook of poetry; and how to books for writers including the award-winning second edition of, The Frugal Book Promoter: How to get nearly free publicity on your own or by partnering with your publisher; The Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success; and Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers . The Great First Impression Book Proposal is her newest booklet for writers. She has three FRUGAL books for retailers including A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques. Some of her other blogs are TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com, a blog where authors can recycle their favorite reviews. She also blogs at all things editing, grammar, formatting and more at The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor .
I suppose we shall see. I'm just glad Bezos bought it and not Murdoch or the Koch Brothers. :)
ReplyDeleteAmazon has enabled thousands of indie authors, me included, to self-publish when the traditional publishing companies wouldn't look at us. I don't claim to have a crystal ball, but after following Amazon since its beginning, I tend to agree with you that we may expect beneficial changes at WaPo.
ReplyDeleteI agree, L. W. I remember when people said that radio was dead. Because TV was so amazing. It took visionaries to understand the possibilities. And, Holly! Yes. We need diversity in the media. The US does have some laws to help keep monopolies from discouraging competition, but it doesn't seem as if they are exercised enough--especially when it comes to our free press. And Carol, I do indeed hope that Bezos continues to use his power and money to better the publishing industry and the media. It seems he must if he's investing his own money in it.
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