Global Economic and Financial Crisis Impacts Book Publishing Industry
Book publishing is not recession proof, and publishers -- both big and small -- are grappling with how best to move forward during an unstable market and with dropping book sales. Many are laying off employees and restructuring their companies to stay afloat. As massive and unsettling as these changes may seem, it should come as a no surprise to anyone who’s been paying attention over the last few years. The trend began when large media corporations started acquiring publishing houses, and the publishing conglomerates gained control of many of the smaller houses in what became a massive merging of the industry. One of our publishers, a very established mid-size house and in business for more than 28 years, just closed their children's list when cautioned by the marketing team that kids books were slacking in sales. Another publisher, in the eleventh hour, decided to offer their authors a coop amendment to their agreement rather than face insolvency. But, until we see how this publisher (and any others who may opt for a coop publishing deal as a means of diverting insolvency), we will refrain from referring authors their way since paying to have one's book published compromises our very principles as a literary agency. AAA authors are serious writers who deserve nothing short of a royalty contract despite the poor economy.
BOOK EXPO 2011: May 24—May 26—Jacob Javits Center, New York
The 2011 convention was on a more relaxed schedule than last year's BEA, which was compressed into two days. The buzz was the explosion of the e-book, and for three days thousands of attendees wandered the exhibit halls while musing over the state of the industry where e-books have surpassed print sales on some new releases. Eliciting the most chatter was Amazon's announcement about publishing general-interest titles. Amazon recently acquired a book by thriller writer Barry Eisler, who earlier this year announced his decision to abandon a six-figure contract with his publisher out of dissatisfaction with the traditional book industry. But Susan Petersen Kennedy, President of Penguin Group USA, responded that there's a tendency to think the other guy's piece of the pie is so much easier, and you can just jump in and do it. "It's good for Amazon to go into publishing," said Susan. "Maybe they'll develop some respect for how hard it is. Come on in, try it. Go ahead. It's not so easy.”
Anxiety over digital publishing was tempered by the fact that while e-book sales are big in fiction (genre fiction like romance, mysteries and thrillers), they have barely registered in children's books, reference books and many nonfiction categories. Publishers believe the spread of e-books can actually make the whole publishing pie bigger. ““People with e-readers buy more books,”” said Markus Dohle, Chairman / Chief Executive of Random House. “That's an opportunity.”
Two industry groups released the long-awaited preliminary findings from a survey measuring the size and scope of the book business. The analysis showed growth in both revenues and units sold for publishers of all sizes, despite declines in both hardcover and paperback sales. Dominique Raccah, Publisher of Sourcebooks, said their sales are already up more than 20% so far this year. “The industry is beginning to figure it out,” Ms. Raccah said. “The book industry is actually growing, and it looks like the majority of book publishers are experiencing growth in this environment.”
The 9th Annual Self Employment in the Arts (SEA) Conference, February 27th and 28th, 2009, Hilton Hotel, Lisle, IL.
More than 20 different speakers from all areas of art – visual, performing (theater, music, dance, acting), literary, and media presented. The speakers were listed by area of interest - visual, literary, media, and performing. Representing AAA Books Unlimited was Nancy Rosenfeld..
Nancy Rosenfeld, Literary Agent & Author
Session – Literary Field (Friday ONLY)
Nancy will discuss how she entered the literary field, first as author then agent. She also plans to talk about the role of a literary agent, the day-to-day operations; and some of the intricacies of working with authors, editors, and publishers..
AAA Author, DOROTHY MEITA ROTH:
We are saddened to report that AAA author, Dorothy Meita Roth, died suddenly May 30, 2006 as the result of a medical error. Her book, LOVE SAFARI: from Cape Town to New York (from illusion too reality), represents Dorothy's legacy and we were close to contract at the time of her death. Ms. Roth had just been speaking with her two daughters about three more books to follow Love Safari, when the injection she had just received for a broken arm instantly ended her life. Dorothy Roth was a pillar of the community in Allentown, Pennsylvania. http://dorothyroth.com/
ERIC COGSWELL BIPOLAR DISORDER MEMORIAL CONFERENCE—May 5, 2006; Portsmouth, NH:
Nancy Rosenfeld delivered Keynote Address, 6th Annual Eric Cogswell Bipolar Disorder Memorial Conference, Portsmouth, NHH
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER (Saturday, July 17, 2004)
Chicago, “the Windy City,” defied all odds as everyone gathered Saturday evening under clear skies, balmy 70-degree weather, and no bugs in celebration of AAA’s summer gala. Getting to Chicago was another story! Friday afternoon, as the marquee was going up in the garden and tables were being set for 85 guests, stranded travelers began phoning. Chicago’s airports had shut down due to a severe thunderstorm watch. For AAA’s hostess Nancy Rosenfeld, it was instant panic since most guests were arriving by air. Nevertheless, everyone safely made it despite flight delays up to seven hours and one case of lost luggage..
Most creative traveler: Glenn Campbell, author, NAKED VEGAS: A Totally Cynical Guide to Sin City), who drove to Los Angeles to connect with a flight to Chicago after finding nothing available that originated from Vegas.
Heartwarming reunion: Chuck and Bobby Carroll.. With the help of a private investigator,, Chuck Carroll (author, Hard Candy: Nobody Flies Over the Cuckoo’s Nest) located his brother in New Jersey, where he flew from his home in California in time to escort Bobby to Chicago for the party..
Roasting the Host:
- Brook Noel, President / CEO; Champion Press, Ltd.
- Jan Fawcett, MD, Author; Bernard Golden, PhD, Author; Michael Steinberg, Lit. Agent; Bob LaZebnik, brother of Jack
Readings:
- Shyam Amladi: “Why Me?” And further observations of the confused American Male
- Glenn Campbell:: NAKED VEGAS: A totally cynical guide to Sin City
- Joe Gumm: Due Dads: a comical guide to assisting your spouse with a natural birth
- Bill Melms: How to Stay Afloat Wearing Army Boots
Photo Gallery, click here: click here to view photographs
