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What Would Happen if Amazon Ruled Publishing?

theatlantic.com

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Re: What Would Happen if Amazon Ruled Publishing?

#11
post #8

What are the services that publishers provide that we really value? ... Is it thoughtful editing and careful editing? Maybe, but many people accustomed to reading lightly-edited posts on the web may think that this sort of production is overvalued. This gives me an idea: use the readers as editors. For every mistake found, offer $0.X rebate off their next book by the author.

This is an interesting idea, but many people don't realize that editing a book is more than just "finding mistakes." That's a proof reader's job. A good developmental editor helps shape a book from the ground up, and can make a significant impact on the final product.

(Disclaimer: I edit books for a living.)

Re: What Would Happen if Amazon Ruled Publishing?

#12

If Amazon consolidates its power in the publishing industry, what would become of a book criticizing Amazon? It would be published as a simple PDF or mobile-friendly ebook format on the open web. Or, you know, just blogged. Or sold as an app on iOS and Android. Or sold by Pragmatic Publishers, or O'Reilly, or any of the other similar small publishers that will soon be all over the landscape, particularly in the all-e…

Or sold on Amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/Inside-Giant-Machine-Amazon-com-Story/...

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