L. McMaken
12-16-11
Cincinnati, OH

Digital Book World has published at document that was apparently sent to them by Hachette Publishing commenting on the relevancy of publishers and why they are needed. Quoting from a section it reads: “Publishing requires a complex series of engagements, both behind the scenes and public facing. Digital distribution (self-publishing) is just one of the components of bringing a book to market and helping the public take notice of it.”

In a rebuttal to this, author J.A. Konrath whose self-pubbed books have sold more than a million eCopies wrote to the publishers in a Digital World post: “Publishers should stop trying to convince themselves and others that they’re relevant, and start actually being relevant. Here’s how: 1. Offer much better royalties to authors. 2. Release titles faster. It can take 18 months after a book is turned in to be published. I can do it myself in a week. 3. Use up-to-date accounting methods that are trackable by the author, and pay royalties monthly. 4. Lower e-book prices. 5. Stop futilely fighting piracy. 6. Start marketing effectively. Ads and catalogue copy aren’t enough. Neither is your imprint’s Twitter feed.”

There hasn’t as yet, been a response to Mr. Konrath’s comments.