E-books and the Australian Publishing Industry

Abstract

It's a widely held opinion that the printed book is a dying species. Journalist Hugh Rimmington, when guest hosting 'The 7pm Project', jocularly asked the author of a new book of horror stories why on earth he took the trouble to write and promote his printed book with Kindle and e-books taking over the world. Digital books are already here and have been with us for some time. They have replaced print versions completely in some areas of publishing. Those parts of publishing are largely invisible to general readers, whose view of publishing is framed by the books available through retail outlets, but have contributed significantly to the overall profitability and success of the Australian publishing industry has hived off its digital segments into separate companies as print has ceased to be the most common delivery mechanism. For example, Thomson sold off education to concentrate on its professional and news companies; and Reed Elsevier, the giant of science publishing, long ago dropped its trade companies, and it sold off its education arm to Pearson in 2007.