Digital Trend Report: What’s New in Digital Publishing & at Parragon
Every so often, it’s good to take a look at where things are going in the publishing industry – and where things are headed at your own company! In the purple halls of Parragon (some of our halls are actually purple), in trade press, and at every major publishing event, digital media often takes center stage.
So what’s new in digital? Let’s take a look at a few of the key areas of interest – and what Parragon has been up to in those areas.
1. While the effect on sales of enhanced ebook features such as video and additional interactivity are still not conclusive, digital retailers across the board have reported that their top selling children’s titles all include read-along audio.
2. Consumers are upset and confused over ebook pricing because they – rightly – don’t understand why an ebook may cost them almost as much as an original hardcover print book.
3. Also at London Book Fair, publishers were urged to look to markets outside of the US and the UK for ebook sales and growth.
4. On a related note, Publisher’s Weekly reported last year that books in Germany were 1% of total ebook sales in 2011, but the launch of the Amazon Kindle, Google Editions, and the iBookstore in Germany in mid-2011 has caused a significant increase in attention. The expectation is for ebook sales in Germany to reach 15% of total sales by 2015.
“What is Parragon’s response to these trends?” you may be asking yourself as you read these statistics. Don’t worry – I’m going to tell you!
1. We’ve recorded over 30 audio tracks for our children’s picture books to create enhanced books with read-along audio – early feedback has been great! We want all of our children’s ebooks in the future to contain audio, as it is one of the advantages of the format.
2. Our digital content, just like our print content, is priced at great value for consumers. We’ve always felt confident that our value far outweighs our pricing, and we remain so in the digital area. Affordable books are what we’re all about!
3. Our books go wherever we can sell them! Currently, our books are available throughout the US, UK, Europe, and Australia through the iBookstore and will be available in every country that Kobo reaches. We’re also prepared for Nook launches outside of North America.
4. Our first four translated titles are available in the German iBookstore now! Farmer Fred is available in German as Bauer Bolle! Check out his adventures here.
As a company, Parragon is committed to our content. We want as many people as possible to enjoy our recipes, our children’s stories and rhymes, our crafts and stationery, and our reference materials – in the way you want to enjoy them. We’re not going to stop making print books, but we’ll continue making ebooks, apps, and more – as long as they provide the best experience for our content, and for you!