We all know Borders filed bankruptcy and they're closing at least 200 stores (link below). Some folks believe it's nothing to get worked up about, that it's just one more hurdle for authors and that we need to be even more creative when it comes to avenues of distribution and stay positive - that the industry will bounce back if we're patient. Others think it's major because these are some of Borders top stores, yet they're still not making enough money to stay open. What does that mean when it comes to readers who seek convenient options as far as walking into a store and putting their hands on a book, vs. Amazon, etc., even though some bought fewer books due to the recession, or ordered e-books as a newfound prefrence? Also, what does it mean for us as authors when it comes to selling enough books to make money? Last time I checked, as much as we love writing, we're in it to make a living.What are your feelings? How does this news about Borders impact publishing overall, and how does it effect you as an author? Are you concerned?
Things that make ya go, hmmmmmm!
Write on!
Link - Borders Closings
3 comments:
I'm new in the business, and this is one of the reasons I decided to go electronic right out of the gate. On the traditional side, it was getting harder and harder to get a contract, and the industry predictions were dire. On the electronic side, everything is on the upswing.
As a book lover from way back, seeing bookstores close down makes me sad, but it's the future moving in on us. We, as authors, have to change along with it.
One of the borders stores taht is closing is where my writing group meets and where I regularly buy books and magazines, so in that sense it's going to be a definite personal impact.
Yes, I'm concerned. It's becoming harder to stay optimistic when the publishing landscape appears to be disintegrating before your eyes. Not that it doesn't deserve to disintegrate: the current model is outmoded, wasteful and horrendously exploitative of the people who provide the product, the writers.
I read somewhere that pundits are predicting the resurgence of independent bookstores as the megastores go out of business. I'd love to see that happen but I'm not placing any bets.
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