The State of Sourcing

From releasing a new Kindle application for Android devices to allowing customers to exchange textbooks for a gift card or announcing Facebook and Twitter support in Kindles – the past few days have been quite eventful for Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN). While these new developments reflect the inherent dynamism in the book distribution market, the possible launch of Google Editions or DangDang.com planning an IPO are indicative of the competition that the market is witnessing.

But of all the news items, what I found most interesting has been the announcement of AmazonCrossing. AmazonCrossing will use customer feedback and data from other Amazon sites to identify non-English best sellers. Once identified, Amazon will acquire and translate the book for consumption by the global English-speaking audience. The move leverages Amazon’s existing distribution networks that contain multiple channels, formats, stores and partnerships with independent book sellers.

Continue reading ‘Amazon translating into more business’ »

Indian writing in English in the trade category is becoming more accepted as also well-established, with acclaimed authors ranging from Naipaul, Rushdie, Vikram Seth to Jhumpa Lahiri and Kiran Desai. Indian English writing, if I may say, has arrived …! Apart from various other factors, the growing curiosity about different cultures and the stories of these characters has led to a growing readership… Imagining India undoubtedly interests…

However, this acclaim, honor as well as the moolah has eluded children’s writers in India – Are there fewer authors/publishers focused on publishing for children? Or is there a dearth of larger readership, or even a complete lack of understanding of the global market? With shrinking borders across nations and increasing globalization, there is growing curiosity regarding other cultures. I wonder why the Indian publishing industry does not consider children’s books as a viable opportunity for the domestic market as well as for exports. What about fresh stories in the contemporary Indian backdrop? Instead of repackaged old fables and traditional tales. Selling aggressively within your own market and some other can open up possibilities for collaboration in various ways. Translating work from other countries, getting your work translated to adapt and reach out… there can be limitless opportunities to learn and grow… profits ultimately! And in the bargain, it’s not just the publishers, but children the world over that stand to gain…

Continue reading ‘Children’s books – An ignored area?’ »