Publishing industry needs a mechanism for co-existence of printed & e-books
Updated: Dec 03, 2014 04:11:46pm
New Delhi, Dec 3 (KNN) The Indian publishing industry needs to provide the choice of printed books and e-books to its readers to reach out to wider readership, said Author, MP – Rajya Sabha and Cultural Adviser to the Chief Minister of Bihar, Pavan K Varma.
“A mechanism should be formulated where printed books and e-books could co-exist to serve readers cross all genres, Varma suggested at the ‘PubliCon 2014: Publishing Across Platforms’ conference organized by FICCI here today.
While the digital format of books is becoming popular amongst youngsters, people who belonged to the era of printed books prefer hardbound and the older generation finds it more fulfilling to read a printed book rather than on kindle, he said.
However, he pointed out that refusing technology will only get these readers marginalized. He suggested that one should adopt or reject a change only based on rationality. E-books are proving to be a rational change as they have trouble-free accessibility, easier storage and lesser cost as compared to the traditional form of books.
Although the number of books digitally processed today is small and the revenue model still shows the printed books on top, the situation is bound to change, he said. With development in technology, more authors and readers are now switching to the digital format as it makes the product globally available.
Also speaking on the occasion, Author and Secretary, Department of Land Resources, Vandana Kumari Jena observed that the profile of both authors and readers has changed drastically over the years, and the young generation has taken to digital publishing quite positively. Numerous bookstores have closed over the past few years, which show the growing impact of digital publishing. However, in India it will take time to replace the hardbound books completely with digital books on kindle, I-pad and nook as the country still has a fair majority who love the look and feel of a printed book.
Underlining some of the advantages of e-book, Jena said that fonts of digital content can be resized according to a person’s comfort level. For instance, if a person is visually impaired then s/he could easily increase the font to make the text readable. No additional lighting is needed to read digital books as the electronic devices have inbuilt illumination.
Digital publishing, according to her has even opened doors for self-publishers who were looked down upon earlier. However, the emerging e-books also have some challenges such as fear of plagiarism and piracy, which may deter authors to use the medium.
On the other hand, Chairperson, FICCI Publishing Committee and Director, Zubaan, Urvashi Butalia said that the scope of publishing has grown by leaps and bound. Electronic gadgets such as cellphones, laptops, tablets and I-pads have come to the fore as new platforms for information dissemination and books have also found a place.
She said that digital publishing has also brought new models of book distribution and new platforms to read and interact with the book. Digital has enabled the creative industries, publishing services, technological innovations and the internet revolution, to become an integral part of the publishing process. Further, existence of numerous publishing apps clearly indicates that publishing is increasingly moving towards a mobile platform.
On the role of publishers, Co-chair, FICCI Publishing Committee and Adviser, Reed Elsevier India Pvt. Ltd, Rohit Kumar said that a publisher is responsible to take the thoughts of authors to the world and evolving technology and digitization has emerged as a potent tool in this regard. In the fast changing world of book publishing, the onus is on a publisher now to adopt and adapt to the demands of both the authors and readers.
Offering his comments, Founder and CEO, Green Gold Animation Pvt. Ltd. (Creator of Chhota Bheem), Rajiv Chilaka said that in the publishing industry content rules and one must embrace the technological changes to sustain and survive in the long run.
He said that digital publishing has emerged as one of the best options for small publishers who want to enter the market as it involves lower start-up cost. Besides, the content never goes out of stock and is available globally with just a click of a button. Also, digital books have easier access as they can be downloaded or purchased from the confines of one’s home and additional costs such as shipping is not associated with it as in case of printed books. (KNN/ES)
“A mechanism should be formulated where printed books and e-books could co-exist to serve readers cross all genres, Varma suggested at the ‘PubliCon 2014: Publishing Across Platforms’ conference organized by FICCI here today.
While the digital format of books is becoming popular amongst youngsters, people who belonged to the era of printed books prefer hardbound and the older generation finds it more fulfilling to read a printed book rather than on kindle, he said.
However, he pointed out that refusing technology will only get these readers marginalized. He suggested that one should adopt or reject a change only based on rationality. E-books are proving to be a rational change as they have trouble-free accessibility, easier storage and lesser cost as compared to the traditional form of books.
Although the number of books digitally processed today is small and the revenue model still shows the printed books on top, the situation is bound to change, he said. With development in technology, more authors and readers are now switching to the digital format as it makes the product globally available.
Also speaking on the occasion, Author and Secretary, Department of Land Resources, Vandana Kumari Jena observed that the profile of both authors and readers has changed drastically over the years, and the young generation has taken to digital publishing quite positively. Numerous bookstores have closed over the past few years, which show the growing impact of digital publishing. However, in India it will take time to replace the hardbound books completely with digital books on kindle, I-pad and nook as the country still has a fair majority who love the look and feel of a printed book.
Underlining some of the advantages of e-book, Jena said that fonts of digital content can be resized according to a person’s comfort level. For instance, if a person is visually impaired then s/he could easily increase the font to make the text readable. No additional lighting is needed to read digital books as the electronic devices have inbuilt illumination.
Digital publishing, according to her has even opened doors for self-publishers who were looked down upon earlier. However, the emerging e-books also have some challenges such as fear of plagiarism and piracy, which may deter authors to use the medium.
On the other hand, Chairperson, FICCI Publishing Committee and Director, Zubaan, Urvashi Butalia said that the scope of publishing has grown by leaps and bound. Electronic gadgets such as cellphones, laptops, tablets and I-pads have come to the fore as new platforms for information dissemination and books have also found a place.
She said that digital publishing has also brought new models of book distribution and new platforms to read and interact with the book. Digital has enabled the creative industries, publishing services, technological innovations and the internet revolution, to become an integral part of the publishing process. Further, existence of numerous publishing apps clearly indicates that publishing is increasingly moving towards a mobile platform.
On the role of publishers, Co-chair, FICCI Publishing Committee and Adviser, Reed Elsevier India Pvt. Ltd, Rohit Kumar said that a publisher is responsible to take the thoughts of authors to the world and evolving technology and digitization has emerged as a potent tool in this regard. In the fast changing world of book publishing, the onus is on a publisher now to adopt and adapt to the demands of both the authors and readers.
Offering his comments, Founder and CEO, Green Gold Animation Pvt. Ltd. (Creator of Chhota Bheem), Rajiv Chilaka said that in the publishing industry content rules and one must embrace the technological changes to sustain and survive in the long run.
He said that digital publishing has emerged as one of the best options for small publishers who want to enter the market as it involves lower start-up cost. Besides, the content never goes out of stock and is available globally with just a click of a button. Also, digital books have easier access as they can be downloaded or purchased from the confines of one’s home and additional costs such as shipping is not associated with it as in case of printed books. (KNN/ES)
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