Book Geek Wednesday: The End of Publishing?

As an author, I make it my job to pay attention to what’s happening in the publishing industry. The last several years has seen a plethora of drama: massive layoffs and imprint closes due to the failing economy, the theory that electronic publishing will forever ruin traditional publishing, Amazon vs. McMillan, ebook price wars, Authors vs Google and the list goes on and on. There’s been alot of anger over the effect the big business wars have had on the poor authors affected- but even more on the readers who seem all but forgotten.

But fear not. It hasn’t been all bad news. There were a few glimmers of light amidst this publishing darkness. For one, Harry Potter and Twilight created an opening for teens and adults to enjoy the same books, the YA genre grew up, giving readers material that was both moody and mature and fitting for those who enjoyed a litle less bubblegum in their books, and the one thing I’m excited about was St Martin’s Press recognizing the gap in the market of readers known as Generation Y, or New Adult, “emerging adults who are navigating career, love and family in a 24/7 connected world.”

As an avid YA fan and crossover reader, I’m thrilled to see the burgeoning future of the genre and the promise of many more great stories told, no matter the format. Which is why I thoroughly enjoyed this viral video. Watch it straight through.  The message is brilliant.

Listen up publishers- because we’re listening, we’re watching, we’re buying and yes- we care.