Yet Another Google Print Lawsuit

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It was a busy news day for the publishing world. Just weeks after the Authors Guild filed a lawsuit against the Google Print Library Project, the Association of American Publishers has now filed suit as well. The source of problem is that this project is opt-out, not opt-in. The Google Print Library Project aims to scan millions of books from major universities to make them searchable, but not entirely readable, on the internet. Publishers have the right to opt out by November 1st.

It’s important to note that the library project is a variation of the voluntary Google Print program, in which publishers can choose to make their books available for scanning and search online. To see how Google Print works, go to print.google.com, and enter my name (Patrice-Anne Rutledge). You’ll find my book Special Edition Using Microsoft Powerpoint 2002, which my publisher made available for limited search.

Here are some links to news stories on this important issue:

Opinions on all this? Does a program like Google Print help authors to find an audience for their books and drive sales? Is an opt-out program an infrigement of copyright law and fair use? Feel free to comment.

October 23, 2005 | Filed Under Google | Leave a Comment 

2005 Frankfurt Book Fair Starts Today

Today is the first day of the Frankfurt Book Fair, which runs through October 23rd. One of the largest book fairs in the world, this year’s fair will present more than 350,000 books from 100 countries. If you write books, or want to write books, check out the fair’s website for the latest news on the book publishing industry. Some interesting news so far:

October 19, 2005 | Filed Under Uncategorized | Leave a Comment 

Are You Writing a Blook?

A blook is essentially a book based on a blog or website. It can be an online book serialized on a blog such as the murder mystery Hackoff.com or a print book derived from blog content (see Wikipedia for a more detailed explanation on blooks). The difference between a blook and any other book that has a companion blog or website (such as my book, The Web-Savvy Writer) is that with a blook the blog generates the original content and the print book follows later.

Print-on-demand publisher Lulu just announced that it’s sponsoring the 2006 Lulu Blooker Prize for the best blooks of the year, which has generated varied opinions on the merits of blooks and even some controversy on the definition of a blook itself. (And yes, Lulu also publishes a blook blog that covers the latest contest happenings.)

Do you think blooks are the wave of the future or just a gimmick? Feel free to post your comments.

October 18, 2005 | Filed Under Blogging | Leave a Comment 

What a Writer’s Website Can Do For Your Career

The web is where you want to be if you’re serious about promoting your books in the 21st century. More than one billion people worldwide use the Internet and over 200 million of them have bought a book online. From basic techniques such as author websites to emerging technologies like podcasting, RSS, videoblogging, and web multimedia, there’s a way to attract attention and publicity for your book online.

Here are some examples of what a writer’s website can do:

My own website has opened doors to a number of writing projects that I never would have found on my own. Here’s a sampling of opportunities I’ve been offered by editors, clients, and others who found me through my website, mostly by way of search engines, listings, or other sites linking to mine:

So get into a marketing mindset and take a look at your site. Is it doing its job to market you and your book?

October 14, 2005 | Filed Under Author Websites | Leave a Comment 

Podcasting for Book Profits

Are you podcasting yet? Think of a podcast as an internet radio show on demand. By creating your own podcast on a topic related to your books, you can develop an audience that is interested in what you have to offer. In future blog postings, I’ll cover how podcasting can have a direct impact on your book sales. But for now, just explore the world of podcasting to get an idea of what’s already out there and what you can do to target your message to your audience. Some sites to check out:

October 10, 2005 | Filed Under Podcasting | Leave a Comment