Technology Continues to Bring Debates

With the increasing popularity of e-books, publishing houses are being forced to adapt to keep up, and discuss issues in the publishing world that have not been debated until now.

And, of course, the question is not simply whether to make digital copies of books available, but how to handle their releases in relation to paper and ink copies (particularly hardcover).

In this recent article by The New York Times, Mikoto Rich and Brad Stone say:

No topic is more hotly debated in book circles at the moment than the timing, pricing and ultimate impact of e-books on the financial health of publishers and retailers. Publishers are grappling with e-book release dates partly because they are trying to understand how digital editions affect demand for hardcover books. A hardcover typically sells for anywhere from $25 to $35, while the most common price for an e-book has quickly become $9.99.

Of course, price isn't the only factor in the apprehension of publishers to set release dates for their digital publications. "Leaks" are an issue, as well. The article goes on to say:

Ms. [Susanne] Herz said that Doubleday was primarily worried about the security of Mr. [Dan] Brown’s book, [The Lost Symbol,] which is being kept under a strict embargo until the Sept. 15 publication date. But she acknowledged that the e-book’s possible effect on hardcover sales was also an issue, among others.

This is a key transitional time for the publishing industry, and the decisions that publishers make now will have lasting effects.

So what do you think? How should publishing houses handle the release of digital books in relation to their paper and ink cousins?