I recently read an article that suggested two important questions to ask as we venture into the new world of publishing. “How does digital affect books?” or, “What does digital mean for the core ethos of publishing?” As a Great Commission publisher, the answer has to begin with the potential impact a book can have on a reader. I recently saw a Bible study on an iPad that included not only the book’s content but video, interactivity, and just about everything a reader could imagine wanting. As for me, I’m delighted to be reading on our Nook, touch a word and have instant access to a dictionary definition without having to break from reading my story.
But the question I believe is most important for New Hope Publishers in this digital age is, What can we do with the content that will bring the greatest spiritual value for the reader? If we answer this one question then it will of necessity include the issues of interactivity, community, entertainment, and accessibility.
I read several bloggers who are leading voices in the digital age of publishing. Some recent comments have been regarding the devaluing of book content. For instance, I shared the pain of one blogger to think a book that our authors, editors, and marketers have invested their hearts and time in would be delivered to a reader via pdf format. I agree with the blogger that this is cheating the reader as well as everyone involved in the creation of the content.
I also agree with another blogger who recognized the paradox that readers are expecting to pay less and less for content while they are willing to invest hundreds of dollars in the platform on which they read a book. His question and mine are, Do you think readers have any concept of what it takes to develop a good book?
So today let’s begin a discussion. This particular post is asking, Where do book ideas come from? How did you get the idea of a book you wrote? What happened in your life that caused you to want to write a book? Is this where a book begins?
I look forward to hearing from you.
