How Technology Is Reshaping The Publishing Industry
From the way books are written and produced to how they are read, heard and shared, technology has transformed publishing into a dynamic, multi-format ecosystem. In this overview, Piyush Kumar, Director, Prabhat Prakashan Pvt Ltd, examines the key technological shifts redefining the industry.
Change is the eternal law of the universe. This process of evolution is frequently observed in human behaviour, nature, inventions, education and lifestyles. However, over the past decade, change has been seen in the world of book publishing as well. Science has transformed the entire world. Modern gadgets have redefined our way of living and have also kept the publishing world in a state of flux.
The means of reading is no longer the same as it was ten or twenty years ago. Previously, readers used to read through physical books, used to spent hours in libraries with diary and pens, but today, the scenario has changed; hardly anyone is seen with physical books. With this change, publishing houses are also no longer limited to just printing books; instead, publishing work has emerged in various new forms. Today, technology has provided new heights to the following workflows across the world:
Rapid expansion of digital and e-books
The trend of e-books and digital platforms is growing rapidly across the globe. Kindle, Kobo and Google Books are among the major ones. In developed countries like America, China and Europe, young readers prefer reading on mobiles and tablets. Books are now in their pockets. With the help of the internet, they can read their favorite e-books wherever they want.
The golden age of audiobooks
Every field or subject experiences a golden age, a period during which it maintains its dominance and influence for many years. Audiobooks have undoubtedly reached this stage, establishing a lasting reputation as a popular and powerful medium. Platforms like Audible, Spotify and Storytel have completely captured the hearts of the youth. The necessity of staying in one place to read has ended; now, favourite content can be heard anywhere from the park to the gym, saving both time and energy.
The rise of self-publishing
Previously, authors used to yearn to get their books published; now, self-publishing has reduced that longing. Authors can upload their books directly to self-publishing platforms like Amazon KDP and Ingram Spark. This allows them to interact directly with readers. The biggest advantage is that if the content is effective, such authors achieve millions in sales and gain global recognition. The best example of this is the novel Wattpad written by Anna Todd. This novel became so famous online that it was later not only published in book form but also turned into a Hollywood film.
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI has established its dominance across the world today. In such a scenario, how could the publishing industry remain untouched? Today, AI provides many facilities to the publishing industry. These include translation, content editing, cover designing and marketing analysis.
Focus on local languages and translation
Today, literature in various languages has carved out a niche for itself across the world with interesting content. Therefore, the publishing world is emphasizing translation and regional languages. This is why books related to good subjects and informative content in various local languages and translations are being seen frequently. Local language publishing in Asia and Africa appears to be becoming a major market for the future.
Social media influencers
Various mediums like YouTube, Instagram, X (Twitter), Snapchat and Pinterest have changed the way books are promoted and then presented. Now, a book or piece of content that goes viral on these social media platforms becomes famous worldwide, giving the author a new identity.
Eco-friendly publishing
New technologies are being adopted to maintain balance in the global environment so that environment and humanity can become friends to each other. For this, environment friendly paper, limited print runs and models like Print-on-Demand are being encouraged. This will not only maintain environmental balance but also prevent paper from getting waste.
It is also true that printed books will never become extinct. Yes, new technologies will continue to be integrated with them. This will create a balance between both print and digital platforms. Innovation will be seen in the field of books. It is just like how old fashion returns in a new avatar and becomes the heartbeat of the youth. Similarly, physical books will continue to be the heartbeat of the youth as it will always remind them of the old times.