Nelson Pioneers the Way in Key Aspect of New Era Publishing
By DianeOne of the key aspects of what I call “New Era Publishing” is to provide content in more than one format, so that the author’s message can be consumed in the ways the consumer chooses. “Your content on their terms” is how Paul Colligan puts it.
Publisher Thomas Nelson just announced a new program called NelsonFree, which “allows readers to receive content in multiple formats—physical book, audiobook and e-book—without making multiple purchases.” With NelsonFree, the price of the hardcover book includes both the audio download and the e-book, available in several formats, including EPub, MobiPocket and PDF.
Once readers purchase a book with the NelsonFree logo, they are directed to a Web site where they register and answer a security question. They then can download an audio MP3 file and choose the format of e-book.
Interestingly, Joel Miller, v-p and publisher, business and culture, said Nelson will not raise the price of hardcovers in the NelsonFree program. “I only see the price going up if a particular project has unique added expenses in producing the audio and digital books,” Miller said.
Nelson president and CEO Michael S. Hyatt said, “I believe that the industry is shifting and we, as publishers, need to explore new methods of getting our content into the hands of customers. NelsonFree will give readers a new level of value and flexibility. It will enhance their literary experience and allow greater employment of the content without breaking the bank.”
I applaud Nelson for being proactive here and leading the way. As an author’s advocate, I can’t help but wonder, do authors get any added royalties for the digital content? My guess is not, if the publisher is not charging extra.
On the other hand, making the content available in many formats should only boost sales and gain an author more exposure and reach. And isn’t that what we want as authors?
3 Comments
March 3rd, 2009 at 11:20 pm
Diane — you make a VERY perceptive comment here. My book, “Collapse of Distinction” is the first to be released under the NelsonFree banner. And, as you surmised, there are no additional royalties for the digital content, as all formats are included under the same sale.
However, and maybe it is coincidence, (as a pre-order at this point since the book doesn’t hit the shelves for another two weeks) “Collapse of Distinction” was the #1 seller on Amazon’s customer service list and was in the top 1000 books all day. Not remarkable for a well-known author, but pretty exciting for a relative unknown like me!
I believe you are exactly right that making content available in multiple formats will boost exposure…and sales! Thanks!
March 3rd, 2009 at 11:37 pm
Scott,
Very interesting how it’s affected pre-sales–how encouraging. I hope this makes your book hit the roof. Congrats on being a first! (But then, from viewing your site, you’re used to being a first.)
This is one of the reasons I believe now is the best time to be an author. We have unprecedented opportunities to reach more people, more ways, and actually build relationships with readers.
Your book sounds fascinating, by the way!
March 25th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
Thank you SO much, Diane. And, I could not agree more — we can reach more readers through more avenues — as well as (as you point out) develop interactive relationships through terrific blogs like yours. I’m grateful for the conversation…