Literary Publishing in the Twenty-First Century
Gutenberg’s invention of movable type in the fifteenth century introduced an era of mass communication that permanently altered the structure of society. While publishing has been buffeted by persistent upheaval and transformation ever since, the current combination of technological developments, market pressures, and changing reading habits has led to an unprecedented paradigm shift in the world of books.
Bringing together a wide range of perspectives—industry veterans and provocateurs, writers, editors, and digital mavericks—this invaluable collection reflects on the current situation of literary publishing, and provides a road map for the shifting geography of its future: How do editors and publishers adapt to this rapidly changing world? How are vibrant public communities in the Digital Age created and engaged? How can an industry traditionally dominated by white men become more diverse and inclusive? Mindful of the stakes of the ongoing transformation, Literary Publishing in the Twenty-First Century goes beyond the usual discussion of ’print vs. digital’ to uncover the complex, contradictory, and increasingly vibrant personalities that will define the future of the book.
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Praise and Prizes
“Literary Publishing in the Twenty-First Century is edited by three literary figures I trust. Another plus: they name Pushcart Press founder Bill Henderson’s 1980 The Art of Literary Publishing as a model. Yet another plus: essays by Jessa Crispin, Sven Birkerts, Erin Belieu, Richard Nash, Jane Friedman, and Emily Louise Smith, to name a few. Keeper.”
“Any reader or writer who needs to know about the present and future of literature in our time should consult this collection. It is opinionated, lively, and instructive.”
“This series of essays from some of the biggest and brightest names in the industry is like a portable MA in publishing. . . . Essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the nuances of publishing in the modern era.”
“A primer on big and small presses, literary magazines and all things digital, diversity, and economics, with contributions from many of the lit world’s best and brightest, Literary Publishing in the Twenty-First Century is a lively, timely, and indispensable guide to navigating the current exciting and rough waters of literary publishing.”
“An impressive roster of contributors makes this anthology on the future of publishing a must-read for anyone in the industry. Familiar issues—the dominance of Amazon, the lack of diversity, the role of university presses—are explored in essays that are accessible to lay readers, while offering valuable new insights for insiders.”