|
Featured Sections · Advertise · Author Directory · Award Winners · Bestsellers · Book Blog · Book Excerpts · Book Giveaways · Book Resources · Book Reviews · Book Searches · Books to Film · Features · Future Releases · Publishing Industry · Subscribe Reading Sections Book Publishing News Children's Books Comics Fantasy/SF General Fiction Lifestyle Mystery Nonfiction Romance Site Information Advertise Feedback Linking to us Homepage RSS Feeds Subscribe |
What do you think about HarperCollins' recent purchase of Avon and William Morrow? What effect, if any, will the acquisition have on the publishing industry and/or on you, the reader?
Click here to retun to the Reader's Speak Out homepage. I only hope it makes great books even more accessible. HarperCollins is a great imprint and will no doubt do well by Avon and William Morrow. Teresa Roebuck Conway, AR, USA Fewer titles published at higher prices Greg Frazier Newton, MA, USA As a reader i think the merge will be a bonus, opening up other avenues. They could become more electronically based & reduce prices. Sponsor otherwise poor authors and give them a chance to show their works. the merge could also enhance availability of worldly diverse readings. Carla Cronin Sydney, Australia In my opinion, it's a case of eat or be eaten. Horace Morris Hyattsville, MD, U.S.A. The move will slow the publishing industry. They are slow enough now with payment and printing. usually the larger the cooperation the slower they operate. David Bivins Traverse City, MI, USA While, in general, I think that many of the consolidations within industry tend to give the consumer fewer choices, in this case it may be os some benefit. I still feel that these aquisitions are not best for the economy as a whole. Gene Allen Hurst, TX, USA I don't think any negative effects will come of this. In fact, I think the more publishers together, the better the reader has it. Heather Isbill Sacramento, CA, USA The more mergers, the less competition. Author rates go down while reader rates go up. Ron Gray Rowlett, TX, USA Mergers & Acquisitions = Less choice Sheryl Stout Antioch, CA, USA The number of publishers is shrinking drastically. I think this will make it more difficult for the 1st time novelist to get published. Joy Formy-Duval Southport, NC, USA In general, I do not eagerly anticipate corporate mergers. In the publishing area, the result of mergers is usually loss of editorial insight. On the other hand, mergers do tend to sustain quantity of publication and to some extent add to end-user price stabilization. Dennis Hart Marietta, SC, USA I always feel nervous about monopolies. It seems so much better for authors to have more smaller companies, than one or two big monster companies. SO impersonal! Marie Jones Carlsbad, CA, USA I don't have any particular thoughts on the purchase beyond that consolidation seems most likely to lead to fewer publishers in general, and fewer publishers to fewer published books. John Renning San Francisco, CA, USA Well, all things are merging. There is good and bad in every merger. In larger companies the small things that make people (readers) enjoy a publishing house could get lost. However, this could mean more authors. Pamela Silva Irving, Tx, USA I think that anything that reduces the number of publishers in the industry is a Bad Thing. And this constant conglomeration of large houses folding into megalithic publishing monsters positively gives me heartburn. Laurie Wanat Bordentown, NJ, US The purchase does not affect me. Purchasing and selling is a business fact in the publishing industry. My opinion as a reader doesn't matter one iota in the long run on this transaction. I do wish all parties involved the best in the future. Patricia Spork Tatum, TX, USA Every consolidation ultimately brings less choice to the market place and programs its product and releases for the brodest possible market. As writers we wioll have to explore farther for the niche publisher we need, and also take a more aggressive approach to selfmarketing. Dave Moore Powell, OH, usa I think having fewer publishing voices diminishes the chances of some writers from finding their niche. Even if the imprint names stay the same, there's still one mindset governing them. Jeffrey Boman Montreal, QC, Canada Mergers have created a greater chance for monopolies. I think publishing for the newer writer will become increasingly difficult and the variety of publications will come to a standstill. Cheryl Steenburn Oklahoma City, OK, USA I suppose it will mean fewer choices in the bookstore -- fewer new writers -- and a need to look for self-published and e-published books in order to find new stories and new storytellers. M.S. Fleischman Sedalia, MO, USA The acquisition diminishes the overall pool of publishing outlets. It may decrease the number of books accepted in each line or even decrease the marginal genres that are currently still being published by the Avon and Morrow groups. Sharon Price Bourbonnais, IL, USA I think this will mean less markets for writers to submit to. The larger the publisher, the less likely they'll experiment with newer authors. The ripple effect is I, the reader, will have less diverse reading material. Cindy Tebo Catawissa, Mo, USA It is frightening to see so much consolidation. I am hoping that there will be no impact on me as a reader. Karen Mayers San Mateo, CA, USA Perhaps in years to come Acquisitions will be referred to much as we currently refer to the (Spanish) Inquisition. This also gives new meaning to, "two heads are better than 1," as in heads a-rolling. Meanwhile we readers stand to lose in terms of multiplicities as the few gain in money and power...Well, 'publish and/or perish'--here comes the Acquisition! Marilee Smith Denver, CO, USA I don't really think that it will have that much effect from the readers' viewpoint. Cathy Gallagher Snoqualmie, WA, USA It will narrow choices Joanne Emery Mallala, SA, Australia I am sure it will have nothing but good benefits for me the reader. That is the way with book sales now. You can make more publicity with larger publishesrs for the little guy. candy Shannon Omaha, NE, USA I think the consolidation of these publishing houses will cut down on the number of books published. In my opinion, fewer titles, rather than fewer volumes produced can only mean fewer sales over time. Ann Newman Conway, AR, US It sucks. It will affect the industry by having fewer books published in an ever lessening market, & further accelerates the rush towards big business with a singular regard for bottom line, rather than good material that is made accessible for long periods of time. Lynn Adams Columbia City, IN, US These acquisitions appear to be more vertical than horizontal; that is, the businesses are stacked like sheets of paper rather than absorbed. The effect is, at least to an outsider, very minimal. The individual marks still retain their individuality. As a writer, it does add another layer of editors to deal with, but as a reader, I see little, if any, difference. Bob Broten Troutdale, OR, USA I am concerned that the consolidation will decrease authorial access to publication. David Haseman Etna, NH, USA The affect of the merger may be to decrease the number of manuscripts the company purchases from writers, especially new, unknown writers trying to break into the field. HarperCollins will probably remain focused on the big-name, big-bucks writers. Sherri Mostaghni Albuquerque, NM, USA There has been so much consolidation that I can't help but wonder what will happen to the up-and-coming authors without the guaranteed sellability of a Stephen King...will their work ever see the light of day? Troy Smith Dallas, TX, USA I'm concerned about the consequences for writers who are submitting manuscripts as well as readers looking for choices. As there are fewer publishing houses there may be fewer types of books published. Sandy Fry Marietta, GA, USA I think that mergers and acquisitions are making it harder for variety to stay alive in the publishing industry; as there are fewer publishing houses, there is more homogenity, and fewer risky novels get published. Denise Doolittle Warrensburg, MO, USA I think it is better for the reader, because the bigger a publisher is, generally speaking, the more diversity they will be able to support in the writers they publish, thereby providing a wider variety of books for me, the reader, to read. Paul Perdue Augusta, GA, USA I find the assimilation of independent publishers into what will eventually become a single, giant, bloated entity every bit as frightening as the proliferation of chain and superstore booksellers. I met David Wiesniewski last Friday and his editor of many years' standing was let go in this latest conglomeration. Editors are the backbone of publishing. When we wind up with a single set of editors deciding what gets through the slush pile and onto the table at the board meeting, readers and writers both will suffer. I worked at a mid-size publishing house for eight years, and it is now on the auction block. I pray that some visionary with private funding will step forward and save it from becoming just another imprint with no individuality and no independent sense of purpose. Publishing is no longer a gentleman's profession; ten years ago, I think you could have maintained that it was. Diane Danielson Mt Vernon, WA, USA The acquistion confirms the trend towards "super-publishers". Probably won't effect the reader/me much directly though. Kathy Waters White Lake, MI, USA Could be capitalistic and exploitative. Then again, could be okay. Only time will tell! Chenoa Marquis Bryn Mawr, PA, USA I not only fear for the readers but for the authors. With more and more imprints in the hands of fewer and fewer people with bottom lines and streamlined operations as the criteria for success, I believe the pjblishing voices will become sanitized with little rrom for the new, different or leading edge writing. Formulas will and serials will be the end result. Nancy Mersereau Port Washington, WI, USA A larger publishing company should be able to purchase better books and therefore benefit the reader. Barbara VanSickle York, PA, USA I don't think it will have much effect on the publishing industry. Renee Burnette Madisonville, TN, USA There will probably be less innovative books coming out in several genres. There will probably be more of what "the public wants", which of course is pretty much what the public doesn't want, one best seller in a genre spawning forty imitations. Gee, it'll be just like TV! Shel McDonald Memphis, TN, USA Consolidation is inevitable. I rarely read fiction & never buy fiction books. Anita Baker-Blocker Ann Arbor, MI, USA Not familiar with particular case, but feel that too much consolidation is not good for the consumer in any industry. Laurie Cavanaugh Brockton, MA, USA Perhaps more conformity in the offerings over time. I don't like the bigger is better trend. Betty Dennis Budd Lake, NJ, USA The acquisition may only enhance the quality of books, therefore, offering a broader variety to the reader. Gina Miller Davison, MI, USA I think that is great that HarperCollins' purchased Avon and William Morrow. I'm not quite sure what effect that will have on the publishing industry, but I guess we will find out. I think that the effect on the reader will be a positive one. Donna Carmichael Saginaw, Mi, U.S.A. Reduce choice and competitive pricing Richard Randall London, UK I hope the impact will be an increase of books and new novelists. Kristen Jarrett Richmond, VA, US The purchase of Avon and WilliamMorrow by HarperCollins' is a good thing. I hope the effect will be an increase in production of books and new novelist. This purchase will hopefully allow the publishing industry to fluorish and allow readers to reap the benefits with more books! Kristen Jarrett Richmond, VA, US Don't have any comment about this particular merger directly. But having lost my job due to a merger . . . have very ambivalent feelings about the little guys that get hurt. Karen Wendt Deer Island, OR, USA From a reader's standpoint, I dislike the shrinking of the publishing industry. More companies, means more choices--and that to me equates to a better selection in any bookstore I visit. Jean Rabe Burlington, WI, USA I think HarperCollins made an astute decision in purchasing Avon and William Morrow. Conglomerates seem to be the way to enter the millenium. Hannah Andersen Irvine, CA, USA I think that competition is good. I'm not sure how this will affect the industry or what the impact will be on the consumer. As a consumer, I'd like to see prices come down. But, as a writer, I am concerned that the opportunities for lesser known or unknown writers to get published are diminished. Stacey Carlson Milwaukee, WI, USA Corporations seem to be getting bigger and bigger with little regard to their product. Solandia Nyxen Brisbane, Q, Australia I really don't think it will have much affect. They'll still be publishing. I'm not the type that gets scared about big business. Nathan Pennington Wales, WI, USA Mostly all mergers are not good for the general public. Anytime a virtual monopoly of any sort is created, the public suffers in the long run, due to reduced quality of product brought about by staff reduction, or increased prices of the product due to lack of competition. Walt Garber Casselberry, FL, USA Personally I think consolidation of businesses defeats the basic principles of a free market system involving competition. I fear too much control by a few people is a bad idea. The divisions of the agency may remain intact, but quality could suffer. Will author be short changed by a decrease in publishing options? Will the customer suffer from uncensured price hikes? Kristin Jenn Maryville, MO, USA Soon there will be no friendly competition there'll be just one huge publishing house Deidra Cox Garrett, KY, USA The publishing business is downsizing itself. To what amount publishing itself is downsized is what will affect us as writers. As a reader, there will always be more books available that I want to read than I'll ever have time for.... Sharon Tabor Warren Monroe, VA, USA I think the effect will be minimal Michael Hora Aurora, CO, USA I think it will further limit competition and lead to higher book prices. William Stanglin Vacaville, California, USA I believe the aquistion will have a positive effect. The combination of these companies should bring a new diversity and freshness to the industry and ultimatly, the reader. Denise MIller Baltimore, MD, USA i think it will have no effect on me as a reader or a consumer Joanna Tropp-bluestone Ann Arbor, MI, USA As a reader, it will not have any effect on me, unless my favorite author comes out of retirement. Dave Kaplan Lido Beach, NY, USA I think that it would be a great opportunity to read new, high quality books with the best prices =] Roxanna Jolly APO, AP, USA Was not happy about the purchase. I feel that smaller companies are more advantageous to keeping publishing costs down. Desiree Gaiser Madison, AL, USA Dont think it will affect the consumer Nancy Jachcik Fraser, MI, USA its great- a better effect of course!! Linda Price Wilkes-barre, PA, usa Dislike seeing huge conglomerates everywhere. Hope to see continued variety available. Betty Dennis Budd Lake, NJ, USA Even fewer places to submit and more opportunity for rejection. I just wish we still had editors in publishing and not bean counters in charge. Cynthia McClendon Orlando, FL, USA Wise purchase! Shane Vozar San Diego, CA, USA I normally have a hard time with giant publishers consuming everything in sight, but from what I can tell HC does a good job with their imprints. But that is an assumption. Will Avon and WM survive as distinct imprints or will they be merely assimilated? Ian Culver Des Plaines, IL, USA I think it was good idea and I am looking forward to reading more quality books Janet James Houston, TX, USA I think it's great and will have a positive effect. The bigger companies can offer more to the customer for less. Cheryl Free Fort Wayne, IN, USA I only hope that it doesn't make it any harder for newer writers to get published. Michael Steinberg Ottawa, ON, Canada I would agree for that to happen--as it shall increase the size of the industry. Thus, hopefully makes the publishing industry more efficient. Alan Mak Tin Loon Alor Setar, KD, Malaysia I am unsure at this time, but it could mean that fewer publishing opportunities and jobs as consolidation takes place. Karen Lundgren Knivsta, Sweden I think books wil become more expensive and will have a wider range of topics Cynthia Krohn Williamburg, VA, USA It will just make the publishing industry and hopefully reduce the price of books. Emery Giovannone Fort Plain, NY, USA i think it is great. I do think though it will be harder for first time writes to get published Tiffany Kojsza New Port Richey, FL, USA I think very little will change because of the purchase. James Barber Statesboro, GA, USA Mergers or acquisitions in any industry can have a positive effect on bottom line, which is good for everyone. However, I do worry about the possible effect of narrowing the market, narrowing the taste of the publishers if decision making about what to publish is concentrated in fewer hands. Brigette Bilyeu Filer, ID, USA It was great and I look forward to reading more of there books! Tominik Williams Baltimore, MD, USA i don't think it will make much difference to the average reader/consumer... it would be nice if these acquisitions would LOWER the price on books ...books have gone up quite a bit. Judy Shue Sumerville, SC, USA As an editor, I find that the publishing industry is becoming incestuous. Soon there will be only a handful of mega-publishers. Nancy Furstinger Margaretville, NY, US I hope that they do not outprice what an avid reader can afford. Sam Carello Henderson, NV, USA Hoping they maintain reasonable prices Anna Carello Henderson, NV, USA I'm afraid the larger company, HarperCollins, will swallow up Avon's smaller, loyal readership and ignore the newer writers entering the scene. This will cheat the reader of experiencing fresh new insights and reading pleasure if the companies involved are not careful. S. Worden Burnaby, BC, Canada There are always many benificial and detrimental effects in any major acquisition. The larger a company becomes seems to have a direct impact on the quality of creativity. Corporate America cares about money - not quality of work or taking chances. Most will be determined by who is at the helm and how strong they are in their beliefs. If money remains top dog - the work will suffer. Joseph Keegan Los Angeles, CA, USA Well it depends upon how good does Harper Collins react to the acquistion. does it superceed or goes down is one's own good guess. I think it shall succeed, Mayur Shah Bombay, MH, India No effect. I feel things will remain the same or in fact be better. Rosemarie Maziar Glendora, CA, USA I believe it's not a good thing for the publishing industry to have fewer and fewer company's to compete with. William Deming Columbia, MD, U.S.A Always hate to see a shrinking of publishers. It restricts the market for selling books even more! Rebecca Hicks Ventura, CA, USA I do not like all these mega-mergers. I think it gives writers AND readers so fewer choices and it places way too much control and influence in one company's hands. Marie Jones Carlsbad, CA, USA I don't think that there will be any adverse effects. I do know that when authors are published under different companies...it add more diversity to the industry. Avis Mendez Fort Polk, LA, USA It will be transparent to me, the reader. Karl Bolton Ft Sam Houston, TX, USA I think that this would increase the quality of work as Avon and William Morrow were not giving us a good quality due to their low financial position. But now with one major company the books would be good Shahryar Khan Peshawar, NW, Pakistan It shouldn't have much effect on the reader, I don't suppose. The books will still be the same. But what happens behind the scenes will change, undoubtedly. Elen Turner Waipu, Northland, New Zealand Although I hate to see the number of large publishing houses dwindle, I believe writers and readers will not allow an eventual monoploly. I expect to see new house namesin the publishing world, with more opportunities for fresh, emerging writers. Rosemarie Colombraro Tucson, AZ, USA I think that in the long run it will have a higher output of titles. Jason Abernethy Missoula, MT, USA Well, William Morrow is a great company with great authors on the stock. I think that HarperCollins will do god things with that. Publishing industry is gowing so ther will be no problems. Davorin Horak Zagreb, Croatia |
    
|
www.readersread.com
Copyright © 1997-2013 by Writers Write, Inc. All Rights Reserved.