Amazon changes publishing terrain

Cannons might as well have gone off with the recent announcement that Amazon will fold publishing into its expansive–and seemingly ever-expanding—catalogue of services. The company already has a strong hold on the sale of millions of books, in addition to the production of eBook readers. The idea that an online big box discounter will now take on the contracts and distribution of book titles has rocked an already fragile publishing world.

With the advent of online magazines, subscription-based websites, eBooks and tablets, it’s no shock that publishing’s rules are evolving. And only the fittest will survive. Borders has shuttered its sliding glass doors across the nation, and small bookstores (even those with loyal customers, like St. Mark’s in NYC) face increasing rents and decreasing sales figures. Amazon, with it ubiquitous online presence, ease of use, and impressive catalogue sits at the head of the kingdom.

Amazon’s pounce on the arm of publishing that includes author relations, contracts, and royalties, shocked the industry. Where do multi-tiered firms fit in, with their agents, copyeditors, assistants, and sales staff? Suddenly, it seems the key players—and perhaps the only players needed at all—are the authors and the audience.

This all sounds dandy if your name alone draws a readership of thousands. (It was just announced today that Deepak Chopra and his brother will publish their upcoming memoir with Amazon.) However, for those first-time authors or writers without built-in audiences, Amazon might not work. Currently, the company accepts no un-agented manuscripts. Big names need only apply.

But the draw is apparent: Amazon offers a more direct route between authors and readers. Royalties are higher than in legacy publishing. The methods of distribution are being redefined, and an internet-heavy, innovative model like Amazon’s seems more current. PUBSLUSH offers these same perks, for aspiring and established authors alike.

Any writer from across the globe can upload his or her work directly to PUBSLUSH. Readers then determine which titles they would like to see printed by supporting the titles they love. We’re invigorating the industry by redefining the rules. PUBSLUSH provides all the services of a legacy publisher (which means authors still get personal attention, the help of editors and the benefit of a team). Working on the forefront of new trends and technologies means we can target new readers and do more with the work itself.

In addition to all of that, PUBSLUSH operates with a cause: literacy advocacy. We’re a non-profit that connects readers to writers, and makes sure we have both across the globe.