This week’s news digest includes some new services announced by Simon & Schuster and Trajectory. Some good news for independent booksellers and Canadians choose to buy local and comic lovers can now access Nobrow app on their mobile phones.
Publishing University 2015 Registration Begins
The Independent Book Publishers Association has started accepting registrations for the annual educational and networking event for indie publishers and self-published authors. The event will be held in Austin, TX on April 10-11 2015 at the Sheraton Austin Hotel.
This year’s speakers include leaders from big publishers, authors, and book marketing experts. Register Now.
Nobrow launches comics in the digital world
The Nobrow app is available n the Apple store and opens with seven titles. Readers can swipe though the comic books page by page. Some extra features integrated in the titles allow readers to look at illustrations at various stages of development.
Discover books similar to the one you like
No, this not based on what other people who liked a book also liked. Trajectory book recommendations are based on the linguistic characteristic of the book. The software scan the entire book and attaches certain attributes based on the writing style, subject, reader’s age, and so on. The recommendation is based on matching the characteristics of the book you liked.
The Trajectory software also gives readers various statistical data such as the average reading time, the number SAT words that readers will encounter in the book, the number of places mentioned in the book, and much more.
Hachette-Amazon Spat benefits Local Bookstores
The Canadian independent stores reported robust sales with some claiming double-digit increases in sales over 2013 numbers. The store owners said that the public supported them and even put on stickers ‘I didn’t buy it on Amazon’ to show their support.
New Publishing Unit to Focus on Non-Fiction
Simon & Schuster has announced a new publishing unit, North Star Way, that will focus on books on subjects like motivation, mind-body-spirit, business inspiration, and leadership. With North Star Way, Simon & Schuster plans to offer authors additional services for the digital world, going beyond the traditional publishing model.