What’s the Buzz: E-books Offer Hope for Translations; 40 E-readers Expected

In News, What's the Buzz by Hannah Johnson

By Hannah Johnson

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Open Letter BooksOver at Three Percent, Chad Post of Open Letter Books has written a four-part essay on e-books and translations. But, anyone lucky enough to be attending this week’s Reykjavík International Literary Festival can see him present it in person. Post argues that, because the majority of translations published in the US come from small and independent presses with fewer sales and marketing resources, the audience for such books is limited to customers who “[happen] to walk into one of those stores” that carries translations.

E-books, he says, offer the potential for translated books to reach a much wider audience, more quickly and more conveniently. Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4.

Speaking of e-books, last night I had a dream about the perfect e-reader. So far, no manufacturer is making my dream come true, but Martyn Daniels at Brave New World points to a claim that there will be upwards of 40 e-reading devices available next year.

About the Author

Hannah Johnson

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Hannah Johnson is the publisher of international book industry magazine Publishing Perspectives, which provides daily information and news about book markets around the world. In addition to building partnerships with international cultural and trade organizations, she works with the Frankfurt Book Fair to organize and support a number of its overseas initiatives. Hannah has also worked as the managing editor for an online media company, The Hooch Life, focused on craft distillers and cocktail experts. Prior to that, she worked as a project manager for the Frankfurt Book Fair’s New York office, managing various business and marketing activities.