By Hannah Johnson
The publishing industry should be proud of itself. Within the short span of the last five years, we have faced the digital revolution head-on and transformed our companies into forward-thinking organizations that embrace the benefits of technology. Publishers and service providers have implemented big changes, not only in the products they offer, but also in how they create, distribute, market and sell those products.
In the course of steering the publishing industry in new directions, I would argue that we’ve overcome one of the biggest challenges that we’re likely to face: becoming comfortable with constant change in an industry that hadn’t seen much of that in previous decades.
It’s not about whether you can get in touch with someone in China or Mexico; the question is who you should get in touch with.
So, now that digital change is a constant and we are seeing the business implications of that change, what is the next step to business growth? Go global.
Publishing has always been an international business, but the level of international cooperation enabled by the internet and technology is unparalleled. Communication is fast and easy. Content travels the world in seconds. Things like print-on-demand, better sales data, social media, smartphones and tablets, content management systems and other technology means that publishers are better able to deliver the best content to readers wherever they are.
When it comes to doing business internationally in today’s tech-assisted world, it’s not about whether you can get in touch with someone in China or Chile; the question is who you should get in touch with.
To that end, the Frankfurt Book Fair and Publishing Perspectives are introducing a new event this year, The Markets. This global publishing summit aims to connect key book people from around the world. It’s a launchpad where publishing professionals can meet their international counterparts and potential business partners, learn from one another, and start discussions that might lead to new business ventures.
We’ve invited leaders and key players from seven different countries to lead presentations and discussions at The Markets. They will speak and be available for in-depth roundtable discussions about their markets and businesses. What kinds of books are selling well in Turkey? How can I get my books distributed in Mexico? Who can help me optimize my content production workflow? Is there a market for my children’s books in Korea? You may even find that there are opportunities in places you didn’t think to look.
When you’re sitting at your desk, finding out what’s happening in other markets is not easy. This global publishing summit will put you in the same room with the people who can answer your questions. Bounce ideas off each other. Compare notes. Talk about your new projects. Learn about new business strategies. Maybe even make some new friends.
Please join us for The Markets: Global Publishing Summit on October 13, 2015 at the Frankfurt Book Fair.
