How Can E-Books Revolutionize Literacy and Publishing in Africa?

In Discussion by Edward Nawotka

E-books can reach people in Africa who might otherwise never get books. Some even say the Internet represents “Africa’s Gutenberg Moment.” By Edward Nawotka Today’s editorial by Tolu Ogunlesi looks at a recent literacy campaign in Nigeria to inspire more people to read. The government led campaign is the latest in a long line of similar campaigns, many of which …

Digital to Represent 20 to 28% of Publishing’s Profits, says Forum d’Avignon/Bain & Co. Report

In Europe by Edward Nawotka

By Edward Nawotka A new study, “Publishing in the Digital Era,” commissioned by the Forum d’Avignon and compiled by Bain & Co. states that e-readers, tablets other digital reading devices “could be in the hands of 15 to 20% of the developed world’s population by 2015,” and offers an unprecedented opportunity for publishers and authors. The “redistribution of value among …

Brazil's First E-bookstore Opens for Business

In Growth Markets by Ricardo Costa

By Ricardo Costa RIO DE JANIERO: On December 15, Brazil’s first e-bookstore — Gato Sabido (Smart Cat) — opened for business, offering approximately 400 titles in Portuguese. “The Gato Sabido is going to work on every step of the e-book process, from conversion to sales,” says Carlos Eduardo Ernanny, company founder and CEO. The new company plans to offer 30,000 …

German Buch News: Vodafone Plans Open E-book Platform; Suhrkamp Sells Archive

In Global Trade Talk by Siobhan O'Leary

By Siobhan O’Leary Mobile service provider Vodafone is planning to launch an open content platform for e-readers next year. Werben & Verkaufen magazine reports that the new platform will be introduced at the CeBit convention in March 2010.  Several publishers, including Axel Springer, have already signed a letter of intent to make their content available on the platform and the …