2012: The End of the Publishing Industry as We Know it

Michael Drew

Book marketing expert Michael Drew (@promoteabook) writes on the website Beneath the Cover that in 2 years, “the dynamics in publishing and the economy will have shifted so much that traditional publishers will either be acquiring emerging publishing technology and evolving — or going out of business.”

He says, “The future of publishing is open source, free content leading into premium content.” He predicts:

  • By the end of 2012, 50% or more of all books will be sold in a digital or electronic format.
  • By the end of 2015, 80% or more of all books will be sold in digital or electronic format
  • By the end of 2015, “new” digital books will be sold at an average of $0.99 or less

Read his article in full.