In this survey we don't see the listing of the publishers that are strictly hardcover and those that are creating electronic versions. I would say it is a good sign if the major publishers are all electronic despite the results because they will drive the industry forward. Of course knowing there is a large segment not publishing in electronic form means a book we want may still not be available. Still, I don't think the numbers tell the whole story.
Based on a couple of questions in the survey I have to believe what I am suggesting is true. I have to believe the large publishing houses have sophisticated back office computer systems. Yet 45% say they do not. The fact that 12% said they did not know also tells me that the questions were asked to a group of people involved in the industry and not necessarily the management groups that should know whether there are computer systems for forecasting. The 45% are probably the micro publishing houses that will have to wait a bit longer before putting resources toward electronic books.
If the majors are all publishing electronic versions then I think the survey is actually a positive sign.
Quote:
Forecasting -
Do you have a defined method to help forecast your print quantities for:
frontlist yes 51% / no - 49%
backlist yes 36% / no - 64%
Is this an automated system?
Yes 23% / no 45% / don't know / 12%
If yes - What is the system?
Excel
Other spreadsheet
Dedicated application
56%
23%
21%
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