The Indian publishing sector is growing by leaps and bound. Bringing together key stakeholder from the publishing sector, FICCI recently organized PubliCon 2014: Publishing Across Platforms on December 3, 2014. Speaking at the occasion Mr. Pavan K. Varma, Author and MP – Rajya Sabha, urged the publishing industry to continue producing both printed books and e-books. He further emphasized that a mechanism should be formulated where printed books and e-books could co-exist to give the readers better choice of selection.
Mr. Varma said that the digital format of books is becoming popular among the younger generation, but people belonging to the earlier generation prefer printed hardbound books. The older generation finds it more fulfilling to read a printed book rather than on digital handheld devices. However, he highlighted that the transition to e-books caters to problems of accessibility, storage and cost.
He stated that the quantum of digitally produced books is small as compared to the printed books. Sales data also point to the larger revenue proceeds from printed books. However, this statistics is bound to change in future. With the development in technology, more readers will switch to digital reading formats.
Ms. Vandana Kumari Jena, Author and Secretary, Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, said that digital publishing is a new facet and the future belongs to it. The profile of both authors and readers has changed drastically over the years, and the young generation has taken to digital publishing quite positively. Numerous bookstores have closed over the past few years, which show the growing impact of digital publishing. However, in India it will take time to completely replace printed books with digital books, as the country still has a fair majority who love the look and feel of a printed book.
Underlining some of the advantages of an e-book, Ms. Jena pointed out that fonts of digital content can be resized according to a person’s comfort level. For instance, if a person problems in vision s/he can easily increase the font size of the digital text in order the read it comfortably. Further, backlight in a digital device aid in reading a book in the dark.
She said that digital publishing has even opened the doors for self-publishers, who were looked down upon earlier. However, the emerging e-books market also have challenges such the fear of plagiarism and piracy, which may deter authors to use the medium.
Ms. Urvashi Butalia, Chairperson, FICCI Publishing Committee and Director, Zubaan, said that today publishing is not limited to printed books, its scope has grown by leaps and bound. The electronic gadgets such as cellphones, laptops, tablets and ipads have come to the fore as new platforms for information dissemination and books have also found a place in them.
She said that digital publishing has also brought new models of book distribution and new platforms to read and interact with the book. Digital has enabled the creative industries, publishing services, technological innovations and the internet revolution, to become an integral part of the publishing process. Further, existence of numerous publishing apps clearly indicates that publishing is increasingly moving towards a mobile platform.
Speaking on the role of the publisher, Mr. Rohit Kumar, Co-chair, FICCI Publishing Committee and Adviser, Reed Elsevier India Pvt. Ltd., said that a publisher is responsible to take the thoughts of authors to the world and evolving technology and digitization has emerged as a potential tool in this regard. In the fast changing world of book publishing, the onus is on a publisher to adopt and adapt to the demands of both the authors and readers.
Later during the plenary keynote address, Mr. Rajiv Chilaka, Founder & CEO, Green Gold Animation Pvt. Ltd. (Creator of Chhota Bheem), said that in the publishing industry content rules and one must embrace the technological changes to sustain and survive in the long run. He added that publishers need to keep pace with today’s consumers and plan for tomorrow.
Mr. Chilaka stated that digital publishing has emerged as one of the best options for small publishers who want to enter the market as it involves lower start-up cost. Besides, the content never goes out of stock and is available globally with just a click of a button. Also, digital books have easier access as they can be downloaded or purchased from the confines of one’s home and additional costs such as shipping is not associated with it as is in case of printed books.
Photo caption:
Left to right :
Mr. Rohit Kumar, Co- Chair - FICCI Publishing Committee and Adviser, Reed Elsevier; Mr. Pavan Varma, Author, MP- Rajya Sabha and Cultural Adviser to Hon’ble CM of Bihar; Ms Urvashi Butalia, Chair- FICCI Publishing Committee and Director, Zubaan; Ms Vandana Jena, Secretary – Land Resources, Govt. of India; Mr. Sumeet Gupta, Director, FICCI
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