The Book Industry Study Group (BISG) has announced a major new research initiative to study subscription models of selling published content.
Given the success of digital subscription services in the film, television, and music industries, publishing industry stakeholders have wondered how and when these services will affect book content distribution. While the range of possible models is vast, it is unclear whether the current needs and trends suggest a "Netflix" model with a deep and broad catalogue or whether more focused verticals will continue to develop. And what are the attitudes of agents, authors, publishers, and librarians toward these new distribution models? What factors will motivate or dissuade them from participating?
To answer these questions, BISG has contracted with Ted Hill of THA Consulting working with Emilie Delquie of Publishers Communications Group (PCG), a division of Publishing Technology, to conduct a research study to identify the various business models employed by US-based digital content subscription services. This research will provide a clear picture of how content producers and others in the publishing value chain are reacting to these new forces in the marketplace.
A report of the findings will be published in summer 2014, with preliminary findings presented at BISG's Making Information Pay Conference at IDPF's Digital Book 2014 at BEA.
Safari Books Online, the on-demand digital learning library for technology, digital media, and business professionals, has joined as the lead Sponsor for BISG's subscription research survey. Other sponsors to date include Wiley, the American Library Association, and Sally Dedecker Enterprises.
