Publishing by nature is an incredibly interconnected industry. Writers will often have agents to liaise with publishers – their work would then go through editorial, production, design, and marketing teams, all before delivering it to the hands of readers through distributors and retailers. This has been the case in traditional publishing for years, making most published work inherently collaborative as it lends its way toward final publication. But how might publishers innovate to move beyond this conventional model?
Arguably the biggest development for publishers looking to innovate is how fast online collaboration has propelled in an age of digital immediacy, where people can communicate and work remotely with each other at any time. Project management is one area that has benefitted greatly from this digital transformation. Connectivity allows for publishers to adopt new, less linear workflows with online software, giving greater flexibility. Using digital asset management tools like Google Drive and other bespoke platforms, along with communication platforms like Zoom to their fullest, project managers can ensure productivity is maintained outside the office.
The surge of digital collaboration is especially noticeable in the post-pandemic world, where publishers are integrating these virtual workspaces into their typical routines. Although some are starting to return to offices, remote and hybrid working still remains popular. Employees especially endorse remote working for its flexibility, productivity, and the work-life balance it promotes. This enduring pandemic shift has been catalysed by the effectiveness of remote working and continued development of virtual tools.
These new collaborative technologies altogether have necessitated that publishers innovate to stay competitive. Digital has spurred the growth of new business models aside from traditional publishing; some creatives now choose to forego traditional models in favour of self-publishing, or hybrid publishing, which greenlight their work but ultimately give them more agency and royalties in the process. Crowdfunding has gained traction through websites like Unbound wherein readers help contribute toward production costs in exchange for incentives, such as a signed copy or a poster. Digital publishing also continues to grow as more publishers place emphasis on releasing ebooks and audiobooks that offer new and accessible reading experiences.
Collaborations have also allowed publishers to branch into new markets by leveraging partner brands. Last year, F1000 partnered with Taylor & Francis to develop Open Plus Books, an innovative new publishing concept that allows authors to update or add chapters to an evolving book over time before final publication. This was made possible by combining the publishing platform of F1000 with the scholarly publishing expertise of Taylor & Francis.
By collaborating effectively, publishers can recentre their focus on the consumer and refresh their brand identity and products. Flexible workflows, digital connectivity, and auspicious partnerships are all solutions that alleviate issues of internal management and inefficiency, ultimately freeing the publishing industry to seek new innovations.To learn more about how important collaboration is to the publishing industry, be sure to sign up to our virtual event, featuring expert speakers and fresh innovations, taking place on April 27th.
Written by Meeraj Hussain
Very interesting read – the T and F partnership is a great example. I agree these are key: ‘flexible workflows, digital connectivity and auspicious partnerships’. You could add in networks too – entrepreneurial networks embedded into the business allow the collaborations to happen.