Top Publishers Of The World

According to a list of the top 50 publishers of the world, released by Publishers Weekly (July 2^nd issue), 10 are based in the United States. The second closest country is Germany, with seven. Japan has seven as well. France has five. The UK has four, including the top two spots.

The top American-based publishers are:

·        Thompson Reuters

·        McGraw-Hill

·        Scholastic

·        Cengage

·        Wiley

·        Reader’s Digest

·        Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

·        Harper Collins

·        Simon & Schuster

·        Perseus

Only two out of the top 11 publishers showed an increase in revenue from 2010 to 2011. Only 23 publishers grossed at least one billion in revenue in 2011, up two from 2010.

So what does all of this mean? Publishers cross boundaries. They sell all over the world or they have divisions and branches all over the world. It is hard to say what is foreign vs. American. Random House, the biggest trade publisher in the US, is owned by Bertelsman AG in Germany. Plus books, especially full-color ones, are often printed overseas in Spain or China.

Publishing is definitely an international industry. Authors need to think more on how to sell their books – or the rights to their books – overseas. Good content translates well.

But the next time you query a publisher for a book deal you might just ink it in another language.

News Flash: Brian Feinblum Is Interviewed By Writers and Authors Blog

http://writersandauthors.blogspot.it/2012/07/interview-with-brian-feinblum-from-book.html

Interview With Award-Winning Children's Author Donna McDine

What is your new book about? Powder Monkey is a historical fiction children’s story book for ages 8-12. Synopsis: Forced into a life at sea by the Royal Navy Press Gangs, 12-year-old Tommy Kitt finds himself in a floating sea of misery. Poor living conditions and beatings occur daily. Despite his runt like size, Tommy must summon the courage and physical ability to prevail in a situation he cannot escape.

What inspired you to write it? I have always been interested in history, both American and abroad. When a publisher announced a call for historical fiction manuscripts for 8-12 years of age I jumped at the opportunity. Intrigued and dismayed about the history of press gangs for the Royal Navy in the late 1700s I began my research and created fictional characters within the true occurrences of impressments.

What was the writing process like for this book? I researched this topic through the library database and requested non-fictions books to be held for my in-person research sessions. This saves a lot of time prior to my arrival so I can get right down to the task at hand. I always leave my cell phone at home when researching at the library or elsewhere (or at least in the car) so I’m not interrupted and don’t disturb other library patrons. The peaceful atmosphere with no distractions is a true Godsend.

Reading, studying, and taking extensive notes on the late 1700s Royal Navy and press gangs material was instrumental in developing the accurate details. I then moved onto doing the same type of research with different types of historical fiction children’s book to create believable characters to be intertwined into the historical facts bringing Powder Monkey to life.

What are the rewards/challenges of writing in your genre? The rewards are immense…from watching the wonder of learning spreading across a child’s face to teachers and parents saying they too learned something new through my books.

Hmmm, challenges? Knowing when to stop my research without getting too overloaded. My research notes are highlighted and earmarked to the hilt with my storyline index cards riddled with thumbtack holes from the constant arranging the sequence of action on my bulletin board.

What advice do you have for struggling writers? Don’t be swayed by the naysayers. Learn your craft by attending writer’s workshops and conferences in the genre you write in. If travel is difficult, join an online writer’s group such as, the Working Writer’s Club www.workingwritersclub.com. It’s imperative to join at least one critique group that will provide constructive critiques. And of course, read, read, and read a lot in the genre you are most interested in. You will be amazed what techniques you will pick up and write true to your own voice.

Where do you see book publishing heading? I tend to titter back and forth between print and my iPad. While I enjoy the ease of my iPad for luxury reading, I like the good old print copy for reference books such as Yes, You Can Build a Successful Writing Career by Nancy I. Sanders or The Frugal Book Promoter by Carolyn Howard Johnson. This way I can highlight and earmark what I find to be the most useful for my freelance writing career.

As for the direction, it’s my humble opinion we will continue to evolve even further with eBooks, but print will still be in demand. There’s nothing like holding a new book and opening it for the first time. The smell and feel to me is like climbing into a new car. Ahh, can’t you smell the delightful aroma of fresh pages wafting to your senses!

For more information, please consult: http://www.donnamcdine.com

Brian Feinblum’s views, opinions, and ideas expressed in this blog are his alone and not that of his employer, the nation’s largest book promoter. You can follow him on Twitter @theprexpert and email him at brianfeinblum@gmail.com. He feels more important when discussed in the third-person.