Interview With Andrea Chambers, Academic Director, NYU-SCPS Center for Publishing

Interview With Andrea Chambers, Academic Director, NYU-SCPS Center for Publishing

1. What is The Advanced Publishing Institute? The NYU-SCPS API is a two-day intensive in digital book strategy for mid to senior-level executives interested in learning more about how to incorporate digital into their workflow and to enhance their digital skills. This course is designed to bridge the gap between the plethora of panel-based conferences and the lengthier programs offered by NYU-SCPS and other institutions. For the executive interested in a highly targeted, classroom and laboratory-based program, this is an excellent way to get the most up-to –date information in a concentrated period of time.

2. Can you tell us more about your upcoming initiative? It will be taught by our experienced Center for Publishing faculty and guest speakers and will focus on strategy, case studies and hands-on lab based learning in topics like social media marketing, web analytics and introduction to EPUB.

3. What type of digital book strategy does one need to consider as an author? An author needs a strong knowledge of social media marketing, how to create a robust author platform to market his/her book, and an understanding of digital formats either to work with a publishing company or to self-publish a book.

4. What do you love about being a part of the book industry? Book publishing is a highly creative industry filled with smart and innovative people who love words and ideas. Few other industries have the power to influence opinions and effect change in our society. Currently, publishing is an industry in transition, and those working in it have a unique opportunity to be part of some very exciting changes in the way the reading public discovers and consumes content. As bookstores wane and ebooks grow, there are many new challenges; those who embrace them are the future of the industry. Being part of this is a very rewarding experience.

5. Where do you see the book publishing industry heading? Like most observers, I believe the shift to digital will progress, and that sales and marketing will continue to move online. I believe there is –and always will be—a place for print; I am of the opinion that print will remain strong in some categories for a long time to come.

6. Any advice for struggling writers? Learn that writing is only a part of the uphill battle. In this age of online marketing and author platforms, finding and reaching an audience is particularly important. Use social media to build an audience and a following so that when your book is ready, you will have a strong marketing tool available to you. Remember, also, that digital publishing means that there are many new formats available to you: flash fiction, digital shorts and singles, build-your-own adventure, crowd-sourced fiction and more open up many new avenues beyond linear fiction and non-fiction.

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.