Aspiring authors, take heed: the Apple iBookstore is the newest Apple venture that will run on user-submitted books or articles. The iBookstore is essentially a place for writers to submit their work without a publisher. Of course, restrictions do apply, and Apple must approve all submissions, but it seems like a great way for amateur writers to get some published work out to the public.
If I was interested in writing a book, I would definitely think about submitting my work to the Apple iBookstore--it seems like a great way to get noticed without all the hassle.
User-Submitted Bookstores
The Apple iBookstore Lets Anyone Become An Author
Trend Themes
1. User-submitted Content - The trend of user-submitted content will continue to grow, providing opportunities for companies to gain access to fresh, unique perspectives from a broader range of contributors.
2. Self-publishing Platforms - Self-publishing platforms will become more prevalent, providing opportunities for aspiring authors to publish their work with much lower barriers to entry than traditional publishing.
3. Crowdsourced Book Curation - The use of crowdsourcing to curate book selections will become more popular, enabling bookstores to serve niche audiences while also providing new revenue streams through partnerships with independent authors.
Industry Implications
1. Online Publishing - The online publishing industry will see increased growth as user-submitted content becomes more mainstream and changes the traditional publishing landscape.
2. Self-publishing - The self-publishing industry will continue to grow, providing new opportunities for independent authors to bypass traditional publishing houses.
3. Bookstores - Bookstores will need to adapt to changing consumer preferences by offering more customized experiences, including crowdsourced recommendations and self-publishing platforms.