Record Footsteps in Publishing

Green E-Magazines

In keeping with the theme of Spring and Green Publishing

The Industry is changing from traditional book publishing to the electronic age. For better? For worse?  Same issue, different medium? I suppose sorting through garbage will always be an issue regardless of whether it is physical trash, a waste of paper on a tired theme book, or being bombed by cyberspace waves and material.

That reminds me, I haven't checked my email yet today. Habit to, I guess. Worth the time and space? ...well, spam is what it is...isn't it?

Blogs, E-zines, E-magazines...all contribute to saving paper. Are we being flooded? Of course we are. That's the way of people...but still, at least the positive side...our landfills aren't filling up with paper product.   

Are we impacting our environment and our lifestyle? Of course we are. Innocent use of resources for the advancement of man's purpose? Well...I suspect when trees first became paper, impact wasn't viewable at that time, either. Just something to think about when we consume in our day-to-day, eye and ear pluggin' in around the clock.

A great book find on the topic of changes in the publishing industry...and is it true?

Print Is Dead, by Jeff Gomez

Given Amazon's recent release of the Kindle ebook reader, the timing of Jeff Gomez's Print Is Dead couldn't be better.  Regardless of your beliefs about print vs. e-content, you need to read this book, especially if you're in the publishing business.  You might not agree with Jeff's opinions but I guarantee you he'll make you think about the industry...(read more on blog) http://jwikert.typepad.com/the_average_joe/2007/11/print-is-dead-b.html

       

So something to think about as a Publisher. Something to think about the next time as an author you self-publish your book and decide print options. Traditional soft or hardcover book printed on recycled paper? Maybe a book that has as much value reading the information from a computer screen than printing it out to read in hand?

One positive thought of how we can impact our environment as authors and publishers: since the #1 leading seller consistant over time is currently the "How To" book...could we learn "how to" in ways that don't also kill so many trees? Maybe design the book content more consise, to the point, the summary pages being more the "book"? Then transmit that as an e-book as the primary selling and distribution pathway? We're heading there but still a long way from it from my view the last time I went to a large book store...flooded with How Tos. 

So once again...maybe it all comes down to asking ourselves, as writers and publishers, What is the purpose of this book? Create the book for its purpose to society and contribution? That I hope always remains true. To create it as just another book to fill a landfill after a discounted book sale following a 6 week selling spree has attempted to capture market share? I hope we all find another way to recycle or not create that book in the first place.

Timber...sorry I thought I heard something in the woods.   

Since we all share the same planet,

Here's a great online find for home as well as industry news.

http://allgreen.com/site/

Have a Green thought-full day. Hug a tree. 

Jane Marla VerDow

Author: Jane Marla VerDow, Dear Daisy copyright ©2004; Independent Publishing: Rising Sparrow Press, est. 2003. Visit Author Website http://www.risingsparrowpress.com/  to learn more about author’s upcoming titles or for writing and self-publishing resources. Also find Hard to Find Resources on history, travel, rare/old book finds, and arts/literature. Enjoy following Blogs: http://www.storytellersandwriters.blogspot.com/  and http://lakeontarioshoreline.blogspot.com/

And the latest addition, http://www.recordfootsteps.typepad.com/ to explore Writer-Publishing topics.

Given Amazon's recent release of the Kindle ebook reader, the timing of Jeff Gomez's Print Is Dead couldn't be better.  Regardless of your beliefs about print vs. e-content, you need to read this book, especially if you're in the publishing business.  You might not agree with Jeff's opinions but I guarantee you he'll make you think about the industry...(read more on blog) http://jwikert.typepad.com/the_average_joe/2007/11/print-is-dead-b.html

       

Spring Almost

Sun tells me today Spring is right around the corner here in Upstate New York.

To celebrate I thought it a good time to share Green News of the Publishing Industry.

So from now until the official day, all blog entries will be dedicated to how the Publishing Industry is transitioning from killing trees to being Earth Friendly.

So let's start with something familiar. A book and author you may have heard of, at least once in 2007. What did Harry Potter and author, J.K. Rowling contribute to the Green Cause?

Enjoy the read.

Jane Marla VerDow

July 20, 2007

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Dubbed the Greenest Book in Publishing History

The final installment in the Harry Potter series will be the greenest book in publishing history according to Markets Initiative, an environmental group focusing on paper.  Five years of work by Markets Initiative and the Rainforest Alliance is putting tangible environmental solutions into the hands of Harry Potter fans in 16 countries.

For the initial printing of 12 million copies of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in the United States, publisher Scholastic has committed to making sure 65% of the 16,700 tons of paper used is FSC-certified, which means the paper comes from forestlands that are managed in a socially and environmentally responsible way.

Totaling nearly 22 million pounds, this is the largest purchase of FSC-certified paper...(read more)

http://www.sustainableisgood.com/blog/2007/07/harry-potter-an.html

The final installment in the Harry Potter series will be the greenest book in publishing history according to Markets Initiative, an environmental group focusing on paper.  Five years of work by Markets Initiative and the Rainforest Alliance is putting tangible environmental solutions into the hands of Harry Potter fans in 16 countries.

For the initial printing of 12 million copies of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in the United States, publisher Scholastic has committed to making sure 65% of the 16,700 tons of paper used is FSC-certified, which means the paper comes from forestlands that are managed in a socially and environmentally responsible way.

Totaling nearly 22 million pounds, this is the largest purchase of FSC-certified paper...(read more)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Dubbed the Greenest Book in Publishing History

The final installment in the Harry Potter series will be the greenest book in publishing history according to Markets Initiative, an environmental group focusing on paper.  Five years of work by Markets Initiative and the Rainforest Alliance is putting tangible environmental solutions into the hands of Harry Potter fans in 16 countries.

For the initial printing of 12 million copies of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in the United States, publisher Scholastic has committed to making sure 65% of the 16,700 tons of paper used is FSC-certified, which means the paper comes from forestlands that are managed in a socially and environmentally responsible way.

Totaling nearly 22 million pounds, this is the largest purchase of FSC-certified paper...(read more)

Dr. Seuss

Children's literature has a special place in my heart.

I love to read updates and to share Publishing News on old time favorites and comebacks.

Enjoy!!! 

Jane Marla VerDow

The Cat in the Cat, Horton Hears a Who!, Green Eggs and Ham, Hop on Pop and other Dr. Seuss classics are going digital, thanks to a partnership between Dr. Seuss Enterprises and kidthing, a new content distribution platform. Digital versions of the books—with extras such as voiceovers, sound effects and music—will roll out on kidthing.com starting in March, along with digital games based on the characters.

To read more of this article by Karen Raugust -- Publishers Weekly, 2/27/2008

http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6535701.html?rssid=192