Here’s a link from Jorgen that stands as a clear example of how fighting the flow will only bite you in the ass. Marketplace.com has a story about Random House, publisher of William Styron’s books (e.g. Sophie’s Choice), losing the digital publishing rights to Styron’s titles to a new company “Open Road” that will represent the family of the deceased author.
Apparently, the text in Styron’s contract does not cover eBooks.
It’s clear that Random House either underestimated the potential of the eBook Revolution or overestimated the strength and breadth of its publishing contracts. As the story says, Random House is not going to go down easily and will fight the decision, since this development leaves all of its publishing contracts open to reinterpretation. With eBooks signaling the future of industry growth, Random House (and others) might be left twisting in the wind.
Change is only bad if you’re unwilling or unprepared to adapt to it.
