The Bookseller.com

4th July 2009

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US publishers have economic jitters, says survey

08.10.08

Publishing Trends has released highlights of its latest US publishing industry survey, revealing "economic jitters, enduring love of books and hope for change".

According to the publishing industry newsletter, more than 380 people took part in the survey, with literary agents forming the largest group of respondents. Findings revealed that 36% believe the main threat facing the industry is people purchasing fewer books. "I feel like books are a dying commodity. I wish more people read," wrote one agent. More than 80% of respondents thought publishing jobs were less secure than they were a year ago, and many have watched their companies enact cost-cutting measures, including hiring freezes, "claustrophobic expense control," and decreased bonuses.

When asked where they’ll be in five years, 26% of respondents answered, "I'm not sure yet . . . depends on how the election goes."

Other revelations included 48% said they got most of their publishing news from the internet, followed by trade magazines (24%), 54% of respondents read book and media blogs regularly, up from 31% last year, and 11% are bloggers themselves.

US Global economy Publishing Trends