An interesting session demonstrating that catchy titles can be a mistake. The Panel (mainly important peope from Penguin) spent 30 minutes explaining how important publishers are and what value they add. First question from the floor commented that he thought he had come to a session about new think but was just hearing a lot of old think. The audience were then invited to tell the publishers what they would like them to do to engage with new technologies - which they did - sometimes forcefully. An interesting idea from Canada where they apparently make available the first chapter of a book online for free then charge for subsequent chapters.
Seemed to be some reluctant recognition from the Panel that they have to demonstrate how they are adding value to an author by increasing readers and not just be seen to be taking a slice of the money. The final questioner asked whether we should be trying to save the book (as we currently know it) or the practice of long form narrative.
