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Publishing Scam Exposed As Libraries Shape Audiobook Trends: Self-Publishing News With Dan Holloway

Publishing Scam Exposed as Libraries Shape Audiobook Trends: Self-Publishing News with Dan Holloway

Let’s take a pause from talking about TikTok bans (I will inevitably be back there on Thursday when we find out more about the actual new landscape). First up, an opportunity to celebrate some good news: the exposure of a major publishing scam. It’s always satisfying to report on the downfall of a scam, and thank you to Victoria Strauss at Writer Beware for such a detailed account of three arrests and charges for people allegedly behind a multimillion-dollar scam masquerading as publisher services.

ALLi News Editor, Dan Holloway

PageTurner Press (as Victoria points out, not to be confused with many similarly named outfits or projects) targeted older people, offering them the chance to share their dreams and, using so-called “pig-butchering” tactics, demanded increasingly more money for equally nonexistent promises. As I said in my round-up and forecast, the growth of AI will inevitably mean more scams and schemes targeting would-be self-publishers. So, every curtain pulled down on a scheme is cause for celebration.

Libraries’ Role in Audiobook Distribution

There has also been audiobook news to bring you. A fascinating insight into the role of libraries in the distribution of audiobooks comes courtesy of the Library Journal study “Audiobooks and Public Libraries” survey. You can, of course, read the full survey for yourselves here. But the Audio Publishers Association, which co-produced the survey, highlights some key findings.

First, digital audiobooks account for 70 percent of adult audiobook circulation and 56 percent of younger audiobook circulation. What surprises me is that this presumably means almost half of kids are listening to CDs! The increase in library spending on digital audiobooks is up 9.2 percent for adults and 9.75 percent for younger readers. That said, for nearly two-thirds of libraries, audiobooks represent 1–10 percent of their budget, a fifth spend 11–20 percent, and very few go beyond that.

Reaching Audiobook Readers

You might also want to dig into how books are recommended. That, after all, is the factor most likely to impact your strategy for increasing reach. Librarian recommendations come high on the list. But highest are the library’s website and catalog, which suggests that, unsurprisingly, most readers try what they see offered.

Interestingly, almost no libraries offer audiobook-focused events. This means that if you want to surface your books to readers, you will need to find ways to reach librarians and web maintainers. Or, when you take part in events for physical books, make sure to emphasize your audio presence so it can be announced.


Thoughts or further questions on this post or any self-publishing issue?

Question mark in light bulbsIf you’re an ALLi member, head over to the SelfPubConnect forum for support from our experienced community of indie authors, advisors, and our own ALLi team. Simply create an account (if you haven’t already) to request to join the forum and get going.

Non-members looking for more information can search our extensive archive of blog posts and podcast episodes packed with tips and advice at ALLi's Self-Publishing Advice Center.

Author: Dan Holloway

Dan Holloway is a novelist, poet and spoken word artist. He is the MC of the performance arts show The New Libertines, which has appeared at festivals and fringes from Manchester to Stoke Newington. In 2010 he was the winner of the 100th episode of the international spoken prose event Literary Death Match, and earlier this year he competed at the National Poetry Slam final at the Royal Albert Hall. His latest collection, The Transparency of Sutures, is available for Kindle at http://www.amazon.co.uk/Transparency-Sutures-Dan-Holloway-ebook/dp/B01A6YAA40

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