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By Paul Biba

images (1).jpegThe Xplanation has the conclusion of its textbook publishing series today:

Over the past month, I have written a series of posts on the future of textbook publishing in the digital age. In the series, I have addressed new business models, new product models, a formula for digital product profitability, and specific product opportunities. In this final installment, I want to address the need for new publisher workflows in the coming decade.

A focus on digital content that leads to greater product diversity and flexibility, will force textbook publishers to introduce a number of changes in both conceptualizing and managing their content. The most significant difference will be that, in the future, profitable textbook publishing companies will adopt a “digital-first” strategy that focuses first on the digital collection of content, separate from any print or other specific product concepts.

Successful companies will shift to common discipline-based content repositories from which new products can be tested and launched quickly and cost-effectively. Moreover, this approach will facilitate new subscription and self-publishing business models as well as allow textbook publishers to create coveted relationships with their end users, both instructors and students.

 
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