Authors Guild sues Google over library project

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Putting out books is NOT cheaper than music

It is obvious that most people here have little if any idea of the
costs involved with writing a book for publication. Keep in mind
that the books Google is attempting to scan for search purposes
are professionally-published academic texts as well as other
subjects both fictional and non-fiction. These publications cost
in the vicinity of thousands of dollars before the first book hits
the shelves.

Take into consideration that the person who wrote it really wants
to be paid for their time. The average first book to reach
publication is the result of hundreds if not thousands of man-
hours to complete the first draft. From there it goes to an editor
or an agent, who will likely reject it, forcing the author to send it
to many agencies or publishers over the course of months or
years before one says, "We'll buy it, but..."

Now comes a back-and-forth between the two, going through
the process of innumerable edits and rewrites until the
publisher's editor is satisfied that it's in saleable condition. In
other words, we now have another few dozens of hours if not
more by a minimum of three people involved.

Now the product goes to the typesetters (ok, granted today it's
done by computers, but still...) where the dies are made for the
actual printing process. From there it goes to print.

Meanwhile, an artist is hired to paint the cover art which adds
even more people to the process and finally everything is put
together to produce the completed book.

That first book now cost somewhere in the area of $15-
$25,000US to make. The publisher determines how many copies
to print and ship to bookstores around the country. Add printing
costs and shipping costs.

Get the idea? It's not just the Authors who can be hurt.

However, by making these texts more available, it becomes
possible for people to learn of them outside of the library and
sample a portion of the book. It allows them to determine if this
is a book they want or need, thus possibly creating demand for
the publication.

In other words, Google's idea is a very valid one that could
benefit everyone, including the Authors and the publishers. If
someone doesn't want their work included, Google is clearly
giving them the opportunity to opt-out at no cost to anyone
other than lost sales.

Posted by: vulpine@...   Posted on: 09/21/05 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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