What’s in store for books in 2012

Just how will 2012 bring changes to what and how we’re reading? We asked Jason Boog, the man behind GalleyCat, a widely read blog about the publishing industry, for his predictions.

1. A push toward reading locally: Boog hopes the trend toward eating locally will extend to consumers supporting another local movement: their neighborhood bookstore. “People are really upset about Amazon taking away business from local bookstores; I see a lot of backlash. I hope this translates into people supporting them,” he says. Boog doesn’t see a bright future for them if we don’t.  “I don’t think local bookstores have much of a chance [if not], especially as digital books become more popular,”?he says.

2. Amazon will take over your life: “On the other side of that ‘reading locally’ coin,” counters Boog, “is there is going to be a huge Amazon blitz this year.” He points to their host of inhouse imprints currently in the works: “They’re launching a romance imprint, science fiction, fantasy — the list goes on,” he says. “They’ve also spent time acquiring a great team of editors. Although we don’t know the outcome yet [of these changes], it’s going to be fascinating to watch.”

3. Digital is still on the rise: “We’re going to see a lot more attention focused on self-published authors,” says Boog.  He points to the careers of self-published writers like Amanda Hocking and John Locke as evidence. “They got big book deals which, in turn, inspired a  whole new wave of people to get into self-publishing.” Boog says that many established authors are looking toward e-books to publish their back list — or if they get a book deal they aren’t happy with it. “The stigma is receding.”  

4. The year of Occupy Writers: “My hope is that the kind of moment that started with Occupy Wall Street extends to writers. Writers deserve a fair wage, jobs that are stable,” he envisions. “I really hope this is the year writers organize.”