Business Model Innovation Hub
... where visionaries, game changers, and challengers discuss business models
Wiley
I'm just off a 1h+ call with a senior editor at Wiley, the publisher. They are interested in publishing the book... It would indeed be interesting because they could give #bmgen a much better global distribution (which is our huge headache). It could bring our book to a new level - even if we would certainly earn little per copy.
He is going to pitch the book internally next Tuesday and show it to his sales team on Thursday.
Also, they don't really like the fact that it's a four color book (too costly for them). They'd like to sell the book at 24.- USD, which would be really, really attractive to readers!!!! For the first year the editor would expect about 25k to 50k in sales, which is really good.
One of our strategies was indeed to pursue the "guerrilla path" until we get to a certain level - that would give us more negotiating power...
What would you do? And with which conditions?
He is going to pitch the book internally next Tuesday and show it to his sales team on Thursday.
Also, they don't really like the fact that it's a four color book (too costly for them). They'd like to sell the book at 24.- USD, which would be really, really attractive to readers!!!! For the first year the editor would expect about 25k to 50k in sales, which is really good.
One of our strategies was indeed to pursue the "guerrilla path" until we get to a certain level - that would give us more negotiating power...
What would you do? And with which conditions?
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Chris Finlay on -
My first reaction is to go for if you can retain the rights to basic IP and control of the promotions.
Good chance to use their platform and reach.
Would have to know more about your next steps to make a meaningful recommendation though.
-
Permalink Reply by Johan Örneblad on -
Well Alex, what is your personal business model and for the others of the core team? Have the book paid the work spent on it?
To go with a large publisher like Wiley might push your personal brand as a lecturer and researcher, which in the long run might be more valuable both to your self and to the book and the team around it.
But going back to the question, what does your business model look like?
-
Permalink Reply by Deborah Mills-Scofield on -
I think it's definitely worth a discussion and seeing what they're willing to do - a few things come to mind which you've probably thought of so I apologise if it's repetitious or obvious:
1. you keep ALL rights to IP - they don't get the IP for the book
2. they can't make any content or style changes without your review and permission
3. you get to understand (and give permission?) to any other uses of the name, content and any repackaging or bundling
Those are the immediate ones that come to mind - there are tons of others i'm sure -- deb
-
Permalink Reply by Ellen Di Resta on -
Congratulations Alex! Whichever direction you go, this is great recognition of the work you've done. I agree with the points Chris and Johan have made so far, and I think you can get even more mileage out of it. You've proven that you've innovated the publisher's business model, in at least two ways: First, you've published a book without them, and you've made them take notice. Isn't that one definition of disruption? Second, you've demonstrated that there is a better way to get them to notice you than submitting to the "slush pile". So, you've shown that there is a better way.
And to give recognition where it's due, you've now seen first-hand what value they do add, so why not let them do what they've been optimized over 100 years to do and take away the your headache? However you decide to handle it, please use this as a reminder to sit back for a minute and appreciate what you've accomplished - with a glass of great red wine! You've earned it!
-
Permalink Reply by Ravila White on -
If Wiley wants to publish the book I'd let them. You've already proven that you've got the know-how to self-publish. I would look at this as a first step toward the next book. I am hoping that one of the opportunities they discussed with you was future books.
They need to support the four color book. The color adds the required information design requirements which appeal to a wide range of readers. Perhaps they want to publish a pocket version without four color. This would allow for further pursuit of the "guerrilla path" + Wiley as a publisher of a pocket version with future discussions of a second book that is backed by Wiley and written to accomodate revenue issues. Would the book published by Wiley be a second edition? Inquire about the the possibilities of a second edition. The special limited edition with color could be offered as well.
You and Yves must retain all IP writes to the book. You should consider a creative commons license for all your work going forward.
Best Wishes,
Ravila
-
Permalink Reply by Bill Welter on
-
Alex,
I've published three books, one with Jossey-Bass, one self-published, and a forthcoming book with Adams Media.
My books have not been a major source of revenue, but the speaking and consulting that came bacause of them has been great.
So, I agree with one of the other comments abut asking yourself about your own business model. If the book is your end goal and you want to be the thoughtful author, then go it on your own. However, if the idea is to build a speaking / consulting practice and the book is a means to that end, then I suggest you go with Wiley. Amazon is great, but you need wider distribution to build your reputation.
I hope this help.
Bill
-
Permalink Reply by Gordon Gray on -
I agree with the previous comments - this seems on the surface to be a great opportunity, and my reaction is to encourage you to follow it thru (and definitely keep the IP rights). But what are you wanting out of all this? How does this fit with your own 'mission' and 'vision' ?
-
Permalink Reply by Claudio D'Ipolitto on -
Hi Alex,
In one word: CONGRATULATIONS !
I suggest you negotiate with them to make a Brazilian Portuguese edition so that you can reach your potential public in Brazil.
The same holds true for a Spanish edition.
-
Permalink Reply by erwin blom on -
"It could bring our book to a new level - even if we would certainly earn little per copy."
To be honest, i don't understand why you don't have a free pdf version. Make available, make shareable and more people will know about the book and will buy in the end!
I tried it with my own book and the free pdf helped selling more books!
-
Permalink Reply by Erwin Fielt on -
A great compliment! And pretty low risk for them, seeing that your work is already widely valued and the current book sells well. ;-) And lots of good advice here again, shows the value of the hub.
What you may consider is bringing out a new edition of the book? Add some patterns? Or some other material or ideas you had to leave out to finalize the current version.
If you have to do some concession to the design, you may think of giving it a bit of a different content. I just started rereading some of your earlier work, like the CAIS paper, and there is lots in there that can be added to the Generation book to give it a bit more depth. But that may just be a personal preference.
Best wishes,
Erwin.
-
Permalink Reply by Lonnie Sanders III on -
I am in alignment with most posters here and especially Gordon.
The first question for me is what do you want to get out of it:
- IP rights
- $$$$ (from the book, speaking, consulting, etc.?)
- Following / buzz for the next book
- personal brand
- etc.
Depending on what you are after, that will assist in teh decision making process. Do you want to create buzz from the perspective of exclusivity and scarcityThen, you may not.
If your intent is to wax prolific then you may want to go with the publisher.
If your concern is more around maintaining control of the IP then that may yield an alternative approach.
Your question may require a little soul searching and if you already know, then the answer may be clear!
Events
Groups
© 2012 Created by Alex Osterwalder.
