16 Comments

I agree with you. This is more...bookish swag from T-swift than actual publishing overhauling.

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Literally bookish swag. Perfect way to put it.

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Those numbers you cited tell the tale.

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Clear as a sunny day.

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This analysis hits the nail on the head. Different industries work differently and readers are a different breed

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Totally different!

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I agree with Sara that Taylor will sell squillions of her book because I think it’s more like a printed program of her tour rather than essays - so you can admire the pretty pictures and not worry about reading too many words! But I also think that it’s good for trad publishers to think beyond their trad means. I’m sure every single of the Big 5 would have scrambled to publish her book if it was on offer, and are probably smarting that it wasn’t!

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Yeah, they're definitely upset about it. And yes, Taylor will do numbers for her "printed tour program" LMAOOO. And another yes to publishers getting more inventive in all aspects of the industry.

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I keep learning from you, Kern.

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We're learning from each other.

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I've been under the impression that this was going to be a coffee table picture book, and as such I think it will sell like crazy. But I agree--not a big deal thing that's going to change publishing.

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Not at all. Just Taylor Swift doing Taylor Swift things.

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The only winner here is Target for its exclusive deal.

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Hahha true!

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Oct 20Liked by Kern Carter

I like the X-Ray glass analysis Kern. You are probably correct that it is not likely to be a big game changer for the Publishing Industry.

You can re-frame it and say TS has simply the resources to bankroll any project she desires and to demand a higher cut for sales. TS does not need any help from Publishers.

I think she will succeed, as she is on a "roll" with her ability to have sold out stadium shows in every country is to be reckoned with. Our Stadium here; for Aussie rules Grand Final with a capacity of 100,000 seats, she had 3 concert stadium sell outs ! Amazing not many can do that. Can you ignore the numbers ? Now what would happen if established big name authors tried the Target Model and set up their own imprint ?

“No one has more than scratched the surface when it comes to understanding and explaining the miracle of the market.

Leonard Read

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Brandon Sanderson did a crowdfunding thing for his last series and I don't remember the final numbers but he did millions in the first week. The market will be the market, even for bug name authors. But a typical self published author must be prolific to stand a chance.

Also, 300,000 people is wild!!!! Go Taylor LOL

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