It was announced today that Seagull Book and Tape and Covenant Communications was bought by Deseret Book. For those that aren't really familiar with the LDS fiction world, this is kind of like Microsoft buying out Apple.
As an author with Covenant Communications, I for one, welcome the new overlords.
It will be interesting to see how this plays out. On the one hand, maybe this will mean I can do book signings with Deseret Book. Maybe my next book will be displayed in the front of DB stores as well as Seagull, instead of in the back. Maybe I'll see my book in Wal-mart, Smiths, and other places were DB is.
On the other hand, what about the customer? It was rumored that DB was a bit peeved at how much SB was 'slashing prices'. With DB owning everything on God's Green earth, they can now set the prices as they see fit.
One could argue that one of the smaller publishers now has the chance to shine, but I don't think so. The reason Covenant has done so well is because they owned so many book stores. No other publisher is in this position.
It will be very interesting to see what happens over the days and weeks to come.
More coverage of the story.
http://www.sltrib.com/ci_4915604
http://www.abc4.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=5b11c22c-b003-4292-91d8-5a3bb0ea2789
1 comment:
I have the same questions about the deal. I don't think the consumer or author wins under this scenario but time will tell.
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