Patterson launches ad campaign in support of book industry

26 April 2013 Books+Publishing

In the US, author James Patterson has taken out ads on the cover of Publishers Weekly, the back page of the New York Times Book Review and in Kirkus drawing attention to the future of books and the book industry, reports Publishers Weekly. Patterson’s ads ask the question: ‘Who will save our books? Our bookstores? Our libraries?’ The ads continue: ‘The Federal Government has stepped in to save banks, and the automobile industry, but where are they on the important subject of books? … Why are there no impassioned editorials in influential newspapers or magazines?’ Patterson told Publishers Weekly that he was frustrated by the lack of advancement in discussions over the future of books, and hoped his ads would ‘stir the pot a little bit’. Patterson criticised the media for repeatedly publishing the same article about the book business being in trouble with little mention of possible solutions, and also criticised publishers for their ‘woe is me’ attitude. ‘Get in attack mode,’ said Patterson.

Category: International news