What is a good book

I have already noted that I largely agree with Jon's predictions on the direction of book publishing.    But there are two points in the discussion that I find myself questioning.

First 'publishing' means many things.   Each area that uses it has its own recognition of it of course.   Yet even if we say 'book publishing' we enter long discussions about the nature of that field.

Similarly for magazine publishing, music publishing and so on.   I wonder how much we are thinking different things when we write.

The other problem is 'book'.   This relates, to an extent, to variations in book publishing;  but it is far more complex.   
One publisher, who clearly sells regulalry and well within his niche, prints staples and binds his works with his own small office equipment.   He appears to have almost no presence in the mainstream publishing areas.

We have read this week here that major publishers are the arbiters of quality.   Are they?   They have routines and recognisable characteristics certainly...

And then what is a 'good book'?   And who says so?

I ask because  I think all these discussions risk people arguing about different things.   So when it comes to the impact of the digital revolution on the business(es) the thoughts being discussed become yet more splintered.

Books may sell well even if badly written and presented;  books may fail even if every aspect of writing, production and marketing is perfect.   So is a good book one we approve of, or one that sells, or one that wins awards?   - or something else?

Joseph Harris

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