logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2013
27m 54s

Books

Bbc Radio 4
About this episode

The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

Like the music industry before it, the print book industry has been turned upside down up by the digital revolution. As sales of ebooks continue to grow, bookshop sales are down from a peak in 2007. So what does the future for hold for the bricks and mortar bookstore? Will physical books become a thing of the past? And what role will traditional players like publishers, agents and retailers play in this brave new world? Evan Davis and guests examine what the landscape might look like once the dust settles.

Joining Evan in the studio are Jonny Geller, literary agent and joint CEO Curtis Brown; Victoria Barnsley, CEO of publisher HarperCollins UK & International; Michael Tamblyn, Chief Content Officer at Toronto-based ebook retailer Kobo.

Producer: Ben Crighton Editor: Innes Bowen.

Up next
Nov 20
The Decisions That Made Me: Jesper Brodin (IKEA)
<p>When Jesper Brodin landed a job as IKEA’s purchase manager in Pakistan, he was only 26. And had no idea he was the only applicant. He’s now spent 30 years with the iconic Swedish brand - since 2017, as CEO of Ingka Group, which runs most IKEA stores. During that time, he’s ... Show More
14m 3s
Nov 13
The Decisions That Made Me: Heather Vernon (Woburn Partners)
Heather Vernon never expected to become an entrepreneur. Her goal after university was to become a teacher, through the Teach First graduate programme - two years of intense learning on the job, schooling disadvantaged children in low income communities. It taught her resilience ... Show More
14m 38s
Nov 6
Hypotheticals: How Would You React If You Were Boss?
Three business leaders tackle fictional dilemmas that test their instincts, experience and nerves. To make it more realistic, none of the guests have any idea what the scenarios are in advance. Guests: Ben Branson, Founder, Seedlip and Sylva Sophie Mermin, Founder, Trotters Child ... Show More
31m 32s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2023
Reading Revival: why the bookshop is back
Hello! Have you ever dreamed of running your own bookshop? We are cheerful to report that the book industry is smashing it at the moment, with the number of indie bookshops at their highest level in six years, and book sales above pre-pandemic levels. Ed and Geoff speak to Sian B ... Show More
55m 15s
Sep 2023
A Better Way to Buy Books
Bookshop.org is an online book retailer that donates more than 80% of its profits to independent bookstores. Launched in 2020, Bookshop.org has already raised more than $27,000,000. In this interview, Andy Hunter, founder and CEO discusses his journey to creating one of the most ... Show More
32m 44s
Jan 2024
Episode 218: Why and Who Are Your Writing Your Book For? Lessons Learned and Genie Walk-Throughs
<p>Jim Edwards <a href="https://copyandcontent.ai">https://copyandcontent.ai</a> discusses the importance of knowing WHO you are writing for and WHY?  Why are you creating a book?  Is it part of a bigger plan in your business model, or will you live off royalties for the rest of ... Show More
56m 31s
Sep 2023
A Better Way to Buy Books
Bookshop.org is an online book retailer that donates more than 80% of its profits to independent bookstores. Launched in 2020, Bookshop.org has already raised more than $27,000,000. In this interview, Andy Hunter, founder and CEO discusses his journey to creating one of the most ... Show More
32m 44s
Nov 2022
The E-Book Wars
In 2019, a group of librarians (quietly) stormed the offices of a major publisher, Macmillan, to protest a controversial policy on e-books. On this show, how a tiny change - a book on a screen - threw an industry into war with itself. Subscribe to Planet Money+ in Apple Podcasts ... Show More
25m 57s
Jun 2023
Summer Reading List
It’s Paul and Goldy’s summer reading list!  We want to know what you’re reading, too. Leave us a comment on Instagram: @pitchforkeconomics Remember to shop local and small when you can, or order from IndieBound or Bookshop.org—both of which support independent bookstores! All o ... Show More
36m 19s
May 2024
Books and Business: The Evolution of Powell’s City of Books
Powell's City of Books is no mere bookstore; it's an institution, community, and treasure for bibliophiles. This literary haven offers new, used, and rare finds that beckon readers from every corner of the globe. Store Manager Bry Hoag helped Powell's flourish into a cultural ico ... Show More
34m 48s
Sep 2023
A Better Way to Buy Books
Bookshop.org is an online book retailer that donates more than 80% of its profits to independent bookstores. Launched in 2020, Bookshop.org has already raised more than $27,000,000. In this interview, Andy Hunter, founder and CEO discusses his journey to creating one of the most ... Show More
32m 44s
Jan 2024
Episode 217: Opening Up the Entrepreneurial Brain for the New Year
<p>Jim Edwards of https://www.copyandcontent.ai discusses the types of ideas that have revolutionized his business over the years. Together with Stew Smith, Jim shares how he gets the thinking and creative part of his brain flowing - even when on vacation.  Some of Jim's best ide ... Show More
55m 58s