Libraries like to have new titles on the shelf the same day they go on sale at Amazon or the the local bookstore. Some libraries even allow patrons to put a hold on a title before it's available. Patrons have come to expect this.
And these days -- as the number of available formats explodes -- folks expect the same for large print, ebooks, audio CD, audio download -- and now, Playaway.
Launching a simultaneous release across all formats is no easy task. When you think about it, an audio publisher can't create an audio production until they have the script, and often a final manuscript doesn't arrive until very close to a title's print on-sale date. It's not unheard of for the audio producer to get the script with as little as 2 or 3 weeks of lead time.
of simultaneous releases
on Playaway to grow steadily...”
When Playaway licenses a title for our pre-loaded, all-in-one format the schedule is even tighter because
we have to wait for that audio producer to finish the recording and
transmit it to us. We then re-encode the audio, adapt the artwork,
print the labels, and load the content. For a
simultaneous release, we might have to do that all within just a few
days -- no mean feat given that we're currently launching over 500
titles every month!
But we understand the importance of simultaneous releases to libraries and their patrons. So we're declaring 2009 The Year of Living Simultaneously -- making our biggest effort ever to bring you lots of hot new releases available at the same time as every other format.
Look for the number of simultaneous releases on Playaway to grow steadily over the course of the year. Here's a sampling for March:
The 39 Clues - Book Three: The Sword Thief
by Peter Lerangis
(Scholastic Audio - Children's Fiction)
March 3, 2009
The
3rd title in the planned 10-part mystery-adventure series from
Scholastic. Rick Riordan (of Percy Jackson fame) has scripted the
story arc for the full series, and each new installment is written by a
a different high-profile author.
The author of The Sword Thief is Peter Lerangis, known for the Spy X mystery series, the Watchers sci-fi series, and the Drama Club teen romance series as well as for the critically acclaimed work of historical fiction Smiler's Bones, and the two-book polar adventure, Antarctica, which was selected as required reading by the JASON organization in 2001.
Goosebumps Horrorland Book 8:
Say Cheese and Die Screaming!
by R.L. Stine
(Scholastic Audio - Children's Fiction)
March 1, 2009
The latest offering from the prolific author who's been called "the kiddie Steven King." Although I was partial to the title of Book 2 in this series (Monster Blood for Breakfast!), this one is my new favorite.
Barnaby Grimes: Curse of the Night Wolf
by Chris Riddell and Paul Stewart
(Brilliance Audio - Children's Fiction)
March 20, 2009 - simultaneous with other audio formats
Curse of the Night Wolf was published in print in September 2008. The first audiobook edition launches March 20th and will be released simultaneously on all audio formats -- Playaway included.
First in the new series about young Barnaby Grimes, "tic-tock lad" -- a fast-moving messenger boy in a fictional city a lot like London at an indeterminate time a lot like the late 1800's. Barnaby specializes in "Highstacking" -- taking the most direct root to his destination by means of the rooftops.
His high-speed adventures carry him into the realm of the supernatural, and his rooftop antics evoke the newly popular extreme sport (or art or physical discipline or something) of "parkour". Parkour was given some big-time big-screen exposure a couple of years ago in the opening chase scene of the Jame Bond film Casino Royale. I just saw Slum Dog Millionaire this weekend, and the first chase scene of the movie was a bit like parkour for the under-ten set. Here are a few good articles from the New York Times:
New Way for Teenagers To See if They Bounce (March 28, 2004)
Throwing Yourself Against the Wall (June 29, 2007)
Climbing Walls Because They're There (October 11, 2008)
Mortal Instruments -- Book Three: City of Glass
by Cassandra Clare
(Simon & Schuster Audio - YA Fiction)
March 24, 2009
The
much-anticipated third installment of the Mortal Instruments trilogy.
As good and evil face off, teenage heroine Clary must face her father. Etta
by Gerald Kolpan
(Blackstone Audio - Adult Fiction)
March 24, 2009
This debut novel (published in print by Ballantine Books, a division of Random House) is the fictionalized story of the real-life Etta Place, outlaw companion of William Longabaugh aka the Sundance Kid. Author Gerald Kolpan is an Emmy Award winning Philadelphia television reporter. For more about Etta Place, check out his entertaining and informative website at: http://geraldkolpan.com/.
Strategic Acceleration: Succeed at the Speed of Life
by Tony Jeary
(Brilliance Audio - Adult Non-Fiction: Business)
March 3, 2009
Renowned CEO coach Tony Jeary lays out the principles of his powerful leadership methodology combining awareness, operational practices, and powerful informational resources designed to produce superior results within time frames that exceed traditional expectations. Strategic Acceleration is also a leadership mindset that approaches old issues in new ways.
Hardcover published by Vanguard Press, a member of the Perseus Books Group.
One Day at a Time
by Danielle Steel
(Brilliance Audio)
Adult Fiction
March 1, 2009
Put this in the category of "near-simultaneous".
Danielle Steel's latest was launched February 24th in print and on CD. The Playaway edition is available as of March 1.
Promises in Death
by J.D. Robb
(Brilliance Audio - Adult Fiction)
March 1, 2009
The latest page-tuner from J.D. Robb, aka You-Know-Who. This is number 28 or number 34 -- depending on who you ask -- in the super popular, futuristic Eve Dallas detective series. Print and CD launched Feb 19. Get it on Playaway, starting March 1.
