Meet the Community: Deanta

A Q&A with the IPG’s 2020 Autumn Conference supporter Deanta

1. How well do you think independent publishing has responded to all the challenges of the last six months?

Covid-19 challenges have accelerated existing budget initiatives, such as reacting to diminished sales to libraries. Universities that already budgeted for cost savings are now using the crisis to push savings through faster than anticipated, which meant independent publishers had to react even faster to change business models—by planning the transition to some form of Open Access, for example. There has also been more offshoring and enhancement of technology and automation. Some publishers have also considered relocating their business to lower cost areas, and / or reducing floor space. 

Other changes, such as declining business leading to furloughs and layoffs, have affected many smaller businesses, and not just independent publishers. Some independents, especially in STM fields, saw an increased output of content, also depending on geographical areas. This Publishers Weekly article explored more changes.

2. The theme of the Autumn Conference is global growth. Can you share any advice for publishers seeking to grow sales internationally?

There are initiatives that exist independently of Covid-19, like increasing ecommerce, enhancing access and website user interface, investing in technology, building communities and enhancing social media activities, as well as new business models like dissecting products or focusing on specialist areas within the product range. 

Covid has pushed newly emerging publishing models like 'early view' or preprints, for certain products and to attract readers. Publishers, especially in developing countries, also need to respond to the 'read-and-publish' model, which has its own challenges, as it predominantly benefits larger publishers and authors in developed countries. Other changes include increased investment in ebooks, creating virtual and global communities and reduced dependence on conventional book distribution into the retail trade. There is also a chance for independent publishers to nurture the community of author-publishers, and encourage authors to publish with them.  

3. How can you support independent publishers in the months ahead?

The turmoil of that last six months has forced independent publishers to reconsider their priorities, and with the growing need to focus on digital channels and workflows there is an opportunity to look closely at the importance of hyper-connectivity and firmer integration of all systems and platforms.

While encouraging publishers to embrace the digital opportunities, we can also help independent publishers navigate the new journeys ahead: by reviewing their end-to-end processes and offering practical and affordable integrated solutions that embrace the latest advances in AI, NLP and cloud production services.

Visit the Deanta website.