If you are creating digital content and trying to go through the traditional publishing route, I would highly recommend watching this panel discussion from the 2012 London Book Fair. The last few minutes (around 44:00) I found particularly interesting, where someone presumably from inside traditional publishing questions the panel about the future viability of the existing business model and directed this comment to, Kate Wilson, Managing Director of Nosy Crow, an Indie publisher that is firmly in both the print and digital space, saying that “…Nosy Crow could be taking business away…” Jeff Gomez, President and CEO of Starlight Entertainment jumped on this…”I’m telling you,” he said, “if you don’t do something about it that’s exactly what’s going to happen.”

Other highlights: The problem? Most panelist said “discoverability.” Another problem, according to Eric Huang, Director, New Business & IP Acquisitions at Penguin Books…”many authors come at writing from a static book perspective.” Kate Wilson from Nosy Crow made a point of saying “…the features of the device” should be used “…for the purpose of the story.” This was in response to Jeff Gomez talking about “true interactivity” which requires that the reader participate in a way that is more than “bells and whistles” and that engages them in the “theme and message of the narrative” and affects outcome. Jeff Gomez also noted the “stunningly rabid adaptation going on” to new technologies.

Digital Minds Conference 2012: Panel: Children’s Content Leading the Way (by LondonBookFairVideo)