The Times They Are A-Changin’
Do we need much more
evidence to prove that Bob Dylan’s famous lyrics are true? If anything, the
rate of change is speeding up. But it’s more just than change. It’s the
questioning of familiar ways of doing things.
The future of gas in cars and of lecture halls in college is
questionable (like handles on modern toilets and faucets). I believe
hydrogen fuel cells will replace gas in our cars and “problem-based
learning” will take over college education by the end of the next
generation. (If you want to know about “PBL,” call me at (818) 842-4278.)
No gasoline, no formal lectures, no air pollution, and on and on. You
probably have ideas of things that should be changed. One thing’s certain —
like the cell phone developers — many will become rich.
These
same kinds of changes are taking place in publishing and publicity. We’re
working hard at BPSC to remain on the cutting edge of innovation. The
presentation of the Ninth IRWIN Awards on October 9th gives everyone the
opportunity to have an award-winning book. Becoming a published author is
now a lot easier, made possible with our annual Chopped Liver anthology
series.
No longer is it a matter of random chance to receive
recognition. No longer does it require endless persistence and frustration
to see your manuscript in print and your photo in four-color on a book
cover. No longer need you wonder how to do the myriad tasks required to
publish and promote — our speakers and “book shepherds” will show and tell
you all you need to know.
Understanding the new possibilities
— digital printing, desktop publishing, new publishing software, Dan
Poynter’s seminars, Internet promotion, creation of effective websites, and
co-publishing with businesses who benefit from books used as premiums to
sell products, are among some of the many possibilities we promote, with
many others ideas looming on the horizon to benefit us.
Yogi
Berra, a great modern philosopher whose wisdom is beyond question, has
stated: “Da future just ain’t what it used ta be.”
