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News - 05/30/2006
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Audio-only book puts fiction on menu for iPod users
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 THE world's first audio-only novel is being launched this week, aimed at the iPod and MP3 player generation attracted to downloadable books with hip titles.
Brian Luff's Sex on Legs, a sci-fi thriller, is also unique because its first-time author did not have a contract with a traditional publisher - opening up new audio opportunities for budding authors.
Advert for The Scotsman Digital Archive
Luff's novel, published by US company Audible, which dominates the audiobook market, comes as publishers experience a rapid surge in demand for downloadable books - a market which was virtually non-existent just three years ago.
Publishers and book experts in Scotland said while downloads would become an important feature of the book trade, there was the danger that audio "self-publishing" could lead to a dip in quality of books available.
Catherine Lockerbie, the director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, said: "In general it is very, very, good news that new forms of technology are embracing one of the oldest forms of communication. However, it is not a threat to the print version or festivals. Indeed, anything which whets the appetite of a new generation is to be welcomed."
But Liz Small, the marketing manager of the Scottish Publishers' Association, said there were drawbacks.
She said: "Self-publishing allows people to edit their own books. Good writing is the result of good collaboration with a good editor and proof reader. But I don't think this is a phase - anyone who chooses to ignore it is looking backwards."
The audio market is now worth more than £70 million annually in the UK. Sales of audio books from July to September last year soared by 40 per cent compared with the same quarter in 2003.
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Source:  The Scotsman
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