DropCap's Predictions for the Future of Publishing in 2024: AI, Global Rights, and Digital Frontiers
We can hardly believe 2024 is upon us!
It was an outstanding year here at DropCap, with almost 700 licenses in 2023 alone!
While the team at DropCap has been in the publishing and rights industry for many years, we can’t help but think that with the advent of AI and the consistent changes in how quality books are getting noticed by rights buyers around the world, we are standing on the brink of a huge and exciting paradigm shift.
We asked our team for five predictions to illuminate the future of publishing from our very specific vantage point in the rights market.
5 Predictions for the Future of Publishing from DropCap Rights Agency
1) A reckoning with the power and influence of AI-generated content
AI-generated content is already an integral part of the publishing landscape– we expect this to grow in 2024.
The good news: This shift towards AI-generated content will streamline production processes, reducing costs and accelerating timelines. There will be even more content for our rights buyers to consider for licensing, and that is very exciting!
The bad news: Concerns surrounding the uniqueness, creativity, and accuracy of AI-generated work will grow. In our world, quality always wins over quantity, and in an already saturated market it will be even more challenging to get quality books to stand out among the crowd.
2) AI-powered book discovery at fairs around the world
Artificial intelligence will not only play a crucial role in content creation, it will also change the way our rights buyers discover books at book fairs.
The good news: We anticipate that the exhibitors and publishers we regularly see in London, Bologna, and Frankfurt, will utilize AI algorithms to analyze attendee preferences, tailor recommendations, and curate personalized experiences. It is such an exciting time to be in this business!
The bad news: While this technology-driven approach will enhance exhibitor impact by connecting readers with books that align more closely with their interests, there is always the fear that the “diamond in the rough” will be missed. That’s why we remain dedicated to maintaining our long-standing partnerships with buyers worldwide, and showcasing our books at fairs around the world..
3) A continued focus on sustainability and eco-friendly publishing practices
We have been so happy to see a growing awareness of environmental issues in publishing at book fairs in years past– we imagine this will continue in 2024.
The good news: A stronger emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly practices, makes our digital catalogs, rights guides, and New Voices digital promotions both eco-friendly and necessary. We can’t wait to offer more of these opportunities in 2024!
The bad news: The publishing world is always slow to adopt change. As our work at DropCap is centered around using our technology to help match rights buyers with quality titles, much of our energy will remain focused on bringing late-adopters into the digital age of publishing.
4) Diversity and Inclusivity will remain front and center
We imagine that book fairs in 2024 will build upon the positive momentum around diversity and inclusivity that have taken center stage in recent years.
The good news: We have no doubt that our rights buyers will continue to actively seek out voices from underrepresented communities and ensure a more diverse range of perspectives is represented. We are so thrilled to have many titles that fit this category!
The bad news: There is no bad news! We can’t wait to build upon our ability to match rights buyers with diverse voices, focused on making the world a more inclusive place. It’s what motivates us in this work each and every day!
5) Quality indie titles will continue to shine
Our partnership with IBPA and many other indie publishers has proven to us many times in the last few years that quality indie titles are in high demand in the worldwide rights market.
The good news: It is such a joy to be able to be part of so many indie success stories! We are absolutely thrilled to be able to bring more amazing indie titles to our rights buyers for consideration for print, audio, TV, and film adaptations.
The bad news: None at all!
In fact, the most exciting part of 2024 for us at DropCap is to continue to build upon and expand DropCap Marketplace, where indie authors can list their books with us and take advantage of our exclusive software to match their titles with interested buyers worldwide.
The team at DropCap is looking forward to being part of YOUR publishing success story this year! Visit DropCap Marketplace to discover how your book can be front and center on the worldwide stage in 2024.
