Book description
In the late 1950s, Random House editor Jason Epstein would talk jazz with Ralph Ellison or chat with Andy Warhol while pouring drinks in his office. By the 1970s, editors were poring over profit-and-loss statements. The electronics company RCA bought Random House in 1965, and then other large corporations purchased other formerly independent publishers. As multinational conglomerates consolidated the industry, the business of literature--and literature itself--transformed. Dan Sinykin explores how changes in the publishing industry have affected fiction, literary form, and what it means to be an author. Giving an inside look at the industry's daily routines, personal dramas, and institutional crises, he reveals how conglomeration has shaped what kinds of books and writers are published. Sinykin examines four different sectors of the publishing industry: mass-market books by brand-name authors like Danielle Steel; trade publishers that encouraged genre elements in literary fiction; nonprofits such as Graywolf that aspired to protect literature from market pressures; and the distinctive niche of employee-owned W. W. Norton. He emphasizes how women and people of color navigated shifts in publishing, arguing that writers such as Toni Morrison allegorized their experiences in their fiction. Big Fiction features dazzling readings of a vast range of novelists--including E. L. Doctorow, Judith Krantz, Renata Adler, Stephen King, Joan Didion, Cormac McCarthy, Chuck Palahniuk, Patrick O'Brian, and Walter Mosley--as well as vivid portraits of industry figures. Written in gripping and lively prose, this deeply original book recasts the past six decades of American fiction.
Ember Rope
This app has introduced me to authors I'd never heard of – now they're my favorites! ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick access to chapters enhance my overall listening experience.
Zorkle Sporkle
With this app, I've turned my everyday moments into meaningful opportunities for growth and learning. ListenBook's compatibility with a wide array of audio formats makes it my ultimate audiobook companion. This app has transformed my daily commute into a captivating journey of knowledge and entertainment. The app's performance is exceptional, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted audiobook experience. It's clear that it's designed with audiobook enthusiasts in mind. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
Popeye Wipeout
The narrator's voices are so engaging, it's like having a personal storytelling session. Thank you for making my reading goals more achievable and enjoyable. I'm amazed at ListenBook's intuitive interface and precise controls – it's a joy to navigate. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds convenience to my audiobook routine. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Prof. Smirk
I've found hidden gems in genres I never thought I'd be interested in. ListenBook's customizable audio filters allow me to personalize my listening experience – a fantastic feature. Savoring audiobooks without complications – this app's design is top-notch. I can't believe how easy it is to download audio from various sources. So convenient! I love how customizable the playback speed is. It makes listening so much more enjoyable.
VisionVoyager
🎉 An app that turns house chores into exciting adventures – count me in! 🧹📖 🎶📚 My new soundtrack? Audiobooks, of course! This app makes every day musical. 🎧🎶 Organization made simple – this app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures that every story is just a tap away. Convenience at its finest. 📖📱 Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If you’re looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it.
Good William
I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience so effortless. From downloading to playback, it's a true companion for book lovers. 📚💫 ListenBook has elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. It's a treasure trove of knowledge.
Bleachers
I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn even the most mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for learning. Looping playback helps me revise and memorize complex topics effectively. A study essential! The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks and this narrator is now in my top 5. Their timing and inflection were masterful. Never a dull moment in the entire performance.
Don Stab
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a portable audiobook library that I can carry everywhere. I'm so grateful for this app – it's like having a personal storyteller wherever I go. Audiobooks on the go – this app's design prioritizes convenience. Binaural audio processing is a godsend. My ears don't fatigue even during extended listening.
K-Tin Man
This app's ease of use has made reading more accessible and enjoyable than ever before. Simplifying my reading routine – this app's ease of use is remarkable. I can't get enough of ListenBook's silky-smooth playback and intuitive design. It's my go-to app for both leisurely listening and study sessions. As an audiobook aficionado, this app is a dream come true. Its support for various formats and effortless navigation make it my perfect reading companion. 🌟🎧 Adjustable playback speed is my secret weapon for covering more material in less time. A productivity boost!
Scarlet Mary
ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. Effortlessly managing my audiobook library – this app's design is a triumph. ListenBook's tone adjustment feature in the Pro version is a creative tool that adds a fun twist to my audiobook journey.
Lounge Master
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a social audiophile's dream. I'm blown away by the silky-smooth playback, even for high-quality formats like FLAC. Top-notch performance!
Valley Guardian
The app's layout is clean and intuitive, making it a pleasure to navigate. ListenBook's compatibility with different formats ensures I never have to worry about file conversions. With ListenBook, every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories and gain knowledge. 🎙️ Turning grocery shopping into a thrilling audiobook hunt – what a game-changer! 🛒📚
Electric Saturn
I'm addicted to this app's ability to seamlessly blend books into my life. As an audiobook enthusiast, this app is a dream come true. Its compatibility with various formats and easy navigation make it my ultimate reading companion. 🌟🎧 Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to connect.
Swing Setter
The statistics feature in ListenBook is a valuable tool for monitoring and optimizing my audiobook consumption. I'm amazed by the app's versatility in downloading audio. It accommodates various sources seamlessly.
Street Squirrel
Binaural audio processing is a godsend. My ears don't fatigue even during extended listening. ListenBook has become my workout companion. It keeps me engaged and entertained during exercise.
BlacKitten
This app has turned my household chores into moments of intellectual growth. This app has enriched my daily routine and added a touch of intellectual stimulation. 🎙️ This app's user-friendly interface has transformed my daily walks into immersive storytelling sessions. Kudos to the developers! 🚶♀️📖 Effortless and enriching – that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features redefine audiobook joy. 📱📖 Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and broad compatibility ensure every story is a captivating ride. 🌌🎧
K-9
Seamless audiobook integration – this app's functionality is truly remarkable. ListenBook's support for playlists in the CUE format makes organizing and enjoying audiobook series a delightful experience. Smooth playback and great sound quality. ListenBook is my new favorite app!
Scratch Man
With ListenBook, I've unlocked a world of educational and entertaining content right at my fingertips. I'm amazed at how this app's features cater to audiobook enthusiasts' every need. ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a touch of elegance to my audiobook collection.
Night Magnet
This app has turned my daily routine into a source of excitement and joy. ListenBook has become an indispensable part of my daily routine – it's my ultimate audio companion. I'm addicted to this app's curated playlists and recommendations – they're spot on. User-friendly audiobook experience – this app's design is a standout. This app is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts. The interface is intuitive, and the playback is seamless!
Tse Tse Guy
ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats means I can listen to all my favorite content without worries. With this app, I've discovered the joy of learning while I'm on the move – it's like having a tutor by my side. With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of reading through my ears, making every moment more valuable.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience