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.
Chip Queen
The smart recommendation feature keeps surprising me with books I never knew I'd love. ListenBook's integration of artwork and metadata adds a visually appealing touch to my library.
Bitmap
ListenBook's support for multiple download methods ensures I can always access my favorite content. I'm addicted to this app's ability to seamlessly blend books into my life.
Easy Mac
Audiobooks have made long flights feel like a breeze β a true travel essential. User-centric audiobook joy β this app's ease of use is impressive. Playback speed and volume controls are fantastic.
Squatch
Audiobooks have become my favorite workout companions, making exercise a breeze. The controls on ListenBook are intuitive and user-friendly, making it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. Audiobooks have become a part of my self-care routine, thanks to this app. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the audio quality and ensures that I can immerse myself fully in the content. Absolutely loved the narration! The voice actor brought the characters to life with distinct tones and emotions. The production quality was top-notch, with no background noise or distractions. A truly immersive experience!
Lucky Brandy
ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful β I'm hooked! I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. πΌ Merging work and pleasure β audiobooks keep me company during house admin tasks! π»π§
Twix Esses
I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend! This is exactly what I look for in an audiobook! The narrator's pleasant voice and excellent diction made even complex passages easy to follow. I appreciated the subtle but effective use of pauses and emphasis that added depth to the listening experience. Finished it in record time because I couldn't stop listening.
AxelRoad
Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Excellent app! I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature.
Shadow Gal
ListenBook has brought a whole new level of convenience and enjoyment to my audiobook experience. Navigating audiobooks effortlessly β this app's functionality is commendable. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my immersion in every audiobook, regardless of surroundings. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate customized listening sessions, whether for study, relaxation, or entertainment.
CloudFrenzy
This app has transformed my daily routines into immersive storytelling experiences. I'm hooked on this app's ease of use β it's a reader's dream come true. ListenBook's versatility with various audio formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from multiple sources effortlessly. Auto-rewind feature is very useful. Excellent app! The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Hobo Samurai
I can't remember the last time I was this excited about 'reading' books! I can't imagine my day without a dose of literature from this app. πββοΈπ Combining exercise and exploration β audiobooks make my runs more exciting! πββοΈπ§ Tone adjustment is an innovative touch that adds a personal connection to the audiobook narration. It's like having a custom reading experience. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
ForumFlare
Thank you for making my reading goals more achievable and enjoyable. Thanks to ListenBook's extensive statistics, I can track my audiobook consumption and celebrate my progress. Streamlining audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is truly impressive. ListenBook Pro takes things up a notch with unlimited audiobook length. It's a game-changer! This was a workmanlike audiobook that did the job without flair. The narration was clear and the pacing appropriate, though the delivery lacked some emotional depth. The production quality was acceptable with no major technical issues.
VenusXX
ListenBook's compatibility with multiple downloading methods ensures there's always a way to get my content. ListenBook's features are a bookworm's dream come true β from chapters to bookmarks, it's got everything. This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze. π± My pocket-sized library β this app makes reading accessible anytime, anywhere! ππ± ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Super Flick
The 'Continue Listening' feature ensures I never lose my place, no matter where I am. Adjustable playback speed and volume control are top-notch.
VPR
The bookmark feature is a lifesaver β no more losing my place in the story! The narrators on this app are truly talented β they bring characters to life. This app has transformed my screen time into valuable learning and entertainment. ποΈ Basking in the sun while indulging in literary adventures β this app makes outdoor relaxation even better. βοΈπ 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.
Esquire
Unwinding with a good audiobook has become my favorite self-care ritual. The sleep timer is a brilliant addition β I drift off to sleep with amazing stories. π± Unlocking the world of literature with just a tap β this app is my digital library card! ππ± Kudos to the developers for optimizing this app for iOS 16. It runs like a dream on my device. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a creative feature that adds a personal touch to the experience.
Rummy Stickers
This app's convenience has turned my exercise sessions into enlightening moments. I'm amazed by the attention to detail, from automatic metadata extraction to customizable settings. No need for file conversion is a game-changer. Love using ListenBook on my iPhone.
Cereal Killer
ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to introduce others to the joys of audiobook storytelling. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection. Bookmarks are a fantastic organizational tool. They help me keep track of important moments in my audiobooks. ListenBook has revolutionized the way I consume content. It's like having a personal tutor in my ear.
Sun Lemon
ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can acquire new content in a way that suits me best. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my daily activities more seamless and convenient.
NexusNavigator
I've become addicted to this app β in the best possible way! ListenBook's interface is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's also highly functional. Navigating through chapters and controls is a breeze.
Spooky Yellowjacket
Sharing audiobooks with friends is a thoughtful gesture that ListenBook makes seamless. The app's integration with Apple Watch makes it an indispensable tool for my active lifestyle.
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