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.
Dr. Cocktail
With this app, I've unlocked the secret to reading even on the busiest days. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. My recordings sound crystal clear. Tone adjustment is an innovative touch that adds a personal connection to the audiobook narration. It's like having a custom reading experience. The playback controls are so responsive. No lag at all.
LunaStar
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a versatile companion for my daily activities. ListenBook is a game-changer – it plays a wide variety of formats without any conversion needed. This app has turned even the most ordinary moments into reading sessions. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches. The interface is sleek and modern. It’s a joy to use.
Thrasher
An audiobook lover's dream come true. So many options, I'm in heaven! The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Mr. Alien
I can't get enough of this app's easy navigation and quick access to chapters and playback controls. Seamless audiobook integration – this app's functionality is a true gem. The noise reduction feature in ListenBook Pro is a game-changer for enjoying clear recordings. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. It was fine. The narrator did an adequate job but nothing about the performance particularly stood out to me. Got me through my commute though.
Silver Cup
This app has become my ultimate travel companion, ensuring that I'm always entertained and inspired. 💡 Seamlessly weaving audiobooks into my daily routine – this app's functionality has redefined how I enjoy books. 📱📖 Tone adjustment is so cool. It's like customizing the reader's voice to my liking. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Bootleg Taximan
Finally, an app that values usability – navigating and listening is a breeze! The app's support for multiple formats is flawless. Very satisfied.
WanderWord
Navigating through chapters is effortless with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and intuitive experience. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
StormCake
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook is a fun feature that adds a unique touch to my audiobook experience. 🚶♂️🌟 Embracing audiobooks as my companions during leisurely walks – nature and narratives, a perfect match! 🚶♂️🎧 The app is perfect for long commutes. It keeps me entertained for hours. This audiobook performed its function without excelling. The narrator's delivery was straightforward and easy to follow, though lacking in dramatic flair. The recording quality was decent with only occasional minor inconsistencies in volume. An acceptable but forgettable listening experience.
Trash Pocky
Unlocking a world of literary possibilities, this app's extensive compatibility and user-friendly controls have made audiobook enjoyment an everyday joy. 📱🔊 ListenBook's commitment to a user-friendly interface and intuitive controls is evident in every aspect of the app. Bookmarking favorite parts of audiobooks is a breeze. It's like having a personalized study guide. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Pinball Wizard
I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates with my daily routine. Thanks to ListenBook's extensive statistics, I can track my audiobook consumption and celebrate my progress. ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent user experience sets a new standard in audiobook apps. ListenBook's audio filters are a fantastic addition, enhancing the sound quality of my audio files.
Lord Nikon
Audiobook multitasking simplified – this app's functionality is a triumph. Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's diverse format support and easy downloads, my reading routine has reached new heights. 🌟📚 Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Fantastic app! The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Yellow Menace
The variety of narrators adds a unique touch to each book, making every experience special. Audiobooks have made my long commutes enjoyable, and I'm always eager to see what's next. ListenBook's support for various audio formats means I never have to worry about compatibility issues. ListenBook's audiobook player is a true workhorse – chapters, controls, and filters are all seamlessly integrated. The intuitive chapter navigation and quick access to controls make my audiobook experience seamless.
Blistered Outlaw
Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. This app's convenience and ease of use have transformed my screen time into productive learning sessions.
Sleek Zelda
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear listening in noisy environments. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my downtime more enriching and meaningful. 🎧 This app is my saving grace! Now I can enjoy my beloved books while cooking up a storm! 📚🍳 Bookmarks are a fantastic tool for keeping track of important moments. They're a game-changer.
Leaf Assassin
The convenience of downloading audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. ListenBook has become an essential part of my routine. It's more than an app – it's a companion. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the clarity of recordings and makes my listening sessions more enjoyable. Automated extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
Freesia
The app's features, like the sleep timer, make it clear that it's designed with readers in mind. The playback speed adjustment is a game-changer for busy individuals. Time saver! The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient. I was thoroughly impressed by this audiobook. The combination of engaging content and skilled narration made my daily commute something to look forward to. The narrator's timing and intonation were spot-on, enhancing rather than distracting from the material. Definitely worth a credit!
ThoughtTraveler
ListenBook's unlimited length of audiobooks with the Pro version is a fantastic value for avid listeners. ListenBook's customizable audio filters are a game-changer for tailoring my audiobook playback. I’m blown away by how feature-rich ListenBook is. From the customizable themes to the car mode, everything is designed with the user in mind. The app works flawlessly, and I’ve had zero issues with crashes or bugs. Highly recommend!
Nacho
I love how this app's chapters, bookmarks, and controls give me full control over my audiobook journey. I can finally listen to all my audiobooks seamlessly with ListenBook. The customizable playback controls and chapter navigation make it a breeze. ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Free Ham
I can now explore books beyond my preferred genre, broadening my reading horizons. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy. Noise reduction is magic. I can finally enjoy dictaphone recordings without discomfort. The sleek and user-friendly interface makes navigating the app a breeze. It's a pleasure to use. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Shadow Gal
This app has completely transformed my daily routine. I can't imagine my commute without it! Great app for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook supports a wide range of formats.
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