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.
Mad Viral
Listening to audiobooks with my kids has become a cherished bonding activity. ListenBook has turned my downtime into an opportunity for exploration and growth. User-centric audiobook joy β this app's ease of use is a true marvel.
Cricket
ListenBook's compatibility with playlists and CUE files is a great addition for those who love organized listening. ποΈ Elevating grocery shopping to a whole new level β audiobooks make it an adventure! ππ ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Mental Prophet
The app's versatility in audio downloading is impressive. It's a one-stop solution for all my content. ListenBook has become my gateway to new worlds, allowing me to explore stories, ideas, and knowledge.
Valley Guardian
Audiobooks have turned road trips into unforgettable journeys of imagination. With this app, I've discovered the joy of learning while I'm on the move β it's like having a tutor by my side. πΆββοΈπ Staying entertained during leisurely walks β audiobooks make outdoor time delightful! πΆββοΈπ§ Effortlessly immersing in stories β this app's ease of use is a game-changer. Audiobook lovers, you need this app in your life. The innovative features, from audio filters to compatibility, enhance my reading journey. ππ§
Crash Enforcer
CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to create curated listening experiences for different moods and settings. This served its purpose as background listening while I worked. I probably missed some details but the narrator's voice was pleasant enough.
Shwatson
Audiobooks have become my escape from reality β a journey into captivating worlds. Automated metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is so organized now. 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!
Stud Buster
I can't thank the developers enough for constantly updating and improving the app. I can't believe I waited this long to discover the joy of audiobooks through this app. ποΈ Basking in the sun with an audiobook β relaxation meets storytelling paradise! βοΈπ
Gov Skull
ππ This app has rekindled my love for books β I can't stop listening! ππ§ πͺ Boosting my productivity with this app's efficient multitasking features β audiobook enjoyment while I conquer my to-do list! πΌπ§
General Broomdog
π§ββοΈβ Unwinding with a cup of tea and a captivating audiobook β relaxation meets intellectual stimulation. π΅π Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive features, from statistics tracking to enhanced audio quality, enrich my reading. πβ¨
Fadey
No more straining my eyes to read β now I can simply immerse myself in storytelling. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a seamless addition to my daily routine. The interface is sleek and user-friendly. Makes navigating through chapters a breeze.
JK Friend
I can't remember the last time I was this excited about 'reading' books! ListenBook's audiobook player is a true workhorse β chapters, controls, and filters are all seamlessly integrated. I can't get enough of this app's convenience β it has turned my audiobook journey into a delightful habit. This app's ease of use has made my long drives educational and enjoyable. Packed with useful features. My favorite audiobook app!
Nola
Audiobook multitasking made easy β this app's functionality is top-notch. Say goodbye to monotony β this app's diverse format support and intuitive controls have turned my daily activities into thrilling audiobook adventures. π±π ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks a breeze. The smooth playback and intuitive interface are unmatched.
Taz Ringer
This app's efficient downloading process ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks whenever and wherever. ποΈ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency β I'm enjoying audiobooks without missing a beat in my day. πΆπ With support for various audio formats, ListenBook ensures I can enjoy my favorite audiobooks without worries. Love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Mr. Spy
The absence of synchronization requirements on ListenBook is a breath of fresh air. I'm amazed at this app's ability to transport me to different worlds through stories. Efficient audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is a revelation. Automated artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook collection.
Tall Sally
This app's compatibility with different formats ensures that I never miss out on a great audiobook. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it the perfect companion for any audiobook lover. No more carrying heavy books β this app has transformed my reading habits. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear and distraction-free listening.
Emerald Goddess
πΆπ Setting the mood with stories instead of songs β this app is my go-to playlist! π§π I don't have strong feelings about this one either way. The narration was competent but forgettable. The story itself was more engaging than the performance.
Killer Curio
ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to spread the joy of captivating stories with friends. 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.
Stud
πΆπ Setting the mood with stories instead of songs β this app is my go-to playlist! π§π Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats. It's a dream come true for audiophiles like me.
Nessie
I've become the go-to storyteller at bedtime with the help of this magical app. πΆββοΈπ Exploring stories as I stroll β audiobooks have turned my walks into inspiring journeys of imagination. ποΈπ§ π₯ Simplifying my reading routine β the app's functionality ensures I'm always one click away from literary adventures. ππ ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Trixie Doodle
Listening to books in their original language has improved my foreign language skills. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureβitβs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
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