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.
Junkyard Dog
ListenBook's sleek interface and precise controls make it a joy to use during my daily listening sessions. ListenBook has transformed my daily routine into an opportunity to learn, relax, and enjoy. ListenBook has become my gateway to new worlds, allowing me to explore stories, ideas, and knowledge.
Stone Boomstick
I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily activities more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. π± Carrying stories in my pocket β this app's convenience is a game-changer! πποΈ
2nd Hand Joe
The ability to listen to books while multitasking is a game-changer for me. π± Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's ease of use is a booklover's dream come true! ππ₯ Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's ease of use is a true asset. ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches. 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.
ThoughtTracer
Frequent updates ensure there's always something new and exciting to listen to. The minimalist interface and intuitive settings make for an amazing user experience. I'm grateful for ListenBook's seamless compatibility with a variety of formats β it's a true lifesaver. Audiobook multitasking made easy β this app's functionality is top-notch. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my library look organized and visually appealing.
Boost Princess
Audiobook pleasure at its finest! This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and delightful. ππ The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that has a big impact on my listening experience. I love it! The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
ByteBard
This app has turned my cooking sessions into culinary adventures with a side of stories. π‘ Enriching my daily routines with wisdom and wonder β thank you, this app! π±π
Mad Irishman
I love how this app allows me to enjoy books even when I'm on the move. ποΈ Soaking up the sun with an audiobook by my side β beach days just got better! ποΈπ
Drift
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app! Audiobooks anytime, anywhere β this app's functionality is a reader's delight. Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a touch of elegance to my audiobook collection. Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are excellent.
Mauve Cactus
I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, all thanks to this app. πββοΈπ Running with purpose β audiobooks keep my mind engaged as I conquer my fitness goals. πββοΈπ§ π This app's functionality is a masterpiece β it seamlessly integrates audiobooks into my daily routine. ππ¨
QuestQuill
ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make every listening session a pleasure. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made multitasking with audio content a breeze. I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates into my life, enhancing every moment with stories. Bookmarks are a must-have for any audiobook lover. They help me stay organized and engaged. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook enjoyment. It's an essential part of my daily routine.
Z-Boy
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my daily activities more seamless and convenient. ποΈ Turning grocery shopping into a thrilling audiobook hunt β what a game-changer! ππ Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fantastic way to introduce them to captivating stories.
Mr. 44
I've fallen in love with literature all over again, thanks to this incredible app. I'm able to catch up on my reading list even during the busiest days. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app is your new best friend. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling.
Hog Butcher
Thanks for making my daily commute to work enjoyable and engaging! ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a detail-oriented touch I truly appreciate. Who needs traditional books when you have this app? It's a game-changer. With this app, I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and real life. Listened to this on a road trip and it made the hours fly by. Even my passengers who weren't following along commented on how nice the narrator's voice was.
ManMaker
I've become the storyteller of my family, sharing the amazing audiobooks I've discovered. No more hassle with formats β this app ensures my audiobook adventures are smooth, and my favorite tales are just a tap away. Highly recommended! ππ§ ListenBook is my trusted partner for all things audiobooks. It's reliable, intuitive, and user-friendly. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a game-changer.
RiddleRover
π The ease and functionality of this app make it my go-to choice for immersive audiobook experiences. π±π§ With ListenBook Pro, I'm no longer limited by audiobook length. It's a liberating experience!
CuriousCoder
The sound quality is outstanding β it's like having a movie theater in my ears! ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. With this app, reading is as simple as pressing play β it's genius! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my immersion in every audiobook, regardless of surroundings.
Athens Fire
Audiobooks have turned my mundane activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. π§ Fueling my audiobook addiction with this fantastic app β pure listening pleasure! ππ₯ ππ On-the-go listening has never been smoother β this app's functionality keeps me engaged during long commutes. ππ Great for listening to a variety of content. Highly recommend! The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Sylvester Eye
ListenBook has redefined the way I experience stories, turning every moment into an adventure. With this app, I've unlocked the secret to reading even on the busiest days. π§ This app is my saving grace! Now I can enjoy my beloved books while cooking up a storm! ππ³ I'm blown away by the powerful audio downloading options. So versatile! Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my library look organized and professional.
JK Friend
I can't believe how easy it is to download and manage my audio content using ListenBook. With this app, I can devour books like never before β it's incredibly efficient. ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations. ListenBookβs audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
Snow Pharaoh
ππ Reigniting my passion for books β this app is my newfound reading obsession! π₯π§ The app is worth every penny. Itβs packed with features and works flawlessly.
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