As part of ThinkPub workshops during Readmagine 25, Raúl Pérez gave a highly interesting presentation on the new hybrid models (print and digital) that publishers can leverage to compete. Pérez is Digital Transformation Manager (Office of the CEO) at the Planeta Group.
Hybrid production, integrating both print and digital formats, is increasingly vital in modern publishing because the landscape has evolved significantly with the advent of digital formats. Today, digital media accounts for a substantial portion of market revenue, demonstrating its indispensable role in engaging diverse audiences. In the US market alone, digital formats contribute 25% of revenue, underscoring their critical importance.
Rául Pérez stressed that digital platforms, including e-books and audiobooks, are not just emerging trends but pivotal channels for broadening audience reach. Platforms like Spotify are expanding into audiobooks, heralding a transformative shift in content consumption patterns across Europe.
The traditional publishing process, centred around producing print books efficiently, now faces the challenge of integrating digital formats seamlessly. While e-book production has become somewhat streamlined, audiobook production introduces complexities such as voice casting and recording nuances (Michal, presentation).
Make vs. buy dilemma
Publishers confront the classic dilemma of whether to develop in-house capabilities or rely on third-party expertise. The «make» approach offers flexibility but demands significant resources and expertise development. Conversely, outsourcing («buy» approach) provides cost-efficiency and rapid deployment but entails dependency on external providers. The decision to handle production internally or externally varies based on technical requirements and catalogue specifics. Publishers may opt to manage simpler e-book productions in-house while outsourcing audiobook complexities to specialized providers.
One of the first steps in navigating the hybrid publishing environment is ensuring that the rights associated with each format—print, e-book, and audiobook—are clearly defined and managed from the outset. Publishers must also carefully consider which markets they wish to target, as this can introduce specific regulatory challenges, such as compliance with accessibility laws in Europe (e.g., for South American publishers entering the European market). Moreover, partnerships with other companies are crucial in developing new products and expanding market reach. These partnerships may not involve outsourcing services but could take the form of joint ventures with other players in the market, facilitating innovation and resource sharing.
The shift in customer engagement: moving beyond traditional platforms
The digital transformation has significantly altered how readers and listeners engage with content. New platforms are reshaping the market, and publishers must be agile enough to adapt. For instance, services like Spotify and Audible are not just competing in traditional audiobook markets; they are part of a larger entertainment ecosystem where books are only one of many content offerings, often competing for attention alongside streaming services like Netflix.
As customers increasingly face distractions from a multitude of services, publishers must reconsider how they approach content delivery. The concept of «format agnosticism» is central to this adaptation. Publishers should not dictate how their content is consumed. Instead, they should be open to offering content in multiple formats, including print, e-book, and audiobook, as well as exploring new innovations in content delivery.
The impact of simultaneous releases and competitive pricing
As part of this broader strategy, publishers need to reconsider outdated practices like «windowing,» where audiobooks are held back for release several months after the print book. In a digital-first world, such delays only risk losing an eager audience, who will likely seek alternative sources for the content. Publishers must also remain conscious of competitive pricing. Setting high prices for e-books and audiobooks simply because the pricing structures are still modelled after print books can backfire. To attract digital-first readers, publishers must price digital formats appropriately, reflecting the different expectations and purchasing behaviours in the digital market.
Testing and experimentation
Pérez underlined the fact that the hybrid publishing model requires experimentation and flexibility and, therefore, with the market evolving rapidly, publishers must be open to testing new formats, business models, and partnerships. This experimental mindset enables publishers to stay ahead of the curve, adapting to customer needs and exploring new ways of engaging audiences. In practice, Planeta’s strategy involves not just offering traditional formats but embracing emerging products and partnerships that might better meet the demands of modern consumers. From podcast adaptations to AI-powered content, the key is to remain flexible and responsive to changes in the market.
In this video, you can follow all the case studies Raúl Pérez focused on to explain the current dynamics facing publishers. In his presentation, he offers a sample of various solutions that a publisher can apply in this situation, such as:
- Marketing through free platforms
- Testing shortened versions of audiobooks
- Audio fiction and digital-first content
- Podcasting as a marketing tool and content exploration
- Flexibility in audio narration: human vs. synthetic voices
- The future of personalized narration
- Adapting to audience preferences
One of the conclusions is that publishers should stay ahead in a changing market, because the hybrid production model in publishing requires continuous innovation, flexibility, and a commitment to meeting audience needs. As we move forward, publishers must remain open to new opportunities, whether through novel content formats, emerging technologies, or new platforms. Adapting to a rapidly changing market is crucial for staying competitive, and publishers like Planeta are leading the way by being format-agnostic and embracing the diverse ways audiences engage with content.
The next step for publishers is to stay agile, experiment with new ideas, and prioritize sustainable, fair compensation for authors while making content available across all relevant platforms. By doing so, they can build long-term relationships with audiences and remain at the forefront of the publishing industry’s digital transformation.
