Abstract:

This paper addresses one simple question, "What impact might big data have on the publishing
industry?" While content may be its most valuable commodity, data drives all facets of the industry. The volume,
velocity, and variety of data is increasing so rapidly, like all industries today, publishing must come to terms with
big data. Sales, marketing, and publicity, the first realm of publishing to be examined, are each already entangled
in big data. Two related topics, discoverability and accessibility, are influenced by big data in their own ways.
The primary publishing function of editing is the third sphere of activity where big data could have a direct impact.
On a broader scale, organizational design of publishing houses is the fourth topic investigated. Finally, the
implications of big data for the business models) on which the publishing industry is founded are considered.