Book sales have fallen off a cliff, but literature’s future is bright online

Tasmanian literary and cultural journal Island will launch its latest issue Island 128: Digitalism at 6pm Wednesday 2 May at Waterside Pavilion, Mawson’s Place on the Hobart waterfront.

The issue, the first by new editorial director Dale Campisi, responds to the difficulties facing the Australian publishing industry. Australian book industry insider Tim Coronel writes that book sales have fallen off a cliff, and while the book is far from dead everything about bookselling can be replicated online quicker and cheaper. So what does the future hold for bookstores?

Emerging Writers’ Festival director Lisa Dempster explores literary participation online and reveals the secrets to the digital events that have transformed her festival into the most dynamic literary gathering in the country.

Academic Caroline Hamilton discusses books and reading’s social function while publishing consultant Alex Adsett writes about digital self-publishing – a must read for aspiring writers looking to go it alone. Island 128: Digitalism also features an extract from Robert Dessaix’s latest book, as well new poetry from Ali Alizadeh, Laurie Duggan and TT.O, and new Tasmanian fiction by Susie Greenhill, Adam Ousten and more.

The launch of Island 128: Digitalism at 6pm Wednesday 2 May will feature Dale Campisi in conversation with Tasmanian contemporary artist Meg Jenkins about her striking optical artwork, and at 6:30pm the magazine will be launched live on Twitter with a discussion between contributors and industry commentators about the future of literature online.

This is a free event, but RSVPs are essential: