Amazon online bookseller, turned book buyer, turned book publisher-- there’s a lot wrapped up in this little dot com. Many publishers are less than thrilled with the idea that with a few clicks of the mouse, many of their potential clients are taken away by electronic publishing. True, many battle-worn authors can find refuge with Amazon, but publishers should have little to fear. As of now, Amazon is acting as the Wal-Mart of the book world. Providing a one-stop-shop for its customers, it’s an easy place to get what needs done, done. However, like cashing a check at Wal-Mart, it may be easy, but it isn’t a bank. Wal-Mart doesn’t have everything. I can cash a check, but they can only give me what I’ve been paid, no loans, no trust, no relationships. Amazon appears the same. There isn’t much of a relationship between writer and publisher. They agree to publish your work, and that’s the end until someone clicks Add to Cart, if someone clicks. And! Worst of all, there isn’t the satisfaction of going into a bookstore and seeing blood, sweat, and tears in hardcopy. Amazon might be on to something for now, but, just like electronic books versus print copies, there is simply no competition for the real thing.
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