Conclusion and Recommendations
This chapter deals with the research topics based on the discussion and analysis of the findings in chapter 10. It considers, first, what authors’ views are on copyright and how these perceptions influence them in their creative work. Second, it examines the role of copyright support structures and the legislative framework in order to ascertain how they are perceived by authors. Third, it discusses how authors have been affected by changes in publishing and, more specifically, the impact of electronic publishing. This discussion includes observations on the author-publisher relationship, publishing contracts, and future business models for authors. Finally, the research questions are considered against the backdrop of philosophical theory with consideration of the author’s place in the literary and public spheres. Factors such as developments in technology, parallel importing concerns, and changing trends in publishing and marketing are prompting authors to cultivate a greater awareness of issues that affect their livelihood. This chapter completes the discussion on the way in which authors are navigating their copyright in the expanded literary sphere and how they are dealing with digital technology in their creative work and publishing contracts. On a deeper level, it also reflects the author’s role in the literary and the greater public sphere and the relationship between the competing groups in the publishing industry.