Abstract
<jats:p>The publishing industry is undergoing profound changes propelled by disruptive technologies and novel business models. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of how at least seven key disruptive innovations – including digitization and e-books, online retail and self-publishing platforms, print-on-demand (POD), audiobooks and streaming, subscription-based “all-you-can-read” services, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), and data-driven algorithms – are reshaping the global book publishing landscape. Emphasis is placed on the practical implications of these developments, such as reduced entry barriers for authors, restructured distribution and marketing channels, and emerging challenges like content oversupply and quality control. Drawing on 26 scholarly sources in English, French, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese, the paper highlights the transformative impact of e-reading devices (e.g., Kindle) in legitimizing digital publishing, the surge of self-publishing granting authors a larger share of industry value, the adoption of POD technology enabling leaner inventory and sustainable practices, and the rapid growth of audiobooks – averaging over 25% annual increase globally – which together with e-books are altering consumer habits. Subscription models (e.g., Kindle Unlimited, Storytel) are examined for their disruptive “Netflix-like” effect on book consumption, alongside their contentious revenue implications. The article also explores how AI is streamlining editorial and production workflows and is considered a disruptive force in the traditional publishing environment, raising both efficiency and intellectual property questions. In conclusion, it is argued that these disruptive technologies, while challenging traditional publishing paradigms, offer scientific and practical contributions – greater democratization of content creation, enhanced operational efficiency, and enriched reader experiences – provided that publishers adapt their strategies to harness digital innovation and uphold quality and diversity in the literary ecosystem.</jats:p>