In a subdued year-end letter to his colleagues, Random House CEO Markus Dohle ultimately concluded that “the outlook for 2010 is uncertain right now.”
Here’s more from the letter, via eBookNewser: “Another of our year’s positive developments is how our e-book sales have increased by triple-digit percentages in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Germany. In Spain, where e-book sales are just beginning, we have joined in a consortium with our two biggest competitors for their eventual distribution. The Random House digital future is a core focus of our company’s overall strategy. Leading the industry in and gaining market share through digital publishing are the main goals of our digital strategy. If we do it right, there is no question we will greatly benefit from more digital reading by consumers.”
Over one week ago, the CEO asserted the company’s control over the digital rights in “the vast majority” of the publisher’s backlist, and his letter stressed digital accomplishments. eBookNewser had this take on the letter: “Frankly, there’s not much of note in the above graph. Many might argue that Random House already missed its chance to “do it right” with its backlist rights grab, but just as many would probably say the opposite–that laying claim to those rights good business.”