The format that books will be published in has been a simmering debate for a long time now. People are now less sure if any new titles will be published in paperback, hardcover, and/or eBook versions. The uncertainty is growing as the numbers of brick-and-mortar stores reduce and eBooks become more popular. Agents no longer take for granted the idea that book deals from traditional publishers guarantee that print books will be released. Some people are becoming concerned that big publishing houses are hedging on print books in their contracts.

Big publishers have been giving authors eBook-only deals for a while now. All big publishing houses now have imprints meant to be used exclusively on digital titles. Some agents say that they soon see a time when book deals will start including a clause that the publisher makes no guarantee on the format in which books will be published.

Spokespersons for big publishing houses often refuse to comment when asked about the possibility that their houses might be changing their contract boilerplates. Agents, though concerned about the vague language about book format in newer contracts, say that this is expected, given the current marketplace. Traditional publishers are under a lot of pressure to release books quickly and in formats that are more profitable. Traditionally, book deals were made long before the books were released. Publishers have always thought about the relevance of authors and topics long after giving book deals. Agents say that publishers now have to anticipate how well a book will do in brick-and-mortar stores when they are giving book contracts.

According to experts, it is logical for traditional publishers to move away from print editions because of the changing industry. If publishers start hedging on print formats for books, they will be creating a lifeline for themselves to evade potential manufacturing losses when print books fail to do well in bookstores. This is good for publishers but what does it mean for authors?

Many authors are worried about getting contracts without print guarantees. The shift from print to digital books will not have adverse effects on the books of bestselling authors and those with significant platforms. However, for authors whose books don’t consistently sell well and new ones, it will be difficult to agree to contracts without guarantees that their books will be printed.

Many agents are afraid that the apparent inevitable shift from print books to digital editions will make them earn less money from the book deals they help to facilitate. Agents are getting concerned that publishers are looking for wiggle room in their contracts to avoid printing books which are costlier for them. If they don’t print books, agents will get paid less and the commissions for authors will increase.

Many people agree that publishing houses are entering murkier waters on format guarantees. As bigger publishers start to test titles’ performances in digital format, they begin to lose their identity as publishers as well as their reason for existing.