出版商会影响我们的图书选择吗?
2023-06-27钟翠频黄连英
钟翠频 黄连英
With large publishers topping the book charts, we ask whether the big five are shaping our book buying habits, or if theres room for independents to break through. Some of the biggest-selling novels of all time just so happened to be attached to major publishers.
So why is it that certain brands resonate (引起共鸣) with audiences so much? Is it their logos that especially draw our attention? And does who the book is published by ultimately make a difference as to whether we buy it?
Why a brand resonates with an audience is a key part of the puzzle. Every time you read a book that you enjoy, you likely look at the publisher attached to it. That name is a signal that they will produce other content that fits with that same style.
However, major publishers are known for separating out their genre categories and thus creating a shared continuity. From a psychological standpoint, consumer habits are thus based on trust. Trust that a publisher will be consistent in the books they deliver and that investing time in them is more reliable than an untested source.
Logo choices matter. Logos like Simon&Schusters are instantly recognisable, and may draw you to certain books.
The best way to study whether those brands actually resonated with audiences is by looking at what sold well in 2022. Using Amazons bestseller archives, something quickly becomes apparent. Its all the top brands at the height of the list.
Independent bookshops are helping to introduce book buyers to lesser known indie publishers. Expert Cassandra Davis notes that, “I have found that indie bookshops are more likely to stock an indie publishers books, especially if the author is local to the bookshop. And, ultimately, readers are going to buy whats for sale in the bookshop, unless theyre requesting a specific title they may have seen advertised or on social media.”
Thus, supporting local bookshops is a vital way to keep the indie industry alive and change these trends.
(材料出自Readers Digest,有刪改)
1. Whats the function of the questions in Paragraph 2?
A. Illustrating the points.
B. Comparing opinions.
C. Arousing readers interest.
D. Providing evidences.
2. Why does a brand resonates with an audience according to Paragraph 3?
A. It provides reader with the most popular topics.
B. It has the logo readers are familiar with.
C. Its a key part of the puzzle readers enjoy.
D. Its content corresponds to readers same interest.
3. What can be inferred according to Paragraph 6?
A. Sales show top brands have a great influence.
B. Amazons bestseller archives become apparent.
C. Independent bookshops enjoy great popularity.
D. Top brands actually resonated with audiences.
4. Whats Cassandra Daviss attitude towards independent book companies?
A. Negative.B. Supportive.
C. Neutral. D. Doubtful.
1. C。解析:推理判断题。材料第二段的大意为:为什么某些品牌会引起读者如此大的共鸣?是它们的标志特别吸引我们的注意吗?这本书是由谁出版的,最终会对我们是否购买它产生影响吗?由此可知,作者通过问句激发读者的兴趣。故选C。
2. D。解析:细节理解题。根据材料第三段的最后一句“That name is a signal that they will produce other content that fits with that same style.(这个名字是它们将制作其他符合相同风格的内容的标志)”,我们可知,一个品牌能引起观眾共鸣的原因在于其内容符合读者的兴趣。故选D。
3. A。解析:推理判断题。根据材料第六段中的“Using Amazons bestseller archives, something quickly becomes apparent. Its all the top brands at the height of the list.”,我们可知,亚马逊的畅销书排行榜显示,处于榜单最顶端的都是顶级品牌。由此可见,顶级品牌有很大的影响力。故选A。
4. B。解析:观点态度题。根据材料倒数第二段,我们可知,专家对独立图书公司持积极的态度,认为独立的图书公司在未来可能会有一席之地。故选B。