who determines what will be printed and how access to information limited with mass production of books?
The publishers' editors decide what will be printed, based on how well they think the books will sell.
Ms. Sue is right -- the vast majority of books (as I understand the system) is published because of editors' decisions.
If a person really WANTS to get his or her book published, but can't get any of the publishing houses to do so, there is the practice of "vanity press" (as long as he/she has enough money!).
http://www.essortment.com/all/vanitypresses_redy.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanity_publishing
The problem with vanity presses is that not only does the author pay for the printing, s/he must also see to the publicity and distribution of the books. My companion and I self-published a small quiz book about our county. We sold it on consignment in local book stores -- at a time before the major chains became popular. It was a pain in the neck to take the books to the stores and collect the pittances that were due us. We were pleased with the sales, but we didn't make much more than our costs on it. I'd hate to think what the problems would be trying to sell self-published books in national chain stores.
I've thought of publishing my father's letters home to his parents while he was in training before and after the attack on Pearl Harbor and while he was in England, France, Luxembourg, and Germany. Mostly, I'd have them printed for family members, but I'd have to have quite a bit of money to sink into the project!
Check your project out with Kinko's. It can do amazing things and it might not be all that expensive.
The question refers to two different aspects of book production - the determination of what will be printed and how access to information is limited in mass production. Let's explain each of these aspects separately:
1. Determination of what will be printed:
The decision on what content gets printed in books is typically made by various individuals or entities depending on the publishing process. Here are a few key players involved:
a) Authors: Authors are the primary creators of book content. They write the text or create illustrations for their books. The author's creativity and ideas largely determine what will be printed.
b) Editors: Editors work closely with authors to refine and improve their content. They ensure that the writing is clear, consistent, and suitable for the intended audience. Editors may suggest changes, offer feedback, or make decisions regarding the content.
c) Publishers: Publishers play a crucial role in determining what gets printed. They evaluate manuscripts submitted by authors and make decisions on which books to publish based on various factors such as market demand, commercial viability, and alignment with the publisher's interests and objectives.
d) Market forces: Market demand also influences the determination of what will be printed. If certain types of books are popular or trendy, publishers may be more inclined to produce books within those genres or subjects.
2. Limiting access to information in mass production:
Mass production enables the widespread distribution of books to reach a larger audience. However, limitations on access to information can still occur. Here are a few examples:
a) Copyright restrictions: Authors and publishers can place restrictions on how their content can be accessed or used through copyright laws. Copyright grants exclusive rights to the creator of a work, allowing them to control its distribution, reproduction, or adaptation.
b) Publishing agreements: Publishers sometimes have distribution agreements with specific bookstores, libraries, or online platforms, limiting access to their books to only those designated outlets. This can restrict availability to certain regions or groups of people.
c) Pricing and affordability: The cost of books can be a limiting factor for some individuals, especially in lower-income communities. Higher prices may restrict access to information for those who cannot afford to purchase books, especially in mass-produced formats.
d) Censorship: In certain instances, governments, institutions, or individuals might impose censorship and restrict access to certain books or information due to political, moral, or cultural reasons. This limitation can impact mass-produced books from reaching certain regions or populations.
To summarize, the determination of what will be printed is influenced by authors, editors, publishers, and market forces. Limitations on access to information in mass production can occur through copyright, publishing agreements, affordability, and censorship. Understanding these dynamics helps explain how decisions are made and how access can be controlled.