A book commissioned by the literature department of Arts Council England to gather an overview of how companies, organisations and individuals in the commercial and funded sectors are using Web 2.0 to market fiction, poetry and live literature; spot writing talent; guide readers and potential readers; create, share and review writing.

The researchers were asked to look at:

• what opportunities digitisation offers to writers, publishers and other literature
  organisations
• how funded organisations can achieve greater sustainability/self-sufficiency or lower costs
  by making use of technology
• how organisations can develop audiences and increase participation through use of digital
  media.

The core of the report lies in the case studies. After an initial period of Web research and informal discussion with key individuals in the sector, the researchers developed a baseline questionnaire covering key areas. These included technology, site maintenance, resourcing and future hopes and needs. This baseline was used to to identify themes that persisted across different areas.

In addition to the interviews, the researchers conducted extensive Web-based research covering both UK and international literature organisations. This formed the basis of ‘subsector overviews’ that combine with the case studies.

http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/publications/publication_detail.php?browse=recent&id=625