AN INTERVIEW WITH RICHARD CURTIS

Podcaster Ira Sternberg and Richard explore the struggles and triumphs attending the book industry's embrace of digital technology. And where does AI fit in?

In this wide-ranging conversation, Richard shares why he decided to write what may be the first comprehensive book detailing the publishing industry’s dramatic transition from print to digital. After more than 500 years devoted to ink on paper, publishers suddenly faced a technological and cultural revolution that changed not only books, but also writers, readers, agents, and the entire publishing ecosystem.

Richard reflects on being an early visionary for e-books long before they became reality. He recalls a pivotal moment in 1985 while walking down the street listening to music on his Walkman and imagining a future where people could carry entire books on portable devices. That vision would take another 15 years to become mainstream—but it helped spark a revolution that transformed publishing forever.

The conversation also explores the surprising resurgence of physical books, why children’s books continue to thrive in an analog world, and why readers still form a deep emotional connection with what Richard calls the “book-book.” He discusses how printed books express identity in ways digital formats often cannot, and why e-books can sometimes create a more distracted reading experience.

Ira and Richard also tackle some of today’s biggest publishing issues, including AI-generated writing, the importance of preserving authentic human storytelling, digital piracy, and the challenges facing writers in an increasingly automated world. Richard candidly shares both the regrets and joys he feels about the e-book revolution, while revealing how Digital Inc. is not only a publishing history, but also a deeply personal memoir and business story.

This interview offers a compelling look at creativity, technology, innovation, and the enduring power of books in every format.