Cell Phone Novels?

The first time I lived in Japan, around ten years ago, I came across the most popular technology advancements that were coming out for cell phones. At the time, Americans were just getting into the cell phone market, with what seemed like cell phones that weighed around five pounds. Still today, Europe and Asia are years ahead in cell phone technology and the gaps seem to be increasing with each passing year.

A few days ago, Japanese newspapers were plastered with news that another Japanese novel will hit the shelves, wait no cell phones? The novel is called “Koizora” (translated as Love Sky in English) and was first started as a cell phone novel in 2005. Basically, cell phone novels are started as a subscription based novel. Each day, a subscriber will enter the book site via cell phone websites and read the newest addition to the novel. It is stated that the readership for this particular book registered over 10 million hits since December 2005. The cell phone novel was so popular; Starts Publishing Co. bought the rights and published it as a two-volume set which has sold over 1.2 million copies so far. In addition, it was just announced that the cell phone novel will be created into a movie in the upcoming years.

Is this the future of new authors? Will new journalists and authors be required to sell the rights to cell phone companies before signing on to a book deal? In comparison, it worked for singer Sandi Thom on Myspace.com a few years back. With the increase of internet users, Sandi Thom decided that since she could not get through the tight bonds of the record companies, she would rely strictly on downloads from the internet. Her viewers, much like “Koizora’s” readership on cell phones, gained her the response that she needed to cut a record deal.

While cell phone novels such as “Koizora” may be annoying conventional readers that are not as eager to start reading novels on tiny LCD screens, the younger generation is more than eager. In Japan especially, the readership in the cell phone industry is generally a girl based industry however is increasing everyday.

For amateur writers, I believe this is the new “in” to get a publishing deal. Cell phone novels are easily accessible and can be read throughout the entire day since it can be carried anywhere. Just image carrying more than one novel in a purse or your back pocket. Most English teachers will state that their number one complaint is that students are not reading enough novels compared to magazines or watching television. With the decrease in reading of traditional books, why not cater to the growing population of cell phone users and reach out to educate students and adults through cell phones? There is much turmoil in how to get our younger generations to read and be educated, why not reach out to them in the way that is tested and proven successful in Asia?

For me and for the 11 million readers of “koizora” I believe that cell phone companies in America should be introduced to this new concept and rise to the Asian Market technology. Not only will sales increase for sell phone companies, but amateur writers will have a new entry door into the literature business. Myspace.com worked for musicians around the world, why not create a growth in novels. It will also cater to the increasing needs of teachers to educate students and get more people to read more everyday. It is the technology of the future and can change our futures education system.