An Author at play in a computer‐simulated world

This paper suggests that computer manipulation of written material is insubstantial. Despite the huge choice of electronic writing aids, few match up to what is required by professional writers, editors or translators. The creation of texts on screens further desubstantiates the written word and forces copyright owners to redefine the ‘copy’ as a unit of sale. One of the many challenges facing those involved in publishing is to make provision for the implications of presenting and displaying work in electronic form.