Tested by years of economic struggles, Malaysian publisher Arief Hakim watches for signs of benefit in change. It’s been ‘a perfect storm,’ he says.
Industry Notes: Canada’s Shifts in Ebook and Print; London Book Fair Plans a Writer’s Digest Day
In Canada, BookNet’s check on sales shows ebooks a bit up, In the UK, a new author day is announced by London Book Fair and the US-based Writer’s Digest.
European Publishing Associations on Geo-Blocking, Ebooks, and the Digital Single Market
On the European Commission’s geo-blocking regulations for ebooks, the Italian, Greek, French, and European publishing associations issue words of caution.
In Poland, Empik Banks on Smaller, Targeted ‘Mole Mole’ Bookstores
A major Polish retailer is betting on ‘small format bookstores’ and proliferating locations to make a success of its new Mole Mole bookshops.
Acquisitions: Germany’s MVB Buys Pubnet and PubEasy
Stepping up its international expansion with an entry into the US market, Germany’s MVB acquires two ordering services, forming a New York-based subsidiary.
Europe’s Geo-Blocking Debate: Booksellers on the Ropes
On the way to Europe’s Digital Single Market, booksellers are alarmed by proposed EU legislation on geo-blocking and its potential effects on ebook sales.
Thailand’s Independent Bookstores: Curating Inventory for Their Patrons
From the Bangkok Post: As in many Western markets, independent bookstores stress personal service and warm environments in Thailand’s bookselling industry.
Russian Government Support Disappoints Publishers and Booksellers
Without much in the way of economic initiatives, Russia’s support measures for publishers and booksellers leave most of the effort to regional governments.
Germany’s 2016 Book Market Report: ‘Stable Amid Transformation’
Even as German booksellers see online efforts pay off, consumption patterns are weaker, says a new report: ‘A truly distressing drop in customer frequency.”
Metabooks Brasil Opens to Rapid Adoption by Major Booksellers and Publishers
Creating a standardized platform in book metadata for retailers and publishers, Metabooks Brasil is off to a fast start, based on Germany’s Books in Print.