Politically related biography and memoir gained, and children’s print gained 12 percent over the second quarter of 2019 in unit sales.
Coronavirus Impact: Russian Book Market Struggling Despite Reopenings
Eased restrictions in Russia have yet to result in a return of sales for the publishing industry. Some 40 percent of bookstores remain closed.
IPA Announces ‘Extreme Concern’ About Book Censorship in Hong Kong
The ongoing implementation of Beijing’s new national security law in Hong Kong reportedly includes the removal of published content.
In Europe, Efforts at Pandemic Relief for Publishing; New Funds for Authors
The Federation of European Publishers is backing efforts to see the cultural sector included in EU Special Council meetings, while Bonnier donates to open a ‘Reading Fund’ in Germany.
Frankfurter Buchmesse: Four German Houses Sign on Together
Four German publishing houses—Aufbau, C.H. Beck, Klett-Cotta, and Suhrkamp—announce they will attend the physical Frankfurter Buchmesse with a joint stand.
China’s Book Retail Market: Down 9.29 Percent in First Half of 2020
The Chinese market’s bookselling patterns remain in flux, many Tier 1 and Tier 2 city stores still not fully open and digital retail accelerating since Q1.
Coronavirus Impact: A New Survey by Italian Publishers Sees ‘Abandonment of Reading’
Some 32 percent of respondents in Italy tell publishers that news consumption replaced their reading time during the pandemic.
National Book Foundation’s Lisa Lucas To Head Knopf’s Pantheon and Schocken
Lisa Lucas will become SVP and publisher of Knopf imprints Pantheon and Schocken after the 2020 National Book Awards digital prize ceremony in November.
Coronavirus Impact: Nielsen Book India on Readers in the Pandemic
Nielsen Book’s extensive survey of India’s consumer behavior in and after lockdowns reveals shifts in the time spent reading–and listening–for publishers.
Liber20 in Barcelona Announces October Hybrid Program for Spain’s Book Industry
Spain’s Liber20 book fair announces a blended physical and digital program for October, shortly before Frankfurter Buchmesse expects to do the same.