For all the excitement, tourism, and politically tinged analysis that FIFA’s 21st World Cup brought to Moscow, the books market seems to have come out cheering, too, with international visitors said to be asking for Russian reads.
Russia’s Growing Ebook and Audiobook Sales in First Half of 2018
The Russian ebook distributor LitRes reports 45-percent growth year-over-year in ebook sales for the first half of this year. And Storytel, which ended its first year in May in the market, cites digital access over vast distances as a driver.
Russia’s Oldest Publisher of Scientific Literature May Face Bankruptcy
The once-powerful Nauka Publishers, established in the modern era as the Soviets’ multi-city publisher of scientific books and journals, has been advised to produce ‘detective fiction and other trashy publications.’
Prosveshchenie and Pearson in Educational Content Distribution Deal in Russia
In Russia, there is a growing demand for English language learning. Russian publisher Prosveshchenie announces a joint venture with Pearson to supply educational material to the market
Russia’s Clever Media Group Now Talking of September for North American Launch
Russian children’s publisher Clever Media Group is looking to publish English-language titles in US and Canadian markets this autumn, accelerating its international expansion plans.
As the World Cup Approaches, PEN Authors Press Moscow for Oleg Sentsov’s Release
Ahead of the World Cup in Russia, PEN America issues a letter demanding the release of imprisoned Ukrainian writer and filmmaker Oleg Sentsov, who began a hunger strike in May.
Russian Publishers Warn of Lost Profits Amid a Newly Announced VAT Hike
The prosperity that some in the Russian book industry thought was rising this year may be headed in the other direction, if the expected rise in book VAT becomes a reality.
Russian Government Initiates a Program Promoting a Return to Summer Reading
With what’s described as a waning summer-reading habit since the end of the Soviet era, Russian government officials say they’re working on a new program to promote vacation reading both for youngsters and adults this year.
Demand for Ukrainian-Language Literature May Prompt a Market Upswing
Despite reported closures of publishers in Ukraine, some say the ban on Russian literature will trigger a new boom in Ukrainian texts which, along with state orders for books, could prompt an upturn in the beleaguered market.
It’s Springtime for Print, Say Some Russian Publishers: Others Eye Piracy, Discoverability Challenges
Some Russian publishers say that if piracy can be controlled, print can double its market share within years. Others caution that taxes and over-reliance on outdated authors is hampering growth.