Global Book Fair Report 2017

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IPA Global Book Fair Report 2017

IPA Global Book Fair Report 2017 Contents:

Introduction 03 AMERICAS 05 Special focus: Mexico 08 Guadalajara International Book Fair 09 AFRICA 11 Special focus: Nigeria 13 Nigeria International Book Fair 15 ASIA and OCEANIA 16 Special focus: South Korea 19 Seoul International Book Fair 20 EUROPE 21 Special focus: Greece 26 Thessaloniki International Book Fair 27 ALDUS network 28 MIDDLE EAST and CENTRAL ASIA 29 Special focus: Egypt 32 Cairo International Book Fair 33

IPA Global Book Fair Report 2017 Introduction

Book fairs play a vital role in so- trade attendees, some are de- cieties. While public book fairs signed for the general public, promote books and reading, and others are hybrids, often their professional equivalents separating their fair into profes- allow publishers, agents, distrib- sional and public days, or utors and retailers to meet and providing separate areas. In do real business. They also Frankfurt, for instance, the first draw media and public attention three days are trade days while to the book industry and provide the public attends on the final platforms for authors to meet two days. In Geneva, there is a readers. Book fairs are a mo- special area dedicated to the ment where many creative pro- conferences for book profes- fessions converge. sionals. In an age when business is of- The main function of profes- ten done remotely, book professional book fairs is to be a mar- sionals still believe that book ket place for trade profession- fairs have not lost their rele- als. Book rights are bought and vance. On the contrary, deals sold, and agents pitch new titles done at book fairs gain in terms to publishers. In recent years, of quality, and the human di- buying and selling rights has mension of these exchanges become the most dynamic ac- becomes a pledge of trust. tivity of fairs. This special report provides an People selling book rights at extensive calendar of interna- book fairs are located either on tional book fairs. It focuses on publishers’ stands or in a spe- one book fair per continent, giv- cial rights centre, while buyers ing its national context, and of- move around the fair from fering a complete overview for meeting to meeting. Book rights people who want to attend are offered via different models, them. either on an exclusive basis to Book fairs come in all shapes the potential buyer, simultane- and sizes, attracting a variety of ously to multiple buyers, or via people and serving different an auction. In a sense, a book purposes. Some fairs only allow fair is a catalyst that propels

IPA Global Book Fair Report 2017

rights deals towards completion. Cairo and Guadalajara. A glance at the com- That said, a book fair is also an exhibition. Pub- ments by first-time visitors reveals that the lishing houses and companies from the wider standout recommendation for those discovering publishing industry (distributors, technology these ‘new territories’, is to lock down some ap- companies, printers and so on) use fairs to pointments in advance, and leave time for dis- showcase their brand, products and services. covery, chance encounters and the unknown. Some professionals simply walk around looking at what others are publishing. Book fairs also serve an important educational purpose for book trade professionals, apprising them of key trends through seminars, conferences, panel discussions, presentations and fellowship programmes. And book fairs offer a range of events designed to facilitate networking. Livre Paris, Sweden’s Göteborg Book Fair and the fairs in Bogota and Buenos Aires are prominent cultural events promoting books and read- International book fairs are also an important ing to the public, but also providing a platform aspect of the IPA’s work supporting publishers for professional exchanges. worldwide. IPA representatives are present at Frankfurt Book Fair has established itself as the many of them, and some fairs host IPA events, biggest international trade book fair, while the panels and conferences. To name some in five other top fairs in terms of professional at- 2017, the Charles Clark Memorial Lecture tendance happen in: London (the largest spring 2017: A Debate on Fair Us, took place on 15 fair), Bologna (specialized in children’s books), March at the London Book Fair; a workshop on Guadalajara (the gateway to Latin America) and The book price, taxes, custom barriers and ob- New York (BookExpo - the main market place stacles to book circulation: how books can for US publishers). While these long- cross borders? will be held on 26 April at Gene- established fairs have plateaued somewhat in va Book and Press Fair, while the IPA Prix Vol- terms of their growth, newcomers are growing taire 2017 award ceremony will happen at fast, such as Beijing and Shanghai (specialized Gothenburg Book Fair, in September. In addi- in children’s books) in China, and the Indonesia tion, the IPA-led Educational Publishers Forum International Book Fair, in Jakarta. There are open meeting will be hosted on 13 October by also new additions such as Baku’s biennial Frankfurt Book Fair, and its transatlantic coun- terpart, the Educational Publishers Forum book fair, which will hold its fifth edition this Americas, will be staged at Guadalajara Book year, and the Eurasian Book Fair, in Astana, Fair. with its second edition in 2017. While some require a serious advance prepara- tion in terms of making contact with potential business partners and arranging professional appointments, such as Frankfurt and London, others allow visitors more spontaneity, such as

IPA Global Book Fair Report 2017

Mexico Sitting at the crossroads between those selling their books for these Fast facts: continents and with a centuries- governmental programmes, which GDP USD 307tn old history of welcoming adven- produced 145,195,723 copies or (2016) turers, immigrants and business- 26,762 titles. The same year, GDP per capita men, as well as intellectuals, art- 146,693,665 paper copies were USD 18,900 ists and refugees from wars or sold for 10,288,278,499 Mexican (2016) oppressive regimes, Mexico was pesos (USD 525,078,548). Population seen as promising opportunity The government is the main dis- 123,166,749 (July and freedom, a cradle of creativity 2016) tributor of printed works, and was offering the perfect blend of tradi- responsible for distributing 35% of  0-14 years old tion and modernity, indigenous all copies sold in 2015. However, 27.26% and foreign. these sales accounted for just  15-24 years 14% of publishers’ revenues. The old 17.72% In PricewaterhouseCoopers’ fore- second major distribution channel casting report The long view: how  25-54 years is the network of libraries, which will the global economic order old 40.69% accounted for 24% of all copies change by 2050? Mexico is pre- Education public sold in 2015 and was more profit- expenditure 5.2% dicted to be one of the top 10 able with 38% of all invoices in GDP (2012) economies in the near future. 2015. The third channel is repre- 79.2% of total sented by direct sales to schools, population is ur- Mexican publishing which made up 26% of publish- ban (2015) ers’ revenues. and book fairs Approx. 25% of Digital sales accounted for population living The Mexican publishing market 97,583,278 Mexican pesos (USD in and around has a high public sector participa- 4,980,774), an increase of 123% Mexico City tion rate. In 2015, of 308 million compared to 2014, of which 45% 106.8m mobile total copies produced, 53% (163 came from first editions, 20 mil- phones million) were produced by the lion Mexican pesos (USD public sector, with 47 million pro- 70m internet us- 1,020,773) more than in 2014. ers duced by the private sector for government purchases. This lat- The main distribution channel for ter arrangement accounts for digital editions is foreign plat- some 32% of private sector pro- forms. They represent 70% of to-

duction and concerns national tal digital sales. The second most programmes of free secondary important distribution channel is school textbook distribution, text- composed of individual publish- books for English learning and ers’ platforms and websites, and books for libraries. makes up 27% of total sales. In 2015, there were 228 private There were 905 companies work- publishing houses, including ing directly or indirectly in publish-

IPA Global Book Fair Report 2017 ing, which represented 7,410 reg- Guadalajara International Book Fair ular employees (a 2% drop since 2014), 737 short-term employees The Guadalajara Internation- have a platform. FIL was (down 9% since 2014) and 2,830 al Book Fair – FIL Guadala- conceived as a space that’s freelance professionals employed jara – was the brainchild of open to thought, promotion for specific projects (5% fewer the University of Guadalaja- of reading, discussion of ide- than in 2014). ra, and celebrated its 30th as and, therefore, for anniversary in 2016 with an knowledge. Even though results of the first se- outstanding programme built mester 2016 were lower year-on- It’s the most important pub- around the guest of honour, year than in 2015, barring text- lishing meeting in Latin the continent of Latin Ameri- books, Mexican publishers re- America and an extraordi- ca. mained optimistic about end-of- nary cultural festival. On top year results, especially for trade After Mexico City, Guadala- of the academic, literary and publishing. jara is Mexico’s second larg- cultural activities directed at est city and considered the the public of all ages (there Several book fairs are organized cultural capital, with a repu- is a space dedicated to chil- throughout Mexico during the tation for its mariachis, cui- dren and young adults), FIL year, offering an additional sales sine and tequila. Guadalajara is also a fair for channel and an important forum publishing professionals. For for reading promotion. Examples three days more than 20,000 are the International Book Fair of people from around the Minería Palace; Gran Remate del world come to exchange Libro (Big Book Discount); book opinions at specialized train- fairs in Zacatecas, Ciudad Juárez ing forums, as well as to and Chihuahua. In addition, the The IPA spoke to FIL Gua- trade rights, or buy materials International Children and Young dalajara Director Marisol for national and international Adults Book Fair (FILIJ) is reputed Schultz about what’s on of- libraries. to be the biggest children’s book fer at FIL, the fair’s achieve- fair in Latin America and creates ments and her aspirations In 2016, professional activ- the biggest income per participat- for the future. ities were double those of- ing publisher, with the biggest fered in 2015. Was that a sales coming at weekends. How would you define one-off or part of a trend Guadalajara Book Fair? you’ll continue in the fu- Finally, the three fastest growing ture? types of books are: textbooks and MS: Over its 30-year life, FIL basic education (39.6% of in- has consolidated its position In 2016 Latin America was come), English learning (17% of as one of the most important the guest of honour, which income) and children’s books cultural and literary events in led to a significant increase (9%). This explains the success of the Spanish-speaking world, in activities for professionals, FILIJ, which takes place in No- and as a place where for and which probably won’t be vember in Mexico City. nine days a year all voices the case with Madrid, this

IPA Global Book Fair Report 2017 year’s guest of honour. Howev- Rights Centre also get three rights trading in Ibero-America. er, we are always looking for nights’ accommodation. All the In this area the countries with diverse content to allow differ- benefits that we offer at the fair the largest presence are the ent kinds of professionals to are open to all registered pro- US, Spain and the UK, and in analyse and discuss global fessionals, regardless of origin, recent years we have seen a trends, to deal with the chang- but we focus on promotion strong contingent of publishers, es and challenges in the pub- among professionals from literary agencies and transla- lishing industry. From July, countries where Spanish is not tion support institutions from we’ll start to refresh the offer of an official language to generate Nordic countries. forums, meetings, congresses, more business flow. As for annual public participa- workshops, consultations, con- We also have a collaboration ferences, discussions and tion, there has also been a agreement with the American gradual increase of attendees round tables for professionals Library Association for partici- this year. and activities, although this is pation of librarians from the US limited by the space itself. What are the services to at- that serve Spanish-speaking tract non-Spanish-speaking communities. This programme professionals? allowwhich represents some All FIL visitors registered as major buying power.s us to at- professionals get the following tract some 200 librarians, benefits: It should also be noted that FIL staff take part in various inter-  entry badge for the nine national book fairs to make days What are your ambitions for new contacts and attract other FIL’s future?  their details published in markets. This has resulted in the professionals cata- an increasing representation of The fair has plans to diversify to other markets, with the idea logue markets from as far away as of incorporating more and more Asia.  access to the workspaces countries. Year after year, the and services in the Busi- What element of the fair has fair renews its literary and cul- ness Centre experienced the most growth tural offer and is alert to global trends. Examples of new pro-  advice on potential con- in recent years? jects are the recently created tacts for meetings at FIL FIL Guadalajara has seen sus- Braille book stands and the e- Guadalajara, if required. tained growth in the participa- book modules, and in 2017 we FIL offers three nights’ accom- tion of professionals not only will open a comic and graphic modation for the following pro- from Latin America, but also novel hall. fessionals: librarians, from the US, Canada, Asia and booksellers, distributors, illus- Europe, but what stands out is trators and translators. Compa- rising demand for the Rights nies that reserve a desk in the Centre, the best platform for

Read more about Guadalajara Book Fair from a rights agent’s perspective: Guadalajara: Discovering Latin American Publishing Second Foreign Rights Trip to Guadalajara for 2 Seas Agency

IPA Global Book Fair Report 2017

Nigeria Fast facts: In recent years’ interviews, we - Indirect sales: Some companies learnt about the untapped potential engage distributors who manage GDP USD of the Nigerians and their book mar- sales as well as take care of some 1.092tn (2015 ket, but also the rampant piracy that level of book marketing to end us- est.) it faces – 75% of books are estimat- ers, while their sales representa- ed as illegal copies. tives only do the promotion and GDP per capita manage the distributors. USD 6,100 This time, the IPA - Direct sales: Some publishing interviewed companies have their sales repre- 186,053,386 Gbadega Ade- sentatives involved in the direct population (est. dapo, CEO of marketing and sales. July 2016) Rasmed Publica- tions Limited, President of Product categories and estimated  0 –14 years the Nigerian Publishers Association market percentage include: old 42.79% (NPA), and a member of the IPA  15 – 24 Executive Committee, to learn more - Textbooks (schoolbooks) 60% – years old about this market and any develop- curriculum based books, meant for 19.48 % ments in copyright enforcement. study of particular subjects. This applies to primary and secondary 25m pupils in What is the structure of Nigeria’s schools. primary book market? - Textbooks (tertiary books) 20% schools – books used in monotechnics, pol- 5m in private The publishing industry landscape ytechnics, colleges of education, schools in Nigeria is not really far from what universities and research institutes. operates in some developed coun- - Religion/motivational books 8m in second- tries. 10% – read for personal or spiritual ary schools We can summarize it as follows: development. - Trade subject books 5% – de- 47.8 % of total The types of book publishing com- signed or authored to develop prod- population is panies are key to understanding of uct user manuals or vocational skills urban the Nigerian book market structure: and provide special training in areas 150.8 m mobile - Multinational publishing compa- not limited to craft and design. phones, nies that are now being managed - General books 5% – of general 86.1m internet by Nigerian directors. interest in the areas of fiction and users - Indigenous publishing houses nonfiction, mostly read for pleasure. founded and managed by Nigerians - Self-publishing – publishing com- What are Nigerian reading habits panies mostly managed by individu- like? als or a few people and as such manage all publishing activities of According to the UNESCO Institute their books by themselves, includ- for Statistics (UIS), in 2015 the liter- ing authoring, editing, production, acy rate in Nigeria was 59.6% marketing, distribution and overall which is 103.5 million potential financing. readers, based on the 2013 popula- The structure of the book market tion figure of 173.6 million. and supply strategy vary from one company to the other: In Nigeria, there are different read-

IPA Global Book Fair Report 2017 ing which we could categorize Urban route connectivity, avail- in collaboration with the Nigeri- as: ability of communication chan- an Copyright Commission - Utilitarian reading: to pass nels as well as basic amenities (NCC) has organized several immediate exams, the most make it easier for publishers to advocacy events sensitizing prominent in Nigeria – makes make their products available stakeholders to the havoc of up about 85% of readers. to end users. The contributions piracy as well as its negative - Spiritual/motivational read- of urban book vendors/ impacts on education stake- ing: to be spiritually, morally bookshops as distribution holders. NPA and NCC lead upright and motivated to channels/centres to the value collaborative activities on rais- achieve goals and realize am- chain cannot be overstated. ing awareness and fighting pi- bitions – about 10% of readers. racy. Both organizations are - General reading: for pleas- Are e-books and mobile de- very active. Several book pi- ure – about 5% of readers. vice reading popular? Are rates have been raided and Nigerian publishers publish- convicted, as a deterrent to What’s the ratio of local and ing in digital formats or ex- others. foreign books? perimenting any new platforms? Port Harcourt was recently Most schoolbooks in Nigeria awarded the title of World are curriculum based. Virtually E-books and reading on mobile Book Capital. Are there any all schoolbooks are local and devices are at the introductory other ongoing nationwide ini- tailored to local curriculum re- stage and the adoption by pub- tiatives to promote literacy quirements and exams. Curric- lishers is gradually improving. It and reading? ula standards are also speci- is perceived that embracing e- fied at tertiary level, but here a books might increase piracy This is a clear indication that higher percentage is foreign, and undermine intellectual the Nigerian book industry is which discourages adherence property protection. Secure striving to promote reading cul- to and purpose of the National management of e-books is per- ture, despite the challenges it Tertiary Curricula. haps one of the main concerns faces. It also tells of a world on of publishing firms, and is con- the lookout to reward activities We can make the following es- sequently thought to be delay- that promote educational timations: ing adoption. standards. - Schoolbooks (curriculum The e-book market is just based) – 100% local emerging. Some publishing Some examples of literacy and - Tertiary books – c.70% for- houses have it at experimental reading promotion in Nigeria eign, 30% local stage while its adoption in an e- are: radio and television pro- - Children books (general chil- book pioneering state such as grammes, Lagos Book Festival, dren readers)– 80% foreign, Osun raised sustainability Committee for Relevant Arts 20% local questions. (CORA), Nigerian International - Religion books– 80% local, Book Fair (NIBF), regional 20% foreign Are there recent develop- book fairs in Ibadan ments in fighting piracy and (southwest) and Enugu Nearly half of Nigerians are enforcing copyright? (southeast), book clubs, literary urban. Does this facilitate and debate programmes. distribution? Yes, the Nigerian Publishers Yes, it does facilitate distribu- Association (NPA) recently in- tion as major book production, augurated a State Chapter to marketing and selling activities enable proper curbing and a take place in the urban centres. strong fight against piracy. NPA

See previous reports: Book Piracy in Nigeria (2014) Otunba Olayinka Lawal-Solarin on challenges facing publishing in Nigeria (2015)

IPA Global Book Fair Report 2017

The 16th Nigeria International Book Fair (NIBF)

Like the vast majority of the African book fairs, the Nigeria International Book Fair (NIBF) is a large cultural and festive event aimed at the public. Designed for literacy and reading promotion and managed by the Nigerian Book Fair Trust, NIBF 2017 is scheduled from Monday, 8 May un- til Saturday, 13 May. It will be held at the University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos State. Regis- tration is currently open. This is a privileged platform for showcasing educational materials and a shop window for exhibitors where they can get a discount while booking their stands at least six months before the event. It attracts visitors from Botswana, Ghana, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Ni- geria, Senegal, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Taiwan, Turkey, UAE, UK, USA and Zimba- bwe.

NIBF stages such activities as: children's programmes, librarian workshops, teacher training workshops, publishers' workshops, authors' workshops, authors' book reading and signing and printers' seminars.

For more information visit: www.nibfng.org or contact [email protected] t: +234-803 402 69 71 / 702 686 71 56 / 702 686 71 57

IPA Global Book Fair Report 2017

South Korea The dynamic modern the lowest expenditure for books Fast facts: Korean publishing industry since records began in 2003. The

average family income in 2015 GDP USD 1.929tn (2016) • USD 4,25tln in sales rose 20.4% in comparison to 2010 • 45,213 new titles and average consumption expendi- GDP per capita • 9,714 translated titles tures rose by 12.1%, but total USD 37,900 • Import value of Korean publica- (2016) amount of money spent on pur- tions USD 319mln chasing books dropped 24.1%. Population • Export value of Korean publica- 50,924,172 (July tions USD 247mln Retail sales, including online sales 2016) • 49,741 registered publishing of titles and stationery, in 2015  0-14 years houses were 5.5435tn won (USD 4.6bn) old 13.45% • 19,055 libraries Online bookstore sales are an im-  15-24 years • 2,116 bookstores portant index in analyzing the sta- old 13.08% Currently the bestselling books in tus of the industry. In 2015 the  25-54 years South Korea are novels, comics online sales of titles were 1.1509tn old 45.93% and children’s books, and social won (USD 950ml) compared to Public education science – in particular politics and 1.2804tn (USD 1bn) in 2014, a expenditure law – which has been driven by 10.1% drop. That said, online 4.6% of GDP recent political scandals. bookstore sales had increased (2012) steadily from 2001 to 2011, and Since 2004, 20 Korean titles have 82.5% of total began to fall away in 2012. won the Bologna Ragazzi Award population is ur- In addition, the arrival of a fixed ban (2015) and, since 2007, more than 60 Ko- rean illustrators have been select- book price system, which came 59m mobile ed for the illustration exhibition at into force on 21 November 2014, phones Bologna Children’s Book Fair. meant only the biggest online re- 44.1m internet These successes have brought tailers navigated their way through users greater visibility, interest and popu- 2015 without incurring serious larity to Korean children’s books losses. In anticipation of the new among foreign agents and publish- law, online bookstores offered spe- ers. cial discounts, inflating sales by 7%, before normality was restored According to a family expenditure and sales began to tumble in 2015. survey released by Statistics Korea in 2015, a family with more than Bricks and mortar bookstores, on two members spent 16,623 won the other hand, were less affected (USD 13.70) on books which by the new regulations in 2015 be- meant a decrease of 8.4% (from cause many regional governments 18,154 won, or USD 15.00) in rela- and educational offices implement- tion to the previous year and was ed a policy of buying books from

IPA Global Book Fair Report 2017 local stores for local public libraries. Seoul International Book Fair The total production of South Founded in 1954 as a national event, Seoul International Korea’s publication industry Book Fair has always played an important role in promoting dropped by 7.7% in 2015 com- reading culture and strengthening the Korean publishing in- pared to 2010. Families’ reluc- dustry. In 1995 the adjective ‘international’ was added to the tance to buy books compelled name to reflect its evolving scope. This book fair, which is or- publishers to became more ganized by the Korean Publishers Association, takes place prudent and publish fewer ti- from 14 to 18 June in Halls A and B1 of the COEX Convention tles. and Exhibition Center. It facilitates an active international book trade and showcases the competences of Korean publishers. In terms of total sales of titles and stationery, the best year In 2017, there will be a new cultural area created for the public was 2011. There was a slight where illustrators, art book creators and artists will promote decrease in 2012 and 2013, their works and communicate with visitors. This year’s guest before a return to positive re- of honor is Turkey, in celebration of 60 years of diplomatic results in 2014. Retail sales of lations between the two countries. And Canada will be the titles in 2015 again marked a spotlight country as it celebrates 150 years as a country. 4.8% drop since 2014, the low- Seoul International Book Fair is for public visitors and for pro- est recorded level of the past fessionals, with a steady increase in the buying and selling of six years. rights since 2009. Professionals can access a rights centre According to a survey conduct- with 25 meeting tables, storage space and complimentary re- ed on reading habits of Kore- freshments. A table can be booked online from 1 May onward. ans in 2010, 2011, 2013, and In 2016 around 190 Korean companies had meetings with for- 2015, paperback reading by eign publishers or agencies at the rights centre. The exhibitor adults increased from 2011 to application form can be downloaded here. 2013. However, in 2015, read- The Korean publishing market still has enormous untapped ership among adults was of potential. There are many interesting and profitable titles in all 65.3%, which dropped 6.1% in publishing categories, but most are in need of good editors comparison to the previous and translators. By visiting the Seoul International Book Fair, year. An average adult reads foreign professionals have the opportunity to find great Kore- 9.1 books per year according an titles, such as Vegetarian, or Please look after mom. to the survey in 2015 (it was 10.8 books in 2010). But the Finally, more than 20% of titles published in Korea annually purchase of books by regular are translations, so foreign publishers and agents are encour- readers increased to 14 books aged to present their lists to their Korean partners. in 2015. The majority of the Korean book professionals, such as edi-

tors, rights managers and agents, are very passionate and knowledgeable about their work and publishing in general. Networking with them is a chance for foreign visitors to find Special thanks to: new inspiration for their own businesses. Sung-kwon Liu and Ji-yeon Lee from the Korean Pub- The Korean Publishers Association’s vision is that SIBF will lishers Association for their become not only the biggest book festival for publishers and contribution readers, but also the biggest hub for the rights trade in Asia.

IPA Global Book Fair Report 2017

IPA Global Book Fair Report 2017 Greece Fewer than 50% of Greeks are Rowling, Dan Brown and EL Fast facts: regular book readers, while 42.3% James. GDP USD 286bn of people aged 15 or over read at But due to the economic crisis, the (2015) least one book per year (source: book market is under pressure in National Book Centre, Reading GDP per capita Greece, with book sales steadily Behavior Survey, 2010). Of these, USD 26,400 falling while the price of consumer 34.2% read between one and nine (2015) goods rises. Once profitable pub- books per year and 8.1% read lishers and booksellers are now 10,773,253 popu- more than 10 books per year, running at a loss, driving smaller, lation (July 2016): while an additional 16.9% read companies out of business and books only for professional and /  0-14 years old making competition among the few or educational reasons. 13.93 remaining key players even fiercer. The Ministry of Culture’s short- As a consequence, in 2014 the  15-24 years old term goal is to raise these rates fixed book price was partially 9.68% and leverage economic progress abandoned and the market dereg-  25-54 years old through knowledge building. Sev- ulated. Sometimes books from 42.71% eral reading promotion initiatives stock (backlists) are sold at deriso- have appeared with government ry prices of as little as €1, so mar- 78% urban popu- support. ket players need to be cautious at lation Official recognition of these efforts every step. Literacy rate came when UNESCO named Ath- The book market is restructuring. 97.7% ens the World Book Capital for Production is currently concentrat- Education ex- 2018, which promises to be a ed but has a long tail. One in six penditure 4.1% of standout success. publishers, or 159 in total, produce GDP In recent years, there was a sharp 70% of all titles: decline (–37%) in the number of  Three major publishers pub- 12.7m mobile new titles published in Greece: lish more than 200 titles per phones 10,680 titles in 2008 to approxi- year (13.1%), 7.2m internet us- mately 6,700 titles in 2015.  10 publishers publish be- An average print run is 2,000 cop- tween 80 and 199 titles per ies for novels and between 500 year (15.3%), and 800 copies for essays and po-  146 publishers publish be- etry. tween 10 and 79 titles per A book is considered as bestseller year (41.3%), if it sells between 7,000 and  760 publishers publish be- 40,000 copies, with occasional hits tween one and nine titles per selling 100,000 or even 500,000 year (30.3 %). copies, such as works by J.K. The market leaders have diversi-

IPA Global Book Fair Report 2017 fied their publishing profiles, for 32.1% of total book produc- bookshops chains have been namely: Patakis, Psichogios, tion and are dominated by Eng- worst hit by the economic cri- Metaichmio, Minoas, Kedros, lish language (50%). sis. The main distribution chan- Dioptra, Livanis and Kastani- Greek e-books were launched nels appear to be the mixed otis. The medium-sized experi- in 2010 and currently account cultural product big stores, dis- enced publishers remain resili- for an estimated 7,000 titles, count stores with a large turno- ent and there are some new which represents less than 1% ver and some local chains, specialized start-ups emerging, of the market. The main plat- such as Public, Ianos, or for instance in distinct quality forms for their sales are: cos- Evripidis. That said, a number fiction / poetry publishing. motebooks.gr, myebooks.gr of some small independent Children’s books account for and openbook.gr, offering free quality bookshops have ap- some 20% of the market, with downloads with Creative Com- peared, including Epi Lexei, acclaimed contemporary local mons licensing. Amazon is ab- Pleiades, Lexikopoleion and authors and outstanding illus- sent from the Greek market. Booktique. trators. Translations account Traditional high-street

This article is based on information provided by Socrates Kabouropoulos, member of the Greek Ministry of Culture’s Book Policy Working Group. More information is included in Socrates’s article The Age of Discontent: Greek Publishing Through Six Years of Austerity published in Publishing Re- search Quarterly (and shared through Springer Nature Sharedit, as a full-text view-only pdf file: rdcu.be/onza)

Thessaloniki International Book Fair Located at the heart of the Its focus is on dialogue, co- tries, this is the most important Mediterranean, Thessaloniki creation, interaction and the annual Greek event involving International Book Fair (TBF) is development of a dynamic books, bringing together book a hub for book book community that will professionals and institutions professionals spread the vision for a cultural on a cultural platform promot- from uplift. Every year TBF hosts ing the exchange of ideas and Greece, the more than 300 events, includ- innovative knowhow. Balkans, ing The European Young Writ- Southeast- ers’ Festival, The International Is Thessaloniki International ern Mediter- Literature and Translation Fes- Book Fair for professionals ranean and tival, literary meetings, presen- or the public? Western Europe. We spoke to tations, round tables, meetings Nopi Chatzigeorgiou, Coordi- and seminars for professionals, Both. The first two mornings, nator of the Thessaloniki Book speeches, workshops, projec- on Thursday and Friday, are Fair at the Hellenic Foundation tions, artistic and theatrical focused on professional meet- for Culture, one of the fair’s events, activities for children ings, seminars and workshops, promoters, to learn more about and parallel cultural events in and are also dedicated to the 2017 programme. the city. school visits with special pro- TBF attracts over 70,000 visi- grammes for students and edu- What is the essence of Thes- tors and more than 500 book cators. All professionals are saloniki International Book exhibitors from Greece, and admitted to the professional Fair? more than 90 from other coun- programme of conferences and

IPA Global Book Fair Report 2017 meetings for free. There is a This year’s main spotlight is on cultural programme also in- B2B room for professionals and southern European cultures, cludes the fourth Young Writ- a special area for foreign exhib- and there will be a special fo- ers’ Festival, the second Trans- itors in the middle of Hall 13 in cus on the Greek author Nikos lation Festival, special chil- HELEXPO. Kazantzakis (1883-1957). We dren’s and teenagers’ corners However, it is also the biggest will facilitate exchanges on the and more than 300 events cultural event for the public, impact of migration and refu- open to readers and biblio- and its aims are also promotion gees through presentations of philes, featuring book presenta- of reading among children and recent literary works. There will tions by authors from Greece young people and building a also be events devoted to the and abroad, panels, roundtable knowledge society. consequences of the 1917 discussions and conferences, Russian revolution and to the presentations of new technolo- What should we look out for celebration of 2017 as a year of gies, and parallel cultural in 2017? cultural exchanges between events held in and around the Greece and China. The fair’s city.

In June 2016 the European 15th century publisher and hu- every exhibition unique. Commission-funded ALDUS, manist Aldus Pius Manutius, is the European Book Fairs’ Net- conceived as a network for col- In early 2017, the ALDUS Book work, was launched under the laboration and exchange Fairs’ Network online communi- Creative Europe programme to among anyone involved in the ty was launched to promote the promote transnational mobility organization of book fairs and creation of an international net- of European literary works and other events for publishing pro- work of publishing profession- book professionals. fessionals. als working in the fields of inter- nationalization, digital innova- Experimenting with new inter- At its core are two leading inter- tion, literature promotion and active and engaging event for- national B2B book fairs, namely translation. It allows publishers, mats, such as for networking Frankfurt Book Fair and Bolo- translators, literary agents and and training, ALDUS seeks to gna Children’s Book Fair, and a other book professionals to pro- build capacity in internationali- range of consumer fairs in Bu- file themselves and network zation, translation, digital shift charest, Lisbon, Riga, Rome with international peers through and audience development, and Vilnius. The network is al- social networks. and help book professionals to ready evolving to become fully develop their careers interna- pan-European and has started Registered users of the ALDUS tionally. collaborating with other fairs, website have access to premi- starting from Antwerp, London, um content on the ALDUS The project also aims to en- Milan, Sofia, Thessaloniki and Knowledge Hub and can sub- hance the capacity of book fairs Vienna. scribe to the ALDUS newsletter to organize and promote similar to stay apprised of events and activities, to develop their inter- An overview of the rich variety news. national dimension and to en- of this European scenario can gage audiences in innovative be found in the ALDUS bro- To create an account, click the ways. chure, ‘European Book Fairs. Log-in/Registration tab at the Facts and Figures’ which high- top right corner of the Aldus ALDUS, which is named after lights the aspects that make website.

IPA Global Book Fair Report 2017

Egypt Fast facts: According to an old Arab survey of Ahmed Ksibi, the most read topics are: religion (85% of aphorism: ‘Egypt writes, GDP USD1.048tn respondents), The Quran (66%), (2015) Lebanon publishes, Iraq daily news (57%), history (14%), GDP per capita reads’. contemporary novels (13%), week- USD11,800 (2015) ly political analysis (12%), contem- Due to the absence of detailed, re- Population porary poetry and cookery books liable data and the presence of a 88,487,396 (July (both 7%). Although Egypt’s popu- common language, Arab countries 2015) lation is comparable to that of Ger- have often been considered a sin- • 0-14 years old many, Egypt has just one tenth the gle publishing market. Salah Che- 31.89% number that Germany has public baro, CEO of online Arab libraries. • 15-24 years bookstore Neelwafurat, estimates old 17.64% that in 2012 the number of new ti- Egyptian publishing faces many • 25-54 years tles produced in Lebanon, Syria, challenges, including near inexist- old 38.45% Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, ent distribution channels, relatively Education expendi- which together account for 80% of low literacy and reading rates, low ture 3.8% of GDP the total publishing output of Arabic purchasing power, piracy and censorship. However, Egypt was the School life expec- countries, was 17,000. In Egypt, an first country in the region to tackle tancy 13 years average print run of a new title is digital publishing, with the launch 1,000 copies, while an estimated Literacy 73.8% of Kotobarabia.com, a platform for 30% to 40% of published books digitization and sale of Arabic e- 43.1% is urban po- are never sold. Some 17% of all pulation books. It also offers services for published books are religious in public libraries and institutions, 94m mobile phones content. available on an annual license ba- 31.8m internet users Only 73.8% of adult Egyptians are sis. Digital is a new opportunity to literate and, of these, 87.7% are break down restrictions, such as regular readers. According to the affordability, borders, censorship and so on, and enable a wider dis-

To learn more, read the articles: Alaa Al Aswany: Freedom to publish at all-time worst in Egypt 2016 Why don't more Arabs read? on Quora July 2012 The Arab Book Market presentation at Frankfurt Book Fair 2014 Plus de kutub please article in the Economist in June 2016 The Arab book market: censorship, piracy, ebooks and book fairs always on the go on Meier- ment.de 2016

IPA Global Book Fair Report 2017

Cairo International Book Fair Cairo International Book Fair is lished ‘Cairo Calling’, a pro- Do you try to attract foreign reputed to be the largest in the gramme for professionals that exhibitors and profession- Arab World and on the whole happens during the first three als? If so, what are your African continent. to four days. But even these strategies for doing so? IPA inter- days are open to the public. This is what we have been try- viewed Is it a place to buy books to ing to achieve recently through Sherif Bakr, order them or to make rights our ‘Cairo Calling’ programme, Secretary deals? which was my initiative and re- General and sponsibility. Basically, since we Board Member of Buying physical books is the main purpose of the fair, so do not have any financial sup- the Egyptian Publishers Asso- port to build a professional pro- ciation and member of the Cai- mountains of books and people buying them it is what you can gramme, but we have exten- ro International Book Fair Or- sive knowledge of the Arab ganizing Council, to learn find all around the fair. As for rights, there is no special place book market, we decided to something of the recent chang- help publishers, agents and es at this event. designated to this purpose, but we try to promote this activity cultural institutes who wish to explore Arab publishing, by giv- Is the Cairo International through the ‘Cairo Calling’ Book Fair designed for the days. Currently, the deals are ing them the opportunity to par- public, professionals, or done directly at the publishers’ ticipate for free. They only have both? stands. to pay their travel expenses, so The book fair is mainly for the those who are interested in at- What kind of facilities do you public. It is the place of tending pay for their accommo- have for professionals? bookselling to public visitors dation and flight and we ar- and also the site of sales of or- As it is a well-established book range a tour especially for ders for universities, research fair, all these matters are al- them. We introduce them to the Arab publishers who suit their centres and public libraries ready settled; everybody has from all over the Arab World, their habits and knows who needs in an appropriate and as well as for wholesalers and they will send their books to somewhat informal way that bookstores from different parts and so on. Some hotels have the Arabs and Egyptians like. of the Arab World. Thousands special deals for members of What are your ambitions for of physical copies are stocked, the Egyptian Publishers Asso- future developments? sold and bought here. ciation and its guests. There are standard booths, and some We hope to have a better fair- Are there separate days or publishers make their own dec- ground and be able to organize areas for professionals to at- orations or build a booth in the a professional programme that tend the fair? open area of the fair for more suits the Arab World. There are no professional visibility and promotion. days, but recently we estab-

Contact the Cairo International Book Fair at: [email protected] Contact Sherif Bakr at: [email protected]

Report prepared by Joanna Bazán Babczonek [email protected] International Publishers Association 23, avenue de France 1202 Geneva Switzerland