Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1524428
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Then please email your resume to: caltomia.mt@gmail.com MALTA'S major publishers have sounded the alarm on challenges the print book indus- try and writers are facing, from rising operational costs and ris- ing consumer expectations they said had impacted their small and vulnerable sector. Book distributors BDL as well as publishers ĊAK, Horizon, Kite, Kotba Calleja, Merlin and Midsea said they were facing longstanding issues from rising production and paper costs, dis- tribution challenges, including postage costs, compounded by a decline in independent book- stores. The publishers, who say they command 75% of the market share, urged government to open a dialogue with them for concrete proposals and solu- tions. "What unites us is not only a love for Maltese books but also out unwavering dedication that translates into tangible invest- ment, despite a shrinking mar- ket and profits," the publishers said. "We are keeping Maltese lit- erature and publishing alive, from schoolbooks to research publications and recreation- al reading. Maltese literature contributes significantly to our understanding of who we are as a people, where we came from, and where we are going. Its loss would mean an accelerated loss of collective memory and the distinct Maltese language and idiom, which are the pillars of our daily interactions," the pub- lishers said. They added that the critical state of their industry and their needs required urgent action and direct intervention. "The government must recognise that the sector, one of the pil- lars of our culture and creativ- ity, has been neglected for too long and deserves better. Praise for the Maltese book and the culture of reading from politi- cians means nothing unless it is translated into a direct invest- ment." The publishers also said Na- tional Book Council initiatives and funds do not favour the book production industry par- ticularly, often not considering the sector's sustainability. "Any strategy for the Maltese book and publishing industry must prioritise the long-term sustainability of publishers' op- erations, beginning with the recognition that the number of publishers and the market is small. Given this particular sit- uation, a future strategy must seriously consider direct fiscal incentives for publishers and aid that encourages entrepreneurs to open new bookstores," they said. PEN Malta secretary Kurt Borg said the writers' organisation fully supported the publishers' plea put forth to the govern- ment. "PEN Malta appreciates that the current situation is jeopard- ising the publishers' industry and that this may negatively af- fect the Maltese collective mem- ory, the national language, and Maltese culture in general. "PEN Malta is also aware that publishers have repeated- ly sounded their concerns with competent authorities for a long time with no response. There- fore, PEN Malta joins the Mal- tese publishers in urging the government to acknowledge the plight and take the necessary ac- tion for the national benefit." Book Council to launch stakeholder meeting The National Book Council reacted by saying that it recog- nized the vital role local pub- lishers play in Malta's book in- dustry and that it acknowledged the challenges they face in the current economic climate. "As the leading public entity for the book industry, the NBC is committed to continuously improving its operations to en- sure that authors, publishers, and all stakeholders receive the necessary support." The Council said that earlier this year it had engaged the con- sultancy firm KPMG to draft a five-year strategy for 2025-2030, with the concerns raised by local publishers and PEN Malta being integral to this strategy. "As part of the strategy pro- cess, over the coming days the NBC will host two workshop sessions: one for publishers on Friday, 26 July, and another for authors and other stakeholders on Monday, 29 July. "All relevant stakeholders have been invited to participate in these workshops, where they can freely discuss concerns and suggest improvements for the industry. Those unable to attend can still provide input during the public consultation phase for the strategy. "The NBC believes this strate- gy will provide a concrete, prag- matic, and accountable path forward, ensuring decisions are data-driven and comprehensive. It is crucial for all stakeholders to participate so their voices are heard and considered." Book publishers sound alarm on industry challenges, Council mapping out strategy Major publishers Merlin and book distributors BDL in industry call to government to intervene in providing long-term solutions for Maltese publishing industry "Maltese literature contributes significantly to our understanding of who we are as a people, where we came from, and where we are going. Its loss would mean an accelerated loss of collective memory and the distinct Maltese language and idiom, which are the pillars of our daily interactions."