Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1543288
MALTA'S book sector is facing ris- ing costs, limited readership, and structural gaps, according to Nation- al Book Council Executive Chairman Mark Camilleri. He tells me that higher paper prices have increased production costs and are making it harder for readers to prioritise books over essential spend- ing. The small size of the local mar- ket and the limited number of large bookshops also restrict sales, he says. Despite these pressures, local pub- lishers continue to produce strong work and new publishers enter the sector in recent years. He says that language remains both an oppor- tunity and a barrier. "On one hand, it gives uniqueness to our literature and highlights it internationally, par- ticularly within Mediterranean and translation contexts. On the oth- er hand, Maltese is not accessible abroad without translation," he says. Camilleri explains that authors and institutions rely more on English pitches, foreign rights catalogues, and international book fairs to con- nect with foreign publishers. New translated editions of Maltese works are already in development. He highlights the need for strong- er professional structures across the industry. Formal rights agreements, clear royalty systems and the long- term goal of establishing literary agents in Malta remain key priorities, Camilleri says. Continued training for writers and editors is also neces- sary, he adds, because most authors do not work full time in the field. Last year, the council had pro- posed a basic income scheme for writers. Camilleri says it is still in infancy stage. He explains that re- search needs to be conducted, and then a pilot study to assess feasibility and cultural impact, will have to be launched. When I ask about models used in other countries, which Malta could take inspiration from, Camilleri points to Ireland and Iceland as ex- amples of how smaller literary mar- kets grow through sustained invest- ment in translation and international promotion. Furthermore, he says the council's first Annual Book Conference being held on 8 May 2026 focuses on the future direction of the industry and brings together stakeholders from across the sector. Mark Camilleri: 'We often focus too much on what is lacking instead of recognising the strides already made' Executive chairman of The National Book Council, Mark Camilleri, has been watching Malta's literary scene navigate rising costs, limited readership, and structural gaps. He sits down with Laura Calleja to explore how despite these challenges Maltese publishers keep producing strong work 4 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 15 FEBRUARY 2026 INTERVIEW