Traditional Book Distribution Network Distances Small Publishers from Their Audience

Aref Imani, in an interview with an Iran Book News Agency (IBNA) reporter, pointed out the problems faced by publishing activists in recent years, stating: “A fundamental issue for publishers, especially in provincial cities, is paper supply. It appears that some publishers in Tehran have better and more suitable access to both government-subsidized and free paper markets and can obtain larger quantities of paper, whereas provincial publishers do not benefit from such facilities.”

He continued by stating that if paper prices are controlled, book pricing processes will improve: “From the time of contract signing to book printing, prices for paper, zinc, ink, and printing services all change, and ultimately, we will see outcomes contrary to expectations.”

Imani added, by raising the issue that paper price fluctuations in recent months have made working conditions difficult: “For this reason, at the time of contract signing, the cost of preparing the work, including editing and cover design, will be calculated. After obtaining the printing license, we will get the final price inquiry from the printing house, and then proceed with pricing.”

He stated that “we have about 10 book titles ready, but due to market fluctuations, we have currently held off on publishing them.” He added, “I hope, with the government’s foresight and support regarding paper issues and the necessity of paying attention to publishers who are a bit further from the capital, this problem will also be resolved for publishers.”

The Sad Story of Book Distribution

The manager of Samardis Publishing then referred to the issue of book distribution, noting: “In this area, it also seems that the book distribution network is exclusively for Tehran-based or large publishers, and the books of young publishers and those from other cities do not have much presence in distribution centers, which has created challenges.”

According to him, some online distribution centers take one copy of a book from a publisher, upload it to their website, but effectively have no program for its distribution. For this reason, I believe that distribution should have better order and purposefulness.”

Imani continued by stating that “it is observed that large distribution centers dedicate all their time and patience to major publishers.” He added, “In monitoring the book market, we see that only books from a limited and specific number of publishers are distributed. Despite this, we have not given up and are placing our newly published books in virtual spaces and various channels, as well as book software, to make them easily accessible to our audience.”