In the past two years, a notable surge in book prices, particularly in the fields of philosophy, psychology, literature (including original works and translations), children’s books, and educational materials, has marked the landscape of Iranian publishing. This increase, symptomatic of the broader economic challenges under the current government, has deeply impacted both the publishing industry and its consumers. While officials tout cultural growth, publishers and the public grapple with the realities of soaring inflation and its stifling effect on the accessibility and quality of literature.
The Paradox of Progress and Decline
The Islamic Republic’s tenure, barring brief periods under Khatami and early Rouhani administrations, has been predominantly characterized by double-digit inflation rates. The onset of President Raisi’s term has seen an unabated escalation of this trend, leaving the government seemingly powerless to reverse the dire economic trajectory.
Books, an essential facet of cultural and intellectual discourse, have not been spared from inflation’s harsh blow. While the state’s narrative may boast about a flourishing cultural sector, the ground realities narrated by publishers paint a starkly contrasting picture.
One of the Tehran’s most active publishers in Tehran shares, “It’s true that book prices have increased compared to previous years, but the growth hasn’t been illogical overall.” He points to a report by the Iran Book News Agency (IBNA) indicating that the price growth chart of books doesn’t show a significant change compared to the years before. This well-known publisher tells Zamaneh:
“The price of books has not increased significantly relative to inflation, but the book market has seen a significant decline. Currently, our publishing house is focusing on reprinting books and has limited the acceptance of new works. This is unless the opinion of all members of the selection committee is positive towards the work proposed, which, of course, is very difficult.”
Claims of a 247% increase in book sales by the Minister of Islamic Culture and Guidance, Mohammad Mehdi Esmaili, are met with skepticism, pointing to a lack of transparency and detailed data to substantiate such figures.
Esmaili’s assertions of publishing over 108,000 new titles, 80% of which are first editions, hint at a vibrant academic scene. However, this glosses over the significant state support for religious publications since the 1979 revolution, skewing production figures and market realities in favor of ideologically aligned content. This discrepancy raises questions about the actual health and diversity of the publishing sector.
A Market in Peril
Recent years have witnessed a marked decline in the quality and affordability of books, driven by rising costs of paper and other publishing materials, alongside a downturn in reader engagement and market vitality. The inflationary environment has forced publishers to adopt digital printing for low-volume runs, reflecting a broader shift in production strategies amidst economic constraints.
Publishers articulate the crux of the issue as not merely the current price of books but the overarching inflationary trend. A book that lingers unsold for six months increasingly becomes a financial liability in an economy where inflation exceeds 40%. This precarious situation has led to a reevaluation of pricing strategies, with publishers applying multipliers to cover costs and ensure some margin of profit.
Notably, the standing of a publisher within the literary community significantly influences pricing strategies and market acceptance. Renowned publishers can afford lower multipliers due to established reputation and reader base, whereas lesser-known entities might opt for higher markups to incentivize distribution and sales, often at the risk of alienating consumers.
Digital Printing and the Question of Value
Amidst this challenging landscape, the debate around book pricing versus value persists. Some publishers maintain that while prices have risen, they remain justifiable when considering the overarching inflationary context. However, this perspective does not fully address the perceptual gap faced by consumers, who are increasingly wary of perceived price inflation in the market.
This situation underscores a critical challenge for the publishing industry: balancing economic sustainability with the need to foster a vibrant, accessible cultural and intellectual milieu. As the industry navigates these turbulent waters, the future of book publishing in Iran remains uncertain, caught between the pressures of economic hardship and the imperatives of cultural vitality.
The juxtaposition of government narratives of cultural prosperity against the stark realities faced by publishers and readers offers a compelling insight into the complexities of cultural production in an inflation-ridden economy. As the publishing sector strives to adapt, the broader implications for cultural access and intellectual diversity remain a pressing concern for all stakeholders in Iranian society.
This is a summary of original Radio Zamaneh content crafted with the help of AI, edited by a Radio Zamaneh editor. To read the original article, click here.
