El mercado del libro en el Perú

Summary

In an interview, Germán Coronado, president of the Peruvian Chamber of Books, discusses the significant growth in Peru's book market, attributed to economic expansion and the beneficial effects of the Book Law enacted in 2003. He highlights how the industry has rebounded from historical crises and the role of marketing and international publishing houses in this resurgence. Coronado also addresses the challenges posed by digitalization and piracy, suggesting that both print and digital formats will coexist. He emphasizes the need for continued support for the publishing sector to ensure its future growth.

Takeaways

• 📈 Economic growth in Peru has significantly expanded the book market, growing five to six times since 2002.
• 📚 The Book Law, enacted in 2003, has been crucial in revitalizing the publishing industry after decades of economic and social crises.
• 🏬 Many bookstores and publishing houses disappeared during economic instability, but new structures have emerged since the early 2000s.
• 📝 The role of the editor is central; they finance and guide the book production process from manuscript to market.
• 📊 Modern marketing techniques have evolved, allowing publishers and bookstores to better reach selective readers.
• 🌐 International publishing houses have established a stronger presence in Peru, leading to increased competition and collaboration.
• 🔄 The coexistence of print and digital books is expected, though digital growth is currently slow due to piracy concerns.
• 🚫 High levels of content piracy hinder the growth of the eBook market in Peru.
• 💡 Investment in the book sector is crucial; renewal of the Book Law is needed to sustain industry growth.
• 📉 There is a significant shortage of bookstores in Peru, highlighting the need for expansion in this sector.

Q & A

What two main factors contributed to the growth of the book market in Peru?

The growth of the book market in Peru can be attributed to economic growth and the beneficial effects of the Book Law established in 2003.

How much has the book market grown since 2002 according to Germán Coronado?

Germán Coronado estimates that the book market has grown five to six times its size since 2002.

What challenges did the Peruvian book industry face before the implementation of the Book Law?

The Peruvian book industry faced significant challenges including economic crises, violence, and the disappearance of many bookstores and publishers.

What role does an editor play in the publishing process?

An editor is responsible for selecting manuscripts, financing the publishing process, and promoting the book to the public through bookstores.

How has marketing changed in the book industry in recent years?

Marketing in the book industry has become more sophisticated, with publishers and bookstores learning to better reach and engage readers.

What is one of the major concerns regarding the future of physical bookstores in Peru?

There are very few bookstores in Peru relative to its population, with only around 40 to 50 bookstores for a population of 30 million, indicating a need for growth in this sector.

How does Germán Coronado view the impact of digital books on the traditional book market?

He believes that digital books will coexist with traditional books, but that the transition will require adaptation due to factors like piracy.

What specific challenges does piracy present for the book industry?

Piracy presents a significant challenge as it affects both printed and digital books, undermining sales and the intellectual property rights of authors and publishers.

Why is the renewal of the Book Law important for the industry?

Renewing the Book Law is essential to encourage continued investment in the book sector and ensure that books remain accessible to the public.

What has been the impact of international publishers entering the Peruvian market?

The entry of international publishers has intensified competition and increased the variety of books available, benefiting readers and local publishers alike.