THE VIRUS IN THE BOOKSHOP: HOW HAS THE PANDEMIC AFFECTED ISTANBUL'S PUBLISHING INDUSTRY?

Abstract

Based on semi-structured interviews conducted within the publishing sector, this qualitative case study research examines the impact of the global pandemic on Istanbul's publishing industry. The research spanned seven months and involved thirteen interviews. The aim was to gain an understanding of the industry's response to the pandemic. In a nutshell, the pandemic can be seen as accelerating the digitalisation and monopolisation processes already taking place in the industry. Nevertheless, stakeholders have affected in different ways, depending on their financial and technological capabilities and their main areas of business. For instance, during closures, publishers experienced an increase in demand for digital and printed books, while bookshops lost almost all sources of income. Similarly, publishing cartels with their own printing, distribution and sales channels and online booksellers many of whom operate in conjunction with these publishing conglomerates were able to gain significant advantages over small publishers seriously affected by the closures.