Current patterns in Maltese book publishing and distribution

Abstract

This study aims to depict current patterns in Maltese book publishing and distribution through interviews carried out with relevant people in the trade. Various leading publishers as well as self-publishing authors were interviewed and their publishing practices were compared. The book distribution aspect was also tackled taking into account the local mechanisms for distribution. A further comparison was made between professional distributors and individual distributors of self-published books. A cross-section of the market in terms of the nature of books written for different strata of society - whether children's books, leisure readers, educational or historical - was gleaned from the Malta National Bibliography. Special considerations were given to the language of the text together with processes of book design. Future advances in technology and their effect on the local book industry were also taken into consideration. The intention behind this research was to present a comprehensive view of the true picture in current patterns of Maltese book publishing and distribution.