Baptist Morin
06:07, September 16, 2022
Philippe Robinet, the general manager of Calmann Lévy, announced the increase in the price of his books from January 1, 2023. The rise in the cost of raw materials is forcing the publisher to adapt its prices. Last August, a Breton publishing house had already taken such a decision.
L’inflation don’t save the publishing industry. Due to the rising price of raw materials, making a book is becoming more and more expensive. Therefore, the editor Calmann-Levy has announced an increase of 1 euro in the price of its books, starting January 1, 2023. Its director Philippe Robinet is the guest of Elizabeth Assayag in France is moving this Friday.
In one year, the price of pulp papier almost doubled from 600 euros to 1,100 euros per tonne. Added to this is the increase in the price of energy, which is essential to run the rotary presses, but that of the cardboard packaging to protect the books during transport. This latest increase is explained by the recent surge in fuel prices.
Few alternatives
Last August, the independent Breton publishing house Locus Solus had already taken such a decision. His books have increased by 1 or 2 euros. “There are two solutions. Either you increase the price of the book, or you increase the quantity of printed books to compensate for the increase in the price of paper”, explains the sales manager of Locus Solus, Régis Lemersier.
The Flammarion, Fayard and Seuil editions, contacted by Europe 1, claim that such a decision is not on their side’s agenda. But behind the scenes, some say it will eventually prevail. On a book sold for 20 euros, the editor receives only 4 euros. As a result, when he takes an increase of 1 euro to his account, he reduces his income per pound by 25%.