40 Publishing Houses Participate in the National Online Book Fair

Since the Covid-19 pandemic broke out and spread around the world, many social and economic activities have been suspended. The publishing industry is no exception to the general difficulties of society. According to information from the Department of Publishing, Printing and Distribution, the book industry has been significantly affected by Covid-19. In March, the revenue of some publishers, book companies, and distributors decreased by about 30-40%, and is expected to decrease sharply in April. Many companies and publishers have had to use temporary measures such as cutting working hours, reducing salaries and benefits. Many traditional bookstores have been forced to close.

In contrast to the traditional book market, the online book distribution market has grown in recent times. Some online booksellers have achieved growth of 20-30%, with some even growing by 70%. Although the revenue from online book sales is not enough to offset the decline in traditional channels, on the positive side, this is still the most suitable opportunity and direction.

Amidst the challenges facing the book industry and the people’s worries, a large book fair has been organized on a digital platform. The first national online book fair at book365.vn is expected to open on April 19 and last until mid-May, with the theme “Reading books, improving intelligence, overcoming the fear of the epidemic”.

This is the first national online book fair decided by the Minister of Information and Communications, the Department of Publishing, Printing and Distribution (Publishing Department), the Information and Communications Publishing House with the support of a number of technology units. The book fair has the participation of nearly 40 publishers and distributors. The number of books is abundant with thousands of titles. The books participating in the fair are of good quality, beautifully printed, and guaranteed copyright. The participating units also commit to promotions on the cover price of up to 25%.

Held on the website: book365.vn, the 2020 National Online Book Fair has a friendly interface, supporting readers to search and buy books easily and quickly. Moreover, thanks to the application of advanced technologies, the Online Book Fair has been able to optimize the experience of participants. In order to best serve readers, the organizers focus on technology, integrating many interactive trading floor channels such as: Web chat, call center, sharing, commenting... To solve one of the concerns of book buyers during the epidemic season is the form of transportation, the Book Fair organizers decided to waive 20,000 shipping orders with the sponsorship of Vnpost.

In the context of the widespread Covid-19 causing anxiety, the 2020 National Online Book Fair was organized to help people reduce confusion and boredom. This is a channel to introduce readers to sources of knowledge, to find clarity in reading culture. Not only a place to buy and sell, the Online Book Fair also has many meaningful cultural programs. During the month of operation, the book fair has online discussion programs between authors, celebrities and readers through technology and social networks. Articles, book review programs, reading directions of authors and readers help buyers find good and valuable books for themselves. A book review, book introduction, and book reading contest is held with many honor boards, rankings with attractive prizes.

My Tong