London Book Fair 2023: Despite Recommended Retail Prices Rise, Books Have Never Been Cheaper

High advances will no doubt be a factor behind the relatively expensive RRPs for both, but market forces (Brexit, the rising costs of paper, energy, and manufacturing, the pandemic) are forcing all publishers to reconsider RRPs generally. And, at the same time, book-buyers are of course facing similar pressures of their own.

Recent reports from Nielsen reveal book-buyers are already switching to paperbacks (Books and the Consumer survey, March 2023), while they plan to reduce their book purchases and increase their library borrowing (National Literacy TrustUK-based organisation which has campaigned since 1993 to improve literacy standards across all age groups. Excellent research information and details of the many initiatives the charity is currently involved in. www.literacytrust.org.uk. It also has a useful page of news stories on UK literacy, which links to newsletter http://www.readitswapit.co.uk/TheLibrary.aspx research into spending on children's books, February 2023). The current cost-of-living crisis is certainly putting a squeeze on consumer spending.