The Bookseller - News - Alarm across Europe as English-language export editions skewer domestic markets

That is the opinion of many editors, agents and rights professionals on the current trading climate as the 75th Frankfurt Book FairWorld's largest trade fair for books; held annually mid-October at Frankfurt Trade Fair, Germany; First three days exclusively for trade visitors; general public can attend last two. opened for business. The issue is particularly acute in relatively small European territories with a high level of English literacy, such as the Netherlands, Nordics and the Baltics, but many have noted it encroaching into some larger markets, particularly Germany.

Laurence Laluyaux, RCW agent, director and head of international, said: "It is undeniable that English-language book exports are having a growing impact on the ability to sell Anglophone authors in translation and that there is a waning of appetite in some markets. The competition is problematic, not least because these export editions are always cheaper than the local editions and aren't subject to national laws such as fixed price."