Ukraine’s book publishing industry, slow to move to online sales, saw the number of published titles fall during the first half of this year by 55%, to 4,608

Ukraine’s book publishing industry, slow to move to online sales, saw the number of published titles fall during the first half of this year by 55%, to 4,608, reports Publishing Perspectives news site in an article titled: “Ukraine Book Business After Lockdowns: An ‘Almost Complete Collapse.” Alexander Afonin, Ukrainian Publishers and Booksellers Association, says: “The current situation is very difficult, if not disastrous.” Olga Pogynaiko, marketing head of Smoloskyp Publishing House, said sales were down by 65%, largely because their bookstore was closed for 2.5 months. In contrast, their internet bookshop saw an increase in sales.