Publishers Association: 'International Adults' Hail UK Publishing

The United Kingdom’s Publishers Association has a survey describing the good reputation of the UK’s books.

At Foyles in Charing Cross Road, March 20. Image: Publishing Perspectives, Porter Anderson

By Porter Anderson, Editor-in-Chief | @Porter_Anderson

Reputational Value

It’s already being cheered for its “Great Copyright Heist” description of the UK government’s AI “opt-out proposal” for the creative industries.

Now, London’s Publishers Association is releasing new survey results that show 80 percent of “international adults” surveyed saying that British literature “positively contributes to the country’s international reputation.”

An “international adult” in this research project’s definition is a “foreign-born UK resident who moved permanently to the country after the age of 18.” For the research information being released today (March 9), the polling consultancy Public First surveyed 609 such “international adults” and 2,009 other adults in the United Kingdom doing the research online between February 7 and 27.

Dan Conway

Dan Conway, the Publishers Association CEO (who coined the Great Copyright Heist phrase), says today on the announcement of these new survey results, “On the eve of London Book Fair, we’re about to welcome the publishing community from” many world markets “to London.

“UK publishing is a global powerhouse and is instrumental in supporting a positive image of the UK internationally by bringing about cultural and academic collaboration.

“This new polling shows how important the publishing industry is to the UK’s overall attractiveness to international talent and tourism and why the industry is one of our great strengths as a nation.”

In the interpretation of the association, the survey “shows that UK books, journals, and education resources are at the heart of the UK’s soft power, playing a key role in attracting tourism and students, and contributing to the UK’s cultural and academic collaboration in many parts of the world.”

The survey’s 80-percent fist-pump for the British book business outdid a similar response for British music (73 percent); sports and athletics (72 percent); and business and economic influence (57 percent).

The Public First research—conducted for the Publishers Association—seems to show the beneficial aspect of a tradition and reputation for literature.

A reported 80 percent of international adults surveyed said they agree that British academic research positively contributes to the country’s international reputation
Almost two-thirds (63 percent) of international adults who participated in the survey told researchers that they believe the UK “would not have the international influence it does today without the impact of British literature”
Some 82 percent of the international adults in the publishers’ study placed the UK among the Top 5 most influential countries globally for academic research
And 68 percent of the international students responding to the survey said that the global reputation of UK-based academic publications was an important factor for their decision to study in the United Kingdom

Another way to get the attention of the government, of course, is to look at tourism. And the newly reported survey’s results indicate that “The total value of UK literary tourism (domestic and overseas) is forecast to rise from £1.7 billion in 2024 to £2.1 billion by 2030 – almost a 25-perce3nt increase. (Thats US$2.2 billion to $2.7 billion.)

A reported 54 percent of international adults in the study said that they have been inspired to visit UK locations, such as landmarks, towns, or cities, because of their connection to a work of British literature.

A Programming Note

During London Book Fair, Publishing Perspectives has several Main Stage events to suggest for your consideration. We’re especially pleased with the caliber of speakers who will be with us, and we hope you’ll join us. Descriptive copy here is from the London Book Fair team’s listings.

Tuesday, March 11
1:45 to 2:30 p.m., Main Stage
The Future of Book Licensing and Distribution

Mark Searle, left, and José Manuel Anta

Licensing strategies can play a crucial role in the financial success of publishing ventures, and in the digital age, licensing and distribution have transformed, allowing for more seamless and widespread access to content. But challenges persist, as do opportunities, amid evolving consumer preferences and tech advances. By effectively navigating these changes, publishers can maximize their financial outcomes and remain competitive.

Speakers:

Mark Searle, managing director of DK
José Manuel Anta, managing director of Spain’s Federation of Publishers’ Guilds
Moderation by Publishing Perspectives

Tuesday, March 11
3 to 3:45 p.m., Main Stage
AI and Copyright: Policy Developments in the United Kingdom and United States

Maria A. Pallante and Dan Conway

AI is here to stay and so are the policy debates that will shape its development and deployment for years to come. In particular, many publishers around the world are watching developments in the UK and US, where regulators, legislators, and courts are weighing legal disputes that could have global ramifications for copyright laws: A British, American, and decidedly human discussion on the most important issue of the day.

Conway’s call from the creative industries of the UK that “The Great Copyright Heist Cannot Go Unchallenged” and Pallante’s background as a copyright attorney make them two of the most aptly positioned publishers’ association leaders for this moment.

Speakers:

Maria Pallante, president and CEO, Association of American Publishers (AAP)
Dan Conway, CEO, the Publishers Association
Moderation by Publishing Perspectives

Thursday, March 13
11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m., Main Stage
Turning the Page: Publishing’s Role in Keeping the Focus on Sustainability

Gvantsa Jobava and Mary Glenn

While the industry has embraced a wide range of initiatives such as expanding the list of titles that explore sustainability, engaging new voices and audiences, promoting diversity, advancing accessible publishing, supporting literacy, and adopting greener production methods, it can be difficult to gauge the true impact of these efforts.

This session explores the challenges of staying committed to sustainability in all aspects from acquisitions and marketing to distribution, measuring progress effectively, and making tangible strides on complex global issues—while showcasing what publishers have already accomplished and what more can be done.

Speakers:

Gvantsa Jobava, president, International Publishers Association (IPA)
Mary Glenn, chief of United Nations Publications, United Nations
Moderation by Publishing Perspectives

More from Publishing Perspectives on artificial intelligence is here; more on copyright and international book publishing is here; and more on the United Kingdom’s book business is here.

About the Author

Porter Anderson

Porter Anderson has been named International Trade Press Journalist of the Year in London Book Fair's International Excellence Awards. He is Editor-in-Chief of Publishing Perspectives. He formerly was Associate Editor for The FutureBook at London's The Bookseller. Anderson was for more than a decade a senior producer and anchor with CNN.com, CNN International, and CNN USA. As an arts critic (Fellow, National Critics Institute), he was with The Village Voice, the Dallas Times Herald, and the Tampa Tribune, now the Tampa Bay Times. He co-founded The Hot Sheet, a newsletter for authors, which now is owned and operated by Jane Friedman.