International Publishing Highlights for November 2, 2026

The International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organisations (IFRRO) released a report indicating that over 90% of nearly 2,000 respondents believe that generative AI has harmed rightsholders’ earnings, with 96% deeming copyright protections inadequate. Additionally, a survey of 1,785 literary translators by the European Council of Literary Translators’ Associations (CEATL) revealed that 37% have considered leaving the profession due to AI, while nearly 30% reported losing income opportunities linked to AI. Among translators who were offered editing jobs for machine-generated translations, 67.3% declined due to issues such as low pay and tight deadlines.

The UK's Association of Illustrators (AOI) found that 46% of illustrators lost commissions to generative AI, an increase from 32% in 2025. More than half reported declining income, with 22% facing reductions exceeding 50%. The impact of AI on jobs within publishing has raised concerns about the ability to maintain employment levels in the industry, especially as reading rates decline and competition increases from other entertainment forms.

In contrast, there is potential for AI to enhance global literacy, possibly increasing book demand. However, these optimistic scenarios remain uncertain at this time.

Publishing analyst Jane Friedman suggests that the recent controversies over authors using generative AI may wane as publishers adopt more sophisticated detection methods. She believes future issues will center around copyright and authorship in AI-assisted works. However, the perception that readers prefer human-authored books is questioned—some may not mind AI-generated content at all.

For example, South African author Coral Hart claims to have sold over one million copies of 371 books in 20 months using AI, indicating a market for AI-assisted literature.

Italy’s comic book market saw a 14.9% value growth in the first nine months of 2026, reaching €68.3 million, with 7.1 million copies sold. Growth was particularly strong in graphic novels, which rose by 34.8%. The rise in comics sales could be attributed to government library funding aiding acquisition choices that attract younger readers.

Swedish audiobook service BookBeat reported a 13% revenue increase during the same period, with Germany showing the most significant growth. The CEO noted that international competition has impacted growth in the Nordic markets. With over 1.2 million subscribers, BookBeat anticipates reaching SEK 1.7 billion in annual revenue.

Polish retailer Empik Group launched Go Flex, a subscription service offering flexibility in ebook and audiobook selections. This model mimics credit-based systems, which could inspire similar approaches worldwide.

Independent author Jörgen Löwenfeldt achieved prominence through his newsletter on Substack, reaching over 5,000 subscribers, illustrating a shift towards more independent author-publisher relationships.

LINE Digital Frontier announced a substantial investment in original Japanese manga production and plans to launch WEBTOON CANVAS in Japan in 2027, indicating ambition to expand manga globally.

Readwise entered the ebook market with a new store aiming to compete by integrating various reading and social tools, enhancing choices for readers.

A recent survey in Moscow showed 70% of book readers prefer digital formats, reflecting the increasing penetration of digital books in Russia despite ongoing challenges in the industry.

Other notable developments include the opening of a book bar in Nottingham by British indie bookseller Ink & Ember and employment reductions at Vicens Vives, among various other trends in the publishing landscape.