International Publishing Highlights for September 28, 2026

Among the key stories: Podium Entertainment’s acquisition sheds light on the audiobook market's dynamics; Poland advances its fixed book price law; Éditions Gallimard’s backlist demonstrates the value of strong publishing practices; and a Russian study underscores the growth potential in rights and IP licensing.

Podium Entertainment has been acquired by private equity firms Flexpoint Ford and Shamrock Capital, with GoldState Music taking a minority stake. While the deal’s terms were not disclosed, The Wall Street Journal estimates its value at over $400 million. Podium, recognized for its audiobook of Andy Weir’s The Martian, boasts a catalog exceeding 15,000 titles, largely in genre fiction, and is expanding into e-books and print. Comparatively, when H.I.G. Capital and Francisco Partners purchased RBmedia in 2023 for over $1 billion, it had a catalog of about 66,000 titles, suggesting a notable increase in per-title valuations in the audiobook sector.

Poland is progressing with a draft legislation aimed at establishing a fixed book price and capping wholesale distributor discounts at 45%, following extensive consultations. This law would ensure a uniform price for 12 months post-release, guarantee authors a minimum of 10% remuneration based on the cover price, and 3% for translators. The proposed framework seeks to address competition imbalances faced by independent bookstores against larger chains.

In France, Éditions Gallimard’s backlist constituted 56% of its revenue in 2026, even as the overall French market declined by 1.5% in 2025. Antoine Gallimard, the group president, reports that the top 20 book titles represent only 4% of total sales, emphasizing the enduring value of a well-established catalog. With more than €42 million in annual sales from its ten bookstores, Gallimard advocates for fair conditions for independent bookstores compared to large retailers.

In Brazil, Companhia das Letras, part of Penguin Random House, is significantly increasing its audiobook production to capitalize on the growing market. Antonio Hermida, overseeing digital products, indicated a substantial rise in audiobook consumption and revenue, driven by platforms like Audible. The number of audiobook titles produced has surged from approximately 100 annually to nearly 100 monthly, highlighting the market's rapid growth.

Amazon has restricted the number of new titles that can be uploaded via Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) to two per week for each format, down from ten. This change affects all users and is reportedly part of a review of their policies and safeguards amid technological shifts, raising speculation about the influence of AI-generated content on this decision.

Scholastic maintains a projected revenue growth of 2%-4% for the year despite a 4% drop in first-quarter sales. CEO Peter Warwick anticipates a robust second quarter bolstered by campaigns linked to major adaptations of well-known titles. The entertainment segment saw a remarkable 48% increase in revenue, demonstrating the potential of publishing intellectual property beyond traditional book sales.

In Japan, bookstore profits have surged to ¥4 billion ($25.50 million), although this growth is uneven. Larger bookstores incorporating diverse product offerings, such as cafés, are thriving, while the sector continues to face closures outpacing openings.

A Russian study indicates a strong connection between books and their screen adaptations, with 77% of respondents expressing interest in a book after watching its adaptation. This connection has prompted Netflix to collaborate with the British Library to enhance this relationship through initiatives aimed at increasing visibility for adapted works.

Additional notable developments include Archipelago Books’ publication of the first North American English-language edition of Quino’s Mafalda and Mexico's plans for a collective stand at the Frankfurt Book Fair, showcasing 44 participants. In audio, ElredoVoice is adapting Harlequin titles into Czech using AI, while a project merges children’s trainers with audiobook access via Spotify.

Carrenho's reflections highlight the interconnectedness of media and literature, suggesting that further collaboration between publishing and film could enhance audience engagement.