Change in new book releases due to coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in Italy 2020

The outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) had a huge impact on the Italian book publishing industry. Data based on answers given by 145 publishing houses in mid-April showed that new releases decreased by 35 percent already in the first four months of 2020, while the decrease is expected to reach less 42 percent between May and August. However, publishers expected only a eight percent decrease in the launches of new book releases between September and December 2020. The reduction in the demand of books could result in less 27 percent of new launces over the whole year.

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