Publishers speak out over ‘injustice’ in the sector

Publishers have spoken out over funding in the sector, when compared to the amount being given to band clubs.

“I can’t stay silent about the injustice against the Maltese book sector and publishers,” Managing Director of Klabb Kotba Maltin Joseph Mizzi writes.

He said that after six years of discussions, emails, phone calls, and pushing to secure a subsidy for paper – the price of which, along with transport costs, “has skyrocketed in recent years, we were given a fund of €50,000.”

He said that while they requested more, “we were told to be satisfied with what we received. Fine. Well done and thanks to the Book Council,” he said.

However, he highlighted funds being given to others.

“But I cannot understand how, within five weeks, funds were found to give €50,000 to every band club. We also work and contribute to Maltese culture. We too are part of the national heritage. Why this discrimination against us? It is truly heart-breaking.”

He was referring to an agreement struck between the National Association of Bank Clubs and the Department of Public Works, regarding funds for maintenance and embellishments works on band clubs.

Director of Publishing at Merlin Publishers, Chris Gruppetta agreed.

He said that the fund for paper amounts to just €6,000 for a publisher, an amount that barely covers two projects, he said. “The €50,000 is the total fund for publishers, self-publishers, and anyone who publishes any kind of book whatsoever.”