Reading Pirated Books : Is it really okay?

What your are promoting is not BUDGET READING, but THEFT!

India is witnessing a boom in reading culture in the past few years, People across various age groups are now embracing reading as a part of their lifestyle, And understandably, Reading offers a few hours of the day away from the screen, the mindless scrolling and brain fatigue, Hence, Books are rightfully becoming 'Healthy Brain food' these days.

With the rise of digital platforms, reading has become more accessible than ever. E-books, audiobooks, and online reading apps have brought literature to the fingertips of millions. Physical bookstores, online bookstores and reading libraries have seen significant increase in numbers, since majority readers prefer physical book copies rather than the digital ones. India’s vibrant literary market is thriving, with an ever-growing audience for both local and international works.

However, despite this surge in reading culture, a significant threat looms over the literary world: BOOK PIRACY or FIRST COPY CULTURE. Since the demand for books have increased, the illegal reproduction and distribution of copyrighted materials have increased too.

WHAT IS BOOK PIRACY ?

Source : Society of Authors

Book piracy refers to the unauthorized reproduction and distribution of books, often through digital platforms, in violation of copyright laws. Pirated books are usually sold at a fraction of the original price, making them appealing to many readers. These unauthorized copies are often produced and sold without the consent of the author or the publisher, undermining the intellectual property rights of the original creators.

Here are the impact of First copy culture on various stakeholders in publishing Industry -

IMPACT ON WRITERS

Writers are the worst hit stakeholders when it comes to book piracy. The Unauthorised distribution of their work leads to -

1. Loss of Revenue : Authors rely on the sales of their books for income. When pirated versions are distributed freely or at a low price, it cuts into the revenue the writer would have earned from legitimate sales.

   
   

2. Undervaluation of Work: Piracy sends the message that an author’s work is not worth paying for, undermining their perceived value. This can lead to diminished respect for the creative efforts behind the books.

   
   

3. Difficulty in Securing Deals: Writers often depend on publishing houses for advances and royalties. If piracy results in lower sales, publishers may become hesitant to invest in new authors, making it harder for aspiring writers to get published.

IMPACT ON PUBLISHERS

Publication houses invest heavily in producing, marketing and distributing the books. Piracy negatively affects their ability to function and grow

1. Revenue Loss: Publishers are entitled to a share of book sales, which are crucial for covering publishing costs such as editing, design, printing, and marketing. Piracy cuts into their ability to recoup these investments and earn profits, also increased financial strain.

   
   

2. Increased Costs for Legal Action: Publishers often have to invest in tracking and taking legal action against pirated copies. This adds a significant financial burden to the publishing process.

   
   

3. Limited Investments in New Writers: When piracy becomes widespread, publishers may reduce investments in new authors, leading to fewer opportunities for fresh voices. This stifles the growth of the literary ecosystem and the diversity of stories available to readers.

IMPACT ON READERS

While readers may initially seem to benefit from piracy (as they get access to books at a much lower price or for free), the long-term consequences are not favourable

1. Lower Quality and Reliability: Pirated books are often of poor quality, with errors in printing, formatting, and even content. This can detract from the reading experience, especially for serious readers who value high-quality editions.

   
   

2. Limited Availability to New and Niche Books: Piracy may lead to a reduction in the availability of newer books, especially in the case of niche genres that require careful curation. Publishers may hesitate to release books that are highly likely to be pirated, limiting readers' access to fresh content.

   
   

3. Diminished Reading Culture: If readers become accustomed to pirated books, they may begin to undervalue books in general and be less inclined to support writers or the literary industry. This ultimately harms the reading culture itself, reducing the sustainability of the literary market in India.

IMPACT ON RETAILERS (BOTH ONLINE & OFFLINE BOOKSTORES)

Bookstores, both physical and online, play a vital role in the distribution chain, serving as the bridge between the creators and consumers of literature. Piracy undermines this model, leading to financial and operational challenges for retailers.

1. Decline in Sales: When consumers get free or cheaper pirated books, they avoid purchasing from legitimate bookstores, leading to lower sales.

   
   

2. Erosion of Bookstore Ecosystem: Many independent bookstores struggle to survive due to reduced demand caused by piracy. Some even shut down entirely.

   
   

3. Price Pressure: Retailers may be forced to lower book prices to compete with pirated copies, further reducing their profit margins.

   
   

4. E-books and Online Retail Challenges: Digital book piracy is even easier, as illegal PDFs and ePub versions can be shared instantly. Online retailers face challenges in controlling unauthorized downloads.

LETS TALK NUMBERS!

• The Federation of Booksellers and Publishers Association of India (FBPAI) estimates that piracy has threatened ₹7,000 crores worth of the publishing industry and the publishers in India have to facing a loss of ₹400 crores per year on an AVERAGE. (Source: TOI)

• Globally, The publishing industry is set to lose $3 billion dollars annually due to piracy as per the International Publishers association (IPA).

• Italian Publishers lost €771 Million in 2021 to Book Piracy

• In 2017, the U.S. lost $315 million in revenue due to book piracy.

•  In India, estimates suggest that piracy results in losses amounting to around 60% of potential book sales. (unofficial)

• A study by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) highlighted the potential loss due to Book piracy could go up to ₹2000 - ₹3000 crores in future (Source: Telegraph India)

These losses not only affect the authors and publishers but also the broader economy, which relies on intellectual property for growth in the creative sector. The piracy problem leads to fewer new books being published, reduced revenue for bookstores and distributors, and overall stagnation in the creative market.

The loss also affects the development of local and independent authors, as piracy undermines their ability to secure fair compensation for their work.

WHAT IS THE WAY OUT?

While the problem of book piracy seems insurmountable, there are several measures that can be taken to mitigate its effects:

1. Stronger Legal Framework and Enforcement: India has a robust copyright law under the Copyright Act of 1957, which protects the intellectual property rights of authors and publishers. Stricter enforcement and faster prosecution of it could help in coping the piracy issue

   
   

2. Promoting Affordable Pricing: One reason why piracy is rampant is that many readers cannot afford high-priced books. Publishers could explore strategies to make books more affordable, such as offering e-books at a lower price or releasing digital versions that are cheaper than physical books. Offering discounts, promotions, or bundling books can also help make books more affordable.

3. Reader Mindset: As much as readers enjoy getting lost in the book world, they should always have gratitude towards the mind that created that world, however budget constraints is a REAL issue

   Hence, Changing the way consumers view piracy is essential. Incentivizing ethical purchasing practices such as Offering rewards, discounts, or loyalty programs for customers who consistently buy legitimate books can help encourage ethical consumer behaviour.

   
   

   So, next time you pick up a book, remember that buying it legally doesn’t just get you a great read, it also helps the people who made it possible.

   
   

   Let’s all do our part to keep the pages turning in a world, where stories continue to be celebrated, not stolen!

Article Author : Akanksha Mishra (Co-Founder, Story crate)

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