Sale of e-books and audiobooks in Ukraine
Abstract
The research examines the functioning of e-book and audiobook aggregators in Ukraine’s modern publishing market. The development of e-books is crucial for the industry in conditions where the publication of printed material is significantly complicated or sometimes impossible due to war. Previous studies by M. Zhenchenko have already shed light on many aspects of digital distribution in Ukraine (2013, 2015, 2018), but the number of participants has significantly increased since then, which prompts the consideration of new market players. Aggregator services are the primary suppliers of e-books from various publishers. The research covers 23 such services operating as of the beginning of 2023, identifying common trends in their operations and reviewing the platforms they utilize. The aim of the study is to find and analyze data on active participants in digital distribution in Ukraine’s publishing market and identify common trends and principles of their work. To achieve this goal, general scientific research methods were employed, including observation, synthesis, analysis, and classification. The article provides data on the state and dynamics of the digital publication market in Ukraine. Its findings can serve as a source of information for future research and contribute to enhancing the user experience in purchasing e-books. The market for digital publications in Ukraine is gradually growing. The number of aggregator services and publishers that sell e-books has increased significantly over the past few years, and their technical capabilities allow users to access content on various offline and online devices. Within the framework of the study, general trends and principles of the functioning of digital publication aggregator services were revealed. Further research on the distribution of e-books and audiobooks will be updated with the appearance of new digital publication aggregator services and digital publishing projects in Ukraine in general, with the development of methods of access to digital content and payment.
Downloads
References
Zhenchenko, M. (2013). Cy`frova dy`stry`buciya na kny`zhkovomu ry`nku Ukrayiny` [Digital distribution on the book market of Ukraine]. Visny`k Kny`zhkovoyi palaty`, vol. (10), pp. 3-5. Aviable at: http://nbuv.gov.ua/UJRN/vkp_2013_10_2 (accessed: 10.05.2023).
Zhenchenko, M. (2015). Cy`frovi transformaciyi v sy`stemi kny`gorozpovsyudzhennya Ukrayiny` [Digital
transformations in the book distribution system of Ukraine]. Obriyi drukarstva, vol. (1), pp. 55-65. Aviable at: http://nbuv.gov.ua/UJRN/obdr_2015_1_9 (accessed: 10.05.2023).
Zhenchenko, M. (2018). Cy`frovi transformaciyi vy`davny`choyi galuzi: monografiya [Digital transformations of the publishing industry: monograph (2nd ed., corr.)]. Ky`yiv: Zhnecz`.
Figol, N. (2018). Electronic publications of Ukraine. Frontiers of printing [Electronic publications of Ukraine], vol. (1), pp. 244–254. Aviable at: https://doi.org/10.20535/2522-1078.2018.1.132926 (accessed: 05/10/2023).
Teremko, V. (2011). Strategichni vy`probuvannya elektronnoyu kny`zhnistyu [Strategic tests of e-books]. Visny`k Kny`zhkovoyi palaty`, vol. (4), pp. 10-14. Aviable at: http://nbuv.gov.ua/UJRN/vkp_2011_4_3 (accessed: 10.05.2023).
Shpak, V. (2022). Vy`davny`chy`j biznes: kny`ga redaktora: navchal`ny`j posibny`k [Publishing Business: The Editor’s Book: A Study Guide]. Ky`yiv: Ekspres-ob’yava.
Jakopec, T. (2015). E-book aggregators: new services in electronic publishing. Libellarium: Journal for the Research of Writing, Books and Cultural Heritage Institutions, vol. 8(1), p. 31. DOI: 10.15291/libellarium.v8i1.212
Polanka, S. (2013). Ebook Access: Business Models for Subscription Services. Online Searcher, vol. 37(2), pp. 65-67. Aviable at: https://corescholar.libraries.wright.edu/ul_pub/128 (accessed: 10.05.2023).
Statcounter (2023). Mobile Operating System Market Share in Ukraine. aviable at: https://gs.statcounter.com/os-marketshare/mobile/ukraine (accessed: 10.05.2023).
Shurenkova, A., Volosevych, I. (2020). Ukrainian Book Institute. Reading in the context of media consumption and life construction. Kyiv: Aviable at: https://ubi.org.ua/uk/activity/doslidzhennya/doslidzhennya-2020 (accessed: 10.05.2023).
Ukrainian Book Institute, Livres Canada Books. (2021). The Ukrainian Book Market: Prospects and Opportunities.
Ottawa, Canada. Aviable at: https://ubi.org.ua/uk/activity/doslidzhennya/doslidzhennya-2021 (accessed: 10.05.2023).