After a 2023 panel devoted to artificial intelligence, we are heading towards second-hand. For one morning, seven representatives of the book market spoke during the 9e professional meetings at the Foire de Brive 2024 about the growing phenomenon of second-hand Books: “ The second-hand revolution: what impacts for creation and the book market? », this was the theme of the panel hosted on Saturday November 9 by Fabrice Piaultformer editor-in-chief of Weekly Bookswho gave the floor to Régine Hatchondopresident of the National Book Center (CNL), Rachel Cordierdirector of the Cultural Agency of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region (ALCA), Renaud Lefebvregeneral director of the National Publishing Union (SNE), Geoffroy Pelletierdirector of Sofia, Nicolas Vielleoperating director of the Gibert group and Séverine Weissco-president of the Permanent Council of Writers (CPE).
Return to the study of Sofia
« If we only had to remember one number, it's this one, opened Geoffroy Pelletier. One book in five purchased is a second-hand book. » To launch the discussion, the director of Sofia recalled the results of the report from the French Society of the Interests of Written Authors (produced with the assistance of the Ministry of Culture) entirely dedicated to this theme. Where second-hand goods once filled a gap in the new market, particularly to allow buyers to obtain items that were no longer on the market, they are now on an equal footing with them.
Or even progressed further, to the tune of 30% over the past ten years, in practically all editorial sectors and socio-demographic categories. To the question posed to the public: “ How many of you have ever bought a used book? » Half the room raises their hands. Indeed, according to the Sofia study, one in four book buyers also buys second-hand books.
Genre literature is particularly affected: one in two detective novels purchased is a second-hand book. In this context, how can we enable crime fiction authors to get started with peace of mind? ask the speakers in the debate.
Does opportunity cannibalize authors?
« Writers, who find themselves in a very precarious situation in most cases, do not receive a cent from second-hand purchases.insists Séverine Weiss. But the second life of the book is not meant to mean the death of the author. » A problem raised in a column signed Christophe Hardyauthor and president of the Society of Men of Letters (SGDL) published in Weekly Books a few weeks ago. “The opportunity cannibalizes the book and those who make it exist,” he explains, pointing out the profit margin made by sales platforms on invoicing for delivery services.
Regional bookstores affected
Same story on a regional scale. “ In our bookstores, the weather is rather very gray », Judge Rachel Cordier, despite the wealth of New Aquitaine, which has more than 200 independent houses on its territory.
Booksellers are also weakened by the reconfiguration of the sales model. The director of Alca supports her statements with a questionnaire survey conducted by the agency to measure the impact of the second-hand market on bookstores. More than 65% of respondents reported a drop in their cash flow of more than 8% on average between March and April 2024. For Rachel Cordier, “ these figures also reflect a drop in the average basket, marked on a regional scale because purchasing power is decreasing » and this, even if the profile of buyers has broadened nationally.
However, as the members of the panel point out, there is no question of drawing up an incriminating portrait, or of declaring war on resellers. “ We request that the issue be put on the agendaaffirms Geoffrey Pelletier, and that the public authorities take it seriously. But we must do it all together, new and used, hand in hand. »
