[Explanation] At the National People's Congress in 2022, Wang Anyi, deputy to the National People's Congress, vice-chairman of the Chinese Writers' Association, and professor of the Chinese Department of Fudan University, proposed in a panel discussion that "new books will only be sold in physical stores for the first half of the year".
[Explanation] What is the physical bookstore going through?
In recent years, with the rapid development of e-commerce platforms, physical bookstores have shrunk, and the closure of Shanghai Monsoon Book Garden is the epitome of the industry.
Wang Anyi said that in order to survive, many bookstores have turned to selling coffee and figurines, but selling books has become a sideline, which is rare in foreign countries.
[Concurrent] Wang Anyi, deputy to the National People's Congress, vice chairman of the Chinese Writers Association, and professor of the Department of Chinese at Fudan University
It can't do anything about it. It doesn't rely on these things, it won't attract people. Originally we went abroad, from Harvard to Oxford, and saw some coffee in their bookstore. It was a subsidiary. Now we have become the main one, just There is no way to become a coffee shop selling books, because it is really difficult to survive.
[Explanation] Wang Anyi believes that the shrinking of brick-and-mortar bookstores also has an impact on the publishing industry, and there is a serious brain drain in the publishing industry.
She suggested referring to the practices of some countries and regions, and implementing the policy that new books can only be sold in physical stores within six months after publication.
[Concurrent] Wang Anyi, deputy to the National People's Congress, vice chairman of the Chinese Writers Association, and professor of the Department of Chinese at Fudan University
For example, in Hong Kong, the regulations are more strict. When I was teaching at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, I sometimes saw books outside, and I said that I would not buy them, so I would go to the library to borrow them, and the library would answer me and say, The book has just come out and we are not able to lend it yet.
It seems that everywhere there is a rational system that says I want to protect certain interests.
It's not something I came up with, I think it should be learned from.
[Explanation] Wang Anyi also affirmed the role of the Internet. Through the Internet, second- and third-tier cities and even many remote areas can simultaneously buy new books.
At the same time, she also put forward her own views on online literature and audiobooks. She pointed out that the development of online literature has not reduced the sales of works, but the rise of audiobooks may prompt people to buy physical books.
[Concurrent] Wang Anyi, deputy to the National People's Congress, vice chairman of the Chinese Writers Association, and professor of the Department of Chinese at Fudan University
I always think that listening is better than not listening. Listening is always better than not listening. Maybe this way of listening will cultivate some understanding of literature. I think if everyone looks at this matter objectively, go to the bookstore Or go to the publishing house and look at the statistics of our annual book sales. You will find that it has no effect. It does not mean that many people are listening to me, so I will not buy the book. On the contrary, he will buy the book after listening to it. .
[Explanation] Wang Anyi is often asked to recommend books. She said that recommended books can only represent their subjective understanding. Everyone has the opportunity to read books. What books to read mainly depends on the encounter with books.
For young people who are interested in writing, Wang Anyi recommends reading more.
Reporter Liu Chao and Chen Xiaoyuan report from Beijing
Responsible editor: [Luo Pan]