Tzomet Sfarim Requires Prior Approval for New Books Amid Rising Self-Published Titles

Tzomet Sfarim, a major Israeli bookstore chain, is changing its policy on accepting new books for sale. Starting next quarter, publishers must obtain prior approval from the chain before distributing new titles to its stores. This move responds to a growing influx of "funded literature," where authors or private/public entities partially finance publication, often bypassing professional editorial review. Tzomet Sfarim argues this surge strains shelf space, distribution, and returns, limiting exposure for commercially promising books. Publishers will also need to disclose if a book was self-funded or financed by other parties. Approval criteria will include target audience fit, commercial potential, and store display management. However, self-funding alone will not automatically disqualify a title.

The chain's CEO, Avi Shomer, explained in a letter to publishers that the current volume of unfiltered titles imposes a heavy economic burden on the supply chain. The policy shift places responsibility on publishers to submit books for evaluation by purchasing managers before distribution. The decision now prompts speculation whether other major players like Steimatzky will adopt similar approval requirements.

In other business news, Levinstein Group signed a 10-year lease for approximately 3,500 square meters and 65 parking spaces at its LEVINTECH complex in Kfar Saba to the Government Housing Administration, Population and Immigration Authority, and Enforcement Office, for around 49 million shekels. Additionally, the National Insurance Institute leased 800 square meters and up to 30 parking spots in the same complex for about 11 million shekels. These deals raised the property's occupancy to 74%, with a projected net operating income of 10 million shekels at full occupancy.

Separately, ORC LAND, controlled by Raz Oded and operating equity, acquired the Evia Riviera Resort on the Greek island of Evia. The group plans to invest roughly 15 million shekels to upgrade the 18,000-square-meter hotel with 250 rooms and suites, marking its fourth hotel asset in Greece.

Media appointments include Yuval Borovitz, 27, named spokesperson for Channel 13, responsible for corporate communications and PR strategy, and Itay Shalev appointed head chef at Jerusalem's Mamilla Hotel, with prior roles at several notable hotels and El Al.