Israeli Book Chain Tzomet Sfarim Limits Shelf Titles to Improve Quality Control

This week, Avi Shomer, CEO of the Israeli book retail chain Tzomet Sfarim, announced a significant change in the network's policy by reducing the number of book titles displayed across its approximately 100 branches. Shomer highlighted a sharp increase in "funded literature," where books are published without a rigorous professional editorial process, often financed by the authors themselves. He warned that this trend burdens shelf management and diminishes the presence of books with high literary and commercial potential.

Starting next quarter, Tzomet Sfarim will require publishers to submit every new title for review before distribution, including disclosure if the book was self-funded or financed by another party. While self-funding will not automatically disqualify a book, it will be a factor in purchasing decisions alongside commercial potential and shelf space availability. Shomer emphasized that about 70% of the chain's revenue still comes from book sales, underscoring the importance of maintaining quality offerings.

The move has sparked debate within the Israeli publishing industry, reflecting broader challenges such as the blurring lines between traditional and self-publishing models, and the economic difficulties faced by bookstores amid declining readership and limited shelf space. Critics caution that the policy might unfairly stigmatize self-published authors and concentrate decision-making power within the retailer, potentially limiting new voices.

Industry figures like Iris Ben-Haim Gordon, former marketing VP at Am Oved, interpret the decision as a necessary response to the market's financial strain and the oversaturation of titles. Cultural editor Benny Zipper also noted the erosion of traditional filtering mechanisms, which previously helped maintain quality standards. Meanwhile, some self-published authors, including Sigal Naim, support Shomer's initiative, arguing that many publishers have shifted costs onto authors without adequate editorial investment.

In contrast, Tzomet Sfarim's main competitor, Steimatzky, currently does not plan to adopt a similar policy. Steimatzky's commercial VP, Itzik Shalev, stressed the importance of giving self-published authors opportunities, citing successful examples of independently published bestsellers. The core issue remains how to balance quality, commercial viability, and fairness in a market with limited physical space and evolving publishing models.