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Icelandic Authors Urged to Boycott Storytel Over Low Compensation Issues
The literary community in Iceland is embroiled in a significant dispute with the audiobooks and e-books streaming giant, Storytel. The Writer’s Union of Iceland, also known as Rithöfundasamband Íslands, has publicly advised Icelandic authors to boycott Storytel due to dissatisfaction with the remuneration provided by the company.
The tension has been building over recent financial grievances, underscored by a comprehensive survey conducted in the summer of 2024. The results of this survey have sparked widespread dissatisfaction among authors, bringing to light alarming statistics regarding their earnings from Storytel. The survey reveals that a staggering 84 percent of authors receive a mere 0-5 percent of their total income from Storytel, which contrasts starkly with the expectations and hopes of many in the creative industry. Adding to the discontent, a mere 3 percent reported earning more than 20 percent of their income from the platform.
Fueling the author's discontent further, the survey revealed a strong preference among Icelandic authors for the publication of physical books over audiobooks. Notably, 96 percent of survey participants expressed support for more tangible book releases, a stance that diverges sharply from global trends where the popularity of audiobooks has been on a steady rise. Interestingly, Amazon Book Clubs have also faced challenges as reader preferences shift, highlighting the evolving dynamics within the digital and physical book markets.
This call to action by the Writer’s Union is a pivotal moment, emphasizing the pressing need for fair earnings in the digital publication sector. As more authors reconsider their relationship with digital platforms like Storytel, this development could have broader implications for the digital reading landscape, leading other authors globally to reassess their partnerships with such platforms. Innovative E Ink technologies might play a role in shaping the future of physical and digital media formats, potentially influencing authors' choices.
Icelandic authors are at a crossroads, grappling with decisions that could redefine publishing norms and compensation standards in the age of digital content. The unfolding situation poses critical questions about the sustainability and fairness of digital distribution models and highlights the need for ongoing dialogue and action within the creative industries.
As this story develops, it remains to be seen how Storytel will respond to these grievances and what measures, if any, will be taken to address the concerns of the Icelandic literary community. This case not only sparks a conversation within Iceland but also resonates with authors worldwide who seek equitable treatment in the evolving digital landscape.
