Fixed book pricing is a fascinating cultural policy instrument that is handled differently internationally and can have a significant impact on you as a self-publisher. As a self-publisher, you operate in a global market, so it's crucial to understand where and how fixed prices apply. In this detailed blog post, you will learn everything you need to know about fixed book prices internationally and receive practical tips for your publishing strategy.
What is fixed book pricing anyway?
Fixed book pricing is a legal or contractual regulation that obliges publishers (and therefore also you as a self-publisher) to set and publish an unchangeable price for each book. This price is then binding for all retailers - regardless of whether they are small bookshops, large book department stores or online platforms. This intervention in the free market economy is mainly justified by the fact that the book has a special status as a cultural asset. In addition, fixed book prices are intended to ensure a diverse range of books and nationwide coverage by smaller bookshops.
The average book price in countries with fixed book prices is demonstrably lower than in countries without such regulations. This contradicts the intuitive assumption that free competition would lead to lower prices and is an exciting economic phenomenon that can be quite advantageous for you as a self-publisher.
International overview: Where does fixed book pricing apply?
Book price regulation varies considerably between different countries. Here is a complete overview based on the latest information (as of 03/2025):
Countries with statutory fixed book prices:
- Germany (regulated by law since 2002)
- Austria (regulated by law since June 30, 2000)
- France (since 1982, "Loi Lang", the price is fixed for two years)
- Italy (since 2011, "Legge Levi")
- Spain (no time limit)
- Portugal (the price is fixed for one and a half years)
- Greece (since 2014 only for fiction, no time limit)
- Netherlands (no time limit)
- Luxembourg (no time limit)
Countries with fixed book prices through industry agreements:
- Denmark (the price is fixed for one year)
- Norway
- Hungary
The basics of fixed book prices for self-publishers
As a self-publisher, you are legally considered a publisher in countries with fixed book prices. This means that, in principle, the same rules apply to you as to traditional publishers. In Germany, for example, you are obliged to set binding retail prices for your books, which must be adhered to by all retailers.
For you as a self-publisher, it is particularly important to know that in Germany the Verzeichnis Lieferbarer Bücher (VLB) serves as a reference database for all bound store prices. The VLB has been the official price reference database in Germany since June 2011 and in Austria since December 2014. By reporting the bound retail price to the VLB, you as a self-publisher fulfill your obligation to publish prices. In 2023, the Frankfurt Higher Regional Court officially recognized the VLB as a price reference, which further strengthens the legal position of this database.
Exceptions and flexibility for you as a self-publisher
Despite the basic obligation to fix prices, there are various exceptions and flexibilities that can benefit you as a self-publisher:
Time limit for price maintenance
In Germany and many other countries, as a publisher you can lift the price maintenance for titles that were published more than 18 months ago. This regulation gives you the opportunity to price older titles freely after this period, for example for special promotions or clearance sales.
International marketing
If you are primarily active internationally, you should note that books in foreign languages are often exempt from price fixing. This can give you more flexibility when pricing foreign-language editions of your works.
Flexibility in pricing
As a publisher, you also have flexibility within the framework of fixed prices: you can set special prices such as subscription, volume or series prices, which in turn are fixed retail prices. You can also adjust the fixed retail prices according to market requirements - the only important thing is that these changes apply equally to all retailers.
The practical implementation for self-publishers
The practical implementation of fixed book prices presents you as a self-publisher with a number of challenges, but also offers opportunities:
Price changes as a self-publisher
As a self-publisher, you are allowed to change the price of your books even after publication. The decisive factor here is that this change is implemented simultaneously at all retailers who offer your book. Reporting a price change to the VLB is the easiest way to comply with this obligation in Germany and Austria.
Different formats at different prices
Good news: you can offer different editions of your book at different prices. The fixed price always applies to the respective format - so you can set different prices for hardcover, paperback and e-book. This gives you the opportunity to work with different pricing strategies for different target groups.
International strategies for self-publishers
As an internationally active self-publisher, you can make strategic use of the different regulations in different countries:
Country-specific pricing strategies
For markets without fixed book prices, such as the UK, the USA or Switzerland, you can develop more flexible pricing strategies, while in countries with fixed prices, such as Germany, Austria or France, you must comply with the legal requirements. It is particularly interesting to note that scientific studies in different countries have come to different conclusions regarding the effects of fixed book prices.
Platform-specific considerations
On international platforms such as Amazon, it is important to take country-specific requirements into account. While you have to adhere to fixed prices for the German or Austrian market, you can choose more flexible pricing models for other markets such as the USA or the UK, such as time-limited promotions or dynamic price adjustments.
Conclusion and outlook
Fixed book prices represent both a challenge and an opportunity for you as a self-publisher. It offers stability in pricing and prevents ruinous price wars, but also restricts your flexibility. Internationally active self-publishers should be fully aware of the different regulations in different countries and incorporate them into their marketing strategy.