Publishing of biografic books in lithuania during 2005–2009

Tendencies in book publishing is a topical problem of publishers. In the world, biografic literature in publishing industry has already taken an advanced position, that is why it is important to know if this niche is also actual for Lithuanian publishers, especially when in Lithuania neither Lithuanian nor foreign scientists have ever researched publishing of biografic books at all. With the purpose to research specific interests of consumers and changes in publishing area of particular books, the objective of this thesis is formed, i.e. publishing of biografic books in Lithuania during 2005–2009. So this thesis is aimed at defining the topics of publishing biografic books and to analyse opportunities and tendencies of publishing development of such books. The aim of this paper is to research publishing of biografic books in Lithuania and to identify the tendencies and perspectives of publishing of such books. In order to reach the aim the following main tasks are set: a) to prepare the tipology of biografic books; b) to research the historical development of biografic books; c) to research history of publishing biografic books in Lithuania; d) to identify the specialities of biografic books publishing in the recent years and the possible tendency in the forthcoming years with reference to the recent years’ data of publishing biografic books. In order to reach the aim and fulfil the tasks in this thesis the following research methods were applied: comparative method, sistematic analysis, repertory analysis, biografic synthesis and generalisation method. Hypothesis raised in the beginning of the thesis, which says that in the period of 2008–2009 publishing of biografic books intensified in the Lithuanian book market, was absolutely confirmed. Publishing started to intensify in 2008 and took acceleration in 2009. Not only the number of titles of published books but also the number of editions increased. Furthermore, it has been identified that this intensity is perspective and the following reasons of such rise in publishing biografic books are revealed: ● The application of foreign experience in the Lithuanian publishing industry while exploiting a before unused niche, i.e. popular Lithuanian biografic books. ● The tendency of commercial synergy which is becoming more conspicious, which means that press of unprofessional books started to publish biografic books as by-product. ● Widely used marketing means and agressive advertising campains have contributed to an increase in sales. ● The emergence of new market players in 2009, when three companies, whose main activity had not been related to book publishing, started to publish popular biografic books: Laisvos valandos, Ekspress leidyba and Obuolys. The tendencies of publishing biografic books are closely linked with economical, political, cultural factors. These factors determine what objects dominate on the covers of biografic books. In this regard, publishing of biografic (popular) books is grounded on common principles of media