Despite selling over half a million copies in Poland and dominating the market for the past two years, most of the profits from her work have gone to the publishing house.
Poland's book market: author’s earnings vs. publisher’s profits
Kuciel-Frydryszak claims her compensation is disproportionately low compared to the publisher's earnings, especially considering the book's massive impact as both a social and feminist phenomenon.
In Poland, authors typically earn less than 3 PLN (0.72 EUR) per copy sold, which is just 5% of the retail price of books like hers, which sell for around 60 PLN (14.34 EUR). The remaining 95% of the profits go to others, primarily to the publisher.
Polish authors unite: a growing debate over unfair royalties
To address this imbalance, the author has invoked the "bestseller clause," which allows authors to request a higher royalty when the publisher's profits are disproportionate to the author’s compensation. While the publisher has confirmed ongoing negotiations, Kuciel-Frydryszak has rejected their proposals so far.
This dispute has sparked a wider conversation in the Polish literary community, with many authors expressing solidarity with Kuciel-Frydryszak and pointing out the paradox that publishers make enormous profits while authors receive a small fraction of that amount.
Joanna Kuciel-Frydryszak, a Polish Studies graduate and author, is known for her works on Polish history and literature, including biographies of Antoni Słonimski and Kazimiera Iłłakiwiczówna. Her book 'Chłopki. Opowieść o naszych babkach' (2023) is a bestseller that gives a voice to rural women, exploring their lives and struggles. Photo: Klarysa Marczak/Polskie Radio
(m p)
Source: Instagram/@joannakucielfrydryszak