French President Emmanuel Macron visited the Paris Book Fair and emphasized the importance of preserving the freedom and quality of authors, as well as the role of publishers. He expressed admiration for major publishing houses like Gallimard and Grasset, highlighting the significance of their literary history. Macron also hinted at the possibility of introducing a conscience clause for authors, in response to the recent controversy surrounding Grasset’s treatment of one of its long-standing editors.
The publishing industry has been shaken by a group of 170 authors who have decided to boycott Grasset in solidarity with the editor who was dismissed after 26 years at the house. This unprecedented move has brought attention to concerns about editorial independence within the prestigious publishing world.
The authors’ protest coincided with the opening of the Paris Book Fair, which features 450 exhibitors and 1,800 authors, although many publishing houses, including Grasset, are notably absent. Grasset is owned by Hachette, France’s leading publishing group controlled by conservative billionaire Vincent Bolloré.
