Bestsellers but No Blueprint: Why Nepal Still Lacks a Book Policy

Nepal’s book industry is growing, but the country still lacks a comprehensive book policy to support authors, publishers, and readers. Despite an increasing number of ISBN registrations and an estimated Rs 2 billion annual market, there is little official data on book sales. Nepali readers, especially outside Kathmandu, are shifting to digital platforms, and younger generations show declining interest in Nepali literature. Past attempts at drafting a book policy have been criticized for focusing more on bureaucracy than on fostering a reading culture. Experts argue that a well-designed policy could promote quality writing, improve distribution, and enhance Nepal’s publishing industry.