In a recent interview, Christel Hoolans, General Manager of Dargaud, a prominent French publishing company, offered some fascinating insights into the relationship between manga awards and sales. book. Contrary to popular belief, Hoolans reveals that winning prestigious awards like Manga Taisho does not always lead to a spike in revenue for publishers and creators.
Despite the fervor and excitement among manga fans surrounding these awards, Hoolans explains that the buzz generated online does not necessarily translate into tangible sales growth.
While Dargaud proudly showcased their awards on their website and social media to attract attention from booksellers and journalists, they found little evidence of a significant impact on sales figures.
Hoolans contrasts this with the influential Prix Goncourt, a prestigious French book award renowned for its ability to increase sales.
Reflecting on Dargaud's experience winning the Goncourt Prize, Hoolans observed how sales skyrocketed, sometimes even multiplying tenfold. This stark contrast highlights the unique influence that literary awards have on the publishing industry.
Despite lacking a comparable phenomenon in the world of manga, Hoolans acknowledges the importance of the award in recognizing artistic merit and raising the profile of creators. However, she emphasizes the need to better understand their roles, recognizing their limited impact on sales while still appreciating their importance within the profession.