The net book agreement, also known as NBA, was a pricing agreement among publishers in the UK that set a minimum retail price for books. It was introduced in 1900 and lasted for over a century until its demise in 1997.
The NBA was created to prevent price wars among booksellers, which were deemed harmful to publishers and authors alike. It allowed publishers to set a minimum price for their books, which was maintained by enforcing penalties on booksellers who sold below that price. It was seen as a way to promote fair competition and protect the publishing industry from being undermined by discount retailers.
However, over the years, the NBA faced criticism from various quarters. Critics of the agreement argued that it stifled competition and created an unfair pricing structure that discouraged innovation and emerging writers. Moreover, the rise of the internet and online commerce meant that the agreement was increasingly difficult to enforce in a rapidly changing market.
In 1997, the NBA was officially abolished by the Office of Fair Trading, a move that was welcomed by many in the industry. It was seen as a positive development that would promote competition, innovation, and lower prices for the consumer.
Since the demise of the NBA, the publishing industry in the UK has undergone significant changes. Booksellers are now free to set their prices, and discount retailers have become more prevalent. The industry has also seen the rise of digital books, audio books, and self-publishing platforms.
The end of the NBA marked a turning point in the history of the publishing industry in the UK. It recognized the importance of fair competition and innovation in an increasingly global and digital market. While the agreement served its purpose for over a century, its demise paved the way for a new era of publishing that is open, dynamic, and diverse.