At Bach & Co., we are committed to making books accessible to as many people as possible – on as many platforms as possible. We consider it a core mission to bring literature to readers and listeners wherever they are – including in digital spaces.

Digital formats and streaming services have opened up new ways to discover and experience literature. They offer access, flexibility, and visibility – and we see great potential in that development when it is used wisely.

A Changing Market

At the same time, it is essential to consider how books are included in these formats – and under what terms.

As subscription models and streaming become more widespread, the traditional way we value books is being challenged. Many current models are based on pooled revenues and distribution keys, where the value of each individual work is unclear – both for rights holders and publishers.

We recognize that different platforms operate under different business models. But as a publisher, we believe that books – even in digital formats – should reflect a clear and meaningful value, both culturally and economically.

Our Approach: Transparency and Work-Based Payment

That is why we only work with transparent, work-based compensation models – e.g., per stream, loan, sale, or fixed license agreements.

We do not participate in pooled payment systems where the value of a work cannot be traced or connected to actual usage. In our view, models without work-specific compensation risk undermining both the quality of content and the sustainability of the industry.

It is not difficult to make books more widely accessible – but it is difficult to do so in a way that ensures we can continue to create and publish them. This requires an economic model that works for everyone involved.

Our Principles

Our streaming policy is based on the following core principles:

• We believe in digital dissemination and want to reach a broad audience
• We only accept compensation models that are transparent and tied to individual works
• We do not participate in pooled payments without a direct link between work and revenue
• We aim to support quality, continuity, and fair compensation
• We believe in dialogue and development – not rejection

Exceptions and Collaboration

We reserve the right to make exceptions to this policy if an author or illustrator specifically requests it. Such decisions are always made through dialogue and with respect for the rights holder’s wishes.

We are open to collaborating with platforms that want to develop more sustainable, work-based models. We believe there is room for shared solutions, where accessibility and fairness go hand in hand – and we believe such solutions are necessary if we want a vibrant and diverse literary landscape in digital formats in the future.