1. Publisher and Bookseller: A Paradox
2. A Literary Tapestry
3. A Personal Book
4. A Heritage of Literature and Art
5. The Birth of a Bookworm
6. The Book as Commodity
7. The Art of Selling
8. The Deceptive Promise
9. The Ethical Enigma
10. A Pivotal Role
11. The Business of Literature
12. The Joys and Perils of Authorship
13. The Success Equation
14. The Israeli Anomaly
15. A Resounding Success
16. Living the Dream
17. A Restless Soul

Publisher and Bookseller: A Paradox

In a world where books reach every household, the name behind them often remains unknown. Vitaly Kabakov, a paradox in the publishing industry, exemplifies this quiet success. In Russia, he guided an eccentric millionaire to transform Dumas's works into leather-bound, gold-edged masterpieces, selling them at an unprecedented price of $15-$20. Kabakov played a pivotal role in publishing Boris Yeltsin's "Confessions on a Given Topic" and contributed to the establishment of the Russian Word catalog. In Israel, he collaborates with the local Writers' Union to publish the magazine "Writer's Word."

A Literary Tapestry

Stepping into his home in Kfar Saba is a transformative experience that blurs the lines between mundane reality and the poetic realm. A steaming kettle on the stove and lively literary discussions at the table create an environment where books are not merely objects but the very tapestry of life.

A Personal Book

If one were to publish a book about themselves, what would they write? Kabakov, a 52-year-old Muscovite, offers a candid self-portrait: "Born in Moscow. In my opinion, one's birthplace reveals more about a person than their nationality. I've been in Israel for 4 years, continuing my work in publishing, printing, and bookselling."

A Heritage of Literature and Art

Kabakov's love for books and publishing flows through generations. His father, Mark Kabakov, was a naval officer and a renowned poet, instilling in his son a profound appreciation for literature. His maternal grandfather, Isay Zeitman, an artist by passion and a physicist by profession, nurtured Kabakov's fascination with the art of bookmaking.

The Birth of a Bookworm

"My grandfather was an avid collector of books on painting," Kabakov recalls. "In Soviet times, such books were scarce. But together, we would visit bookstores, and he would teach me about the materials, craftsmanship, and artistry of books."

The Book as Commodity

Kabakov's early exposure to the intricate world of bookmaking sparked an appreciation for the book not only as a literary medium but also as a physical artifact. "Very early on, I understood that books were a commodity," he says. "It's no surprise that I gravitated towards this profession."

The Art of Selling

"A successful book is a symbiotic fusion of content and form," Kabakov explains. "A well-matched combination of paper, binding, and typography can elevate a book to the realm of a bestseller."

The Deceptive Promise

Kabakov acknowledges the existence of "low-brow" literature such as detective novels and romance stories, questioning their value. Yet, he maintains that their prevalence serves a purpose within the publishing industry, enabling the production of more ambitious literary works.

The Ethical Enigma

In his career, Kabakov has encountered moments where ethical concerns have clashed with professional obligations. The publication of Yeltsin's "Confessions" stands as a particular regret. "I was caught up in the euphoria of the times," he admits. "Now, I'm ashamed not only of my role in the book but also of the naivete that blinded me."

A Pivotal Role

As a publisher, Kabakov shoulders the responsibility of guiding authors and shaping their works. "A publisher needs to steer the writer in the right direction," he believes. "It's not just about writing; it's also about collaborating with the publisher."

The Business of Literature

Publishing, like any business, is not immune to the laws of supply and demand. Kabakov explains that the success of a book depends not only on its literary merit but also on the publisher's ability to create a sense of demand and anticipation.

The Joys and Perils of Authorship

The relationship between authors and publishers can be fraught with tension. "A writer needs to be receptive to guidance," Kabakov believes. "They should recognize that they're collaborating with the publisher."

The Success Equation

In the traditional publishing model, authors receive a percentage of the book's wholesale price as royalties. This percentage varies depending on factors such as the genre and the author's standing in the literary world.

The Israeli Anomaly

In Israel, the publishing landscape differs significantly from the global norm. Authors often finance the publication of their own books, raising questions about the viability of a writer's livelihood.

A Resounding Success

Despite the challenges, there are notable Israeli authors, such as Igor Guberman and Dina Rubina, who have achieved literary and financial success. "These writers are fully integrated into the Russian literary scene," Kabakov says, "and their popularity in Russia demonstrates the absence of anti-Semitism among Russian readers."

Living the Dream

As a businessman, Kabakov has encountered the unique challenges of operating in Israel, including the restrictions imposed by the Sabbath. Yet, he remains steadfast in his pursuit of his passion. "These are the laws of the country where I live," he says simply.

A Restless Soul

Vacation or not, Kabakov's mind is never far from the world of books. "Even during my time off, my mind is still on books," he confesses. "It's like a sickness. Wherever I go, I always end up meeting someone who's writing something, and I start thinking about how I can turn it into a book. That's just how it is."

Citizen