The cover of A Brief History of Viruses for Children (Illustrated). [Photo provided to China Daily]

Sharing resources

The two publishers are among many that have sought to offer their creative expertise through releasing e-books, audio books and online lectures to the public for free.

People's Literature Publishing House was among the first to open up access to its audio books in late January. The books contain popular literary classics and works by contemporary writers. And many publishers have joined in the effort since the National Press and Publication Administration called out on Feb 6 to encourage publishers to share their resources for free.

Also based in Wuhan, the Changjiang Literature and Art Press provided digital resources of more than 1,000 books for free in February.

People's Publishing House has released more than 100 titles in both audio and e-book formats, and initiated a plan to publish 10 books with themes related to the epidemic.

It also advanced publishing date of the e-version of A Century Record of Vaccine in China, a completion of reports about the diseases and disasters China survived, which initially was set to be released in August. The book is now available online for free.

Facing a nationwide crisis, the publishers' swift reaction is revealing new challenges as well as opportunities for the publishing sector.