The book industry,
overall, is weathering the pandemic as well as can be expected. This year could finish even stronger if more stores in remain open come the holiday season, but so far, so
good.
Book sales, by the
number of books sold, are up by 3.6% thus far, versus 2019. This is based on an NPD BookSccan, a service that captures 75 to 80% of all book sales. the biggest gains
have come form graphic novels -- which are up 10.3% -- and from children's nonfiction, which
have jumped by 26%. However, some chunks of book sales have come form reduced prices, so
it's too early to say if more money is actually being made versus last year.
E-book sales in America
are up 4% versus last year, through May, after many years of decline.
2019 proved to be an
okay year for book publishing. According to a recent report from the Association of American Publishers, total book sales rose from 2018 to 2019 by 1.1%, to 25.93 billion dollars. Research showed a surge in sales from the Pre-K to 12th grade
category -- a 20% jump in one year.
One disturbing note in AAP's report: Over the past five years, online sales rose by 20% while sales
through physical retail dropped by 36%. This does not bode well in 2020 for book stores, Due to the corona closings, physical store sales will likely suffer double digit
sales from a year ago.
You can see how book sales will grow once corona becomes less of a factor. Behold:
·
More stores that are
open will mean more sales.
·
Stores that can allow
more shoppers in their stores will mean more sales.
·
Without the fear of
coronavirus browsing, more discovery book sales will occur.
·
Stores provide a sense of community and if people can gather, hang in the cafe, or attend book signings,
more books will sell. .
Further, some book publishers delayed book launches, ones that are sure to garner more sales, so
when those hit the marketplace, look for another boost in sales.
Schools account for some book sales too. If these are closed, will parents buy books from stores for online learning?
Probably, especially if libraries are closed.
There is a guessing - anticipation - reaction game going on here, but it is clear that books are being
sold, so far, at a pace ahead of 2019, so this bodes well for the future.
I know we all can't wait for the pandemic to subside and
disappear. But at least it is not sickening the book industry for now.
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