There was in interesting article in today’s The New York Times about the publishing industry (see Julie Bosman’s “Publishing Gives Hints of Revival, Data Shows”) which offers encouraging news to authors. According to a survey that was released 9 August by BookStats, the publishing industry generated net revenue of $27.9 billion in 2010, an increase of 5.6 percent over 2008. One of the strongest growths was in the adult fiction market, which witnessed an 8.8 revenue increase in the last three years.
E-books jumped from 0.6 percent of the total trade market in 2008 to 6.4 percent in 2010, with the strongest sales in genre titles (romance, mystery, and thrillers). In 2010, 114 million e-books were sold. Hardcover books and trade paperbacks saw slight drops in the market shares.
The article also noted that many publishers are experimenting with various multi-media products that go beyond the traditional book.
What this means for us authors is that the market is still vibrant and very much alive (unlike the creatures I write about). So, as my friend Clint says: "Write or die!"
Good news indeed, Scott. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete-Jimmy
I just hope the industry keeps growing or else I need to get a real job. :-)
ReplyDelete