Book sales hit record highs in 2019, but publishers ‘now need help’

Figures for last year show sales of £6.3bn, up 20% on 2015, but the Publishers Association says sector needs government support to weather coronavirusBook sales in the UK hit record levels in 2019, driven by a surge in audiobook and nonfiction titles, according to new figures released as publishers warn of the huge impact that the coronavirus pandemic has had on the industry.Book sales rose to £6.3bn in 2019, up 4% on 2018, when sales fell for the first time in five years, and 20% on 2015. According to the latest figures from the Publishers Association (PA), overall print sales were up 3% to £3.5bn in 2019 and digital sales were up 4% to £2.8bn, driven by a 39% increase in audiobook downloads. Digital formats accounted for 44% of the market in 2019, up from 40% in 2015. Related: Harry Potter books prove UK lockdown hit despite JK Rowling trans rights row Continue reading... Continue reading at 'The Guardian'

[ The Guardian | 2020-07-21 23:01:08 UTC ]

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Steven Mackintosh to narrate Candlish audiobook

BAFTA-nominated actor Steven Mackintosh is to narrate the audiobook of Louise Candlish's 2020 thriller The Other Passenger (Simon & Schuster). Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2020-07-12 17:42:43 UTC ]
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PRH to release Edinburgh Unlocked comedy festival in audiobook

Penguin Random House Audio is releasing Edinburgh Unlocked, a comedy festival in audiobook format featuring names such as Ivo Graham, Jessie Cave, Sofie Hagen and Dane Baptiste. Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2020-07-12 14:00:06 UTC ]
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This year’s National Book Awards Ceremony will be held online.

The National Book Foundation has announced that this year’s National Book Awards events—including the 71st annual ceremony—will be held digitally, due to the ongoing, not-even-remotely-controlled, coronavirus pandemic. Lisa Lucas, the National Book Foundation’s Executive Director, said of the... Continue reading at Literrary Hub

[ Literrary Hub | 2020-07-10 14:22:53 UTC ]
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Bestseller, Comedian Robinson Gets Imprint at Plume

Multihyphenate Phoebe Robinson is launching her own imprint, Tiny Reparations Books, with her publisher, Plume. The bestselling author, actress, and comedian will, PRH said, publish fiction and nonfiction titles "that highlight and amplify unique and diverse voices." Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2020-07-08 04:00:00 UTC ]
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10 Audiobook Thrillers With Complicated Relationships

If thrillers with complicated relationships are your cup of murder-y tea, here are some audiobook thrillers to keep you in suspense. Continue reading at Book Riot

[ Book Riot | 2020-07-07 10:32:59 UTC ]
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6 of the Best Audiobook Mysteries That Will Take You Around the World

Armchair detectives, get ready for a voyage around the world. You don't need to pack a bag--just pick up these audiobook mysteries and get sleuthing. Continue reading at Book Riot

[ Book Riot | 2020-07-07 10:31:58 UTC ]
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UK’s National Literary Trust Research Finds Benefits of Audiobooks for Kids

A report commissioned by the Publishers Association says that during the COVID-19 lockdown, UK children listened to audiobooks, arguing to end their VAT. The post UK’s National Literary Trust Research Finds Benefits of Audiobooks for Kids appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2020-07-06 15:29:18 UTC ]
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PA to refund small publishers' membership fee

The Publishers Association has announced it will refund three months' worth of membership fees for small publishers, in recognition of the trading difficulties faced during lockdown.  Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2020-07-06 02:28:03 UTC ]
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Behind the Mic: On The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins, Read by Santino Fontana

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[ Literrary Hub | 2020-07-03 08:06:39 UTC ]
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Mission-Driven Indie Bookstores Drop J.K. Rowling's Books

Three mission-driven indie bookstores well-known for their commitment to social justice have ceased stocking books written by J.K. Rowling, accusing the Harry Potter author of promoting hatred towards transgender people. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2020-07-03 04:00:00 UTC ]
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PA compiles audio reading list for parliamentarians

The Publishers Association has compiled a summer audio reading list for parliamentarians as it urges them to remove VAT on audiobooks. Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2020-07-02 16:39:44 UTC ]
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Andy Serkis records audiobook of The Hobbit for HarperCollins

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[ The Bookseller | 2020-07-01 17:52:05 UTC ]
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Lit Hub Daily: June 29, 2020

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'Fleabag' star Clifford to narrate Gannon's Olive

“Fleabag” star Sian Clifford is narrating the audiobook of Olive, the debut novel by author and broadcaster Emma Gannon. Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2020-06-29 08:42:04 UTC ]
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The four best audiobooks of June to take you places

Hardboiled mysteries, obscure farming communities, and tales of home and family provide ample entertainment in June’s audiobook roundup. Continue reading at The Christian Science Monitor

[ The Christian Science Monitor | 2020-06-23 23:13:15 UTC ]
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The four best audiobooks of June to take you places

Hardboiled mysteries, obscure farming communities, and tales of home and family provide ample entertainment in June’s audiobook roundup. Continue reading at The Christian Science Monitor

[ The Christian Science Monitor | 2020-06-23 23:13:15 UTC ]
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