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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UK Publishers’ 2018 Diversity Report: ‘More Needs To Be Done’

The Publishers Association's second annual diversity survey found that racial and ethnic criteria were where progress is slowest in the UK industry. The post UK Publishers’ 2018 Diversity Report: ‘More Needs To Be Done’ appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2019-01-14 00:00:00 UTC ]
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12 books that CEOs think you should read in 2019

Consider adding these nonfiction titles on entrepreneurship and economics to your reading list. If you’re a founder or aspiring entrepreneur, perhaps you’re looking to round out your reading list for 2019 with a few inspiring business reads. We asked entrepreneurs to offer their book... Continue reading at Fast Company

[ Fast Company | 2019-01-11 00:00:00 UTC ]
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PA says MPs must 'come together' to protect publishing as May survives vote

The Publishers Association has tentatively welcomed the outcome of last night’s no-confidence vote, with Theresa May’s continued leadership increasing the chances of a deal-based Brexit which would at least give publishers "a basis on which they can plan for the future". Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2018-12-14 00:00:00 UTC ]
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'Prepare for Brexit despite uncertainties', urges PA

The Publishers Association has advised businesses take “practical steps” to prepare for Brexit as best they can despite the “frustrating and challenging” political uncertainty, while the Society of Authors has warned it has “significant concerns” should a no-deal Brexit come to pass ahead of a... Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2018-12-11 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Pentagram designs a Harry Potter font, and it’s magical

It’s called “Crimes New Roman.” Harry Potter, the beloved children’s books by J.K. Rowling, is now a bona fide franchise, with books, theme parks, and countless movies. The latest? The Crimes of Grindelwald, a sequel to the spin-off Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. It’s playing in movie... Continue reading at Fast Company

[ Fast Company | 2018-12-07 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Trade bodies unite to issue guidelines tackling harassment in the workplace

The first sector-wide commitments to tackle harassment across publishing and bookselling have been published, following a joint effort from the Association of Authors’ Agents, the Booksellers Association, the Publishers Association and the Society of Authors. Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2018-12-07 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Adult Book Sales Flat in October; Kids' Down 6.8%

Sales of adult books were flat in October compared to October 2017, according to figures released by the AAP as part of its StatShot program. Sales in the children/young adult segment fell 6.8% in the month compared to 2017. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2018-12-06 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Pro tip: Do not drag J.K. Rowling and her writing room

"A woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction," Virginia Woolf wrote in a famous 1929 essay. British businessman Arron Banks apparently disagrees, and he incurred the wrath of fans of "Harry Potter" creator J.K. Rowling after mocking the author on Twitter for having... Continue reading at Los Angeles Times

[ Los Angeles Times | 2018-12-04 00:00:00 UTC ]
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The UK’s 2018 ‘Building Inclusivity’ Conference: A Safe Place for Discussion

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[ Publishing Perspectives | 2018-11-29 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Have you ever read a pirated book or been affected by piracy? Share your stories

We’d like to hear from people who have downloaded books illegally and those affected by book piracyAccording to the Intellectual Property Office’s latest study of online copyright infringement, 17% of ebooks read online are now pirated – around 4m books. While stereotypes persist that young... Continue reading at The Guardian

[ The Guardian | 2018-11-27 00:00:00 UTC ]
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'Fantastic Beasts' enchants the box office with $62-million opening

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[ Los Angeles Times | 2018-11-19 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Books News: Michelle Obama’s ‘Becoming’ Finally Hits Shelves

The publishing industry might have to think back to Harry Potter’s heyday for a book that has garnered as much attention as the former first lady’s has. Continue reading at The New York Times

[ The New York Times | 2018-11-14 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Industry Notes: Jon Fine Leaving Open Road; Baker & Taylor’s Devasar Leads Publishers

After a year with Open Road, attorney and former Amazon executive Jon Fine is heading to American Media. And in India, Baker & Taylor's Nitasha Devasar helms the publishers association's executive committee. The post Industry Notes: Jon Fine Leaving Open Road; Baker & Taylor’s Devasar... Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2018-11-07 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Trade Sales Shine Bright Through September

The trade and religion segments continued to be the industry’s bright spots through September, according to figures released by the AAP through its StatShot program. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2018-10-29 00:00:00 UTC ]
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From zero to hero

A recent EU ruling could have huge ramifications for the digital market, says Publishers Association's chief executive Stephen Lotinga. Should the UK government follow its continental neighbours in acting fast? Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2018-10-11 00:00:00 UTC ]
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[ The Bookseller | 2018-10-11 00:00:00 UTC ]
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A Star Is Born: Tatiana Maslany turns 33 today

JK Rowling once surprised readers by telling them that all along, without mention in her books, one of her "Harry Potter" characters was gay. Continue reading at Los Angeles Times

[ Los Angeles Times | 2018-09-22 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Trade bodies welcome European Parliament’s vote for draft copyright directive

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[ The Bookseller | 2018-09-13 00:00:00 UTC ]
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B&N Sees Better Times Ahead

Despite another quarter in which sales fell and losses increased, Barnes & Noble executives suggested that improvement could be coming with positive comp sales for the holidays. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2018-09-07 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Publishers Association: How Rights Sales Factor Into the UK’s Book Industry Revenues

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[ Publishing Perspectives | 2018-08-14 00:00:00 UTC ]
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