UK book sales soared in 2020 despite pandemic

New figures from the Publishers Association show fiction and audiobooks did particularly well, with value of consumer sales up 7% on 2019 despite bookshop closuresFiction sales in 2020 soared by more than £100m for UK publishers, as readers locked down at home made their escape into books, with audiobook sales also climbing by more than a third.New figures from the Publishers Association show that fiction sales for UK publishers rose by 16% from £571m to £688m in 2020, with key titles cited for the rise including Maggie O’Farrell’s Women’s prize-winner Hamnet, Douglas Stuart’s Booker-winner Shuggie Bain, Richard Osman’s cosy crime novel The Thursday Murder Club, Bernardine Evaristo’s Girl, Woman, Other, and Delia Owens’ Where the Crawdads Sing. The bestselling title of last year was Charlie Mackesy’s philosophical picture book The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse. Related: Book sales jump a third in first week of bookshops reopening in England and Wales Related: A word in your ear… why the rise of audiobooks is a story worth celebrating Continue reading... Continue reading at 'The Guardian'

[ The Guardian | 2021-04-26 23:01:49 UTC ]

Other news stories related to: "UK book sales soared in 2020 despite pandemic"


IPA on Reported Moscow Arrests: ‘The Risks Publishers Now Face in Russia’

The International Publishers Association alerts its world membership to reports of Russian actions against 'LGBT propaganda.' The post IPA on Reported Moscow Arrests: ‘The Risks Publishers Now Face in Russia’ appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2025-05-20 16:37:30 UTC ]
More news stories like this


What libraries are getting rid of after Trump’s order to dismantle the IMLS

Libraries’ e-book and audiobook programs are especially vulnerable to the Trump administration’s budget cuts. Libraries across the United States are cutting back on e-books, audiobooks, and loan programs after the Trump administration suspended millions of dollars in federal grants as it tries... Continue reading at Fast Company

[ Fast Company | 2025-05-19 19:30:00 UTC ]
More news stories like this


Margaret Atwood’s 10 best books – ranked!

Ahead of the author’s much anticipated memoir, we count down the best of her books – from climate dystopias to her world-conquering handmaidsAfter more than 30 years, Atwood caved to pleas to write a sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale. Not since Harry Potter had a publication caused such a sensation:... Continue reading at The Guardian

[ The Guardian | 2025-05-19 11:01:02 UTC ]
More news stories like this


How to Record Personalized Audio Books for Kids with Yoto

Your dreams of becoming an audiobook narrator can finally come true! Here's how to use Yoto to record personalized audiobooks for kids. Continue reading at Book Riot

[ Book Riot | 2025-05-15 12:30:00 UTC ]
More news stories like this


Audible Opens AI-Narration to Selected Publishers

Selected publishers are working with an early release of Audible's AI-voiced audiobook production, with translation and accents to follow. The post Audible Opens AI-Narration to Selected Publishers appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2025-05-13 20:32:00 UTC ]
More news stories like this


Audible unveils plans to use AI voices to narrate audiobooks

Amazon brand will offer more than 100 artificial intelligence-generated voices in English and other languagesAudible has announced plans to use AI technology to narrate audiobooks, with AI translation to follow.The Amazon-owned audiobook provider has said it will be making its AI production... Continue reading at The Guardian

[ The Guardian | 2025-05-13 16:56:54 UTC ]
More news stories like this


UK Publishers Release More of Their ‘Soft Power’ Study

The United Kingdom's Publishers Association's annual meeting features a study on UK publishing and 'soft power' at home and abroad. The post UK Publishers Release More of Their ‘Soft Power’ Study appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2025-05-07 18:31:44 UTC ]
More news stories like this


Picture Book or Short Story? Which is it?

Literary agent for children's book authors Mary Cummings explains the biggest mistake she sees in picture book pitches—and how you can avoid making that mistake. The post Picture Book or Short Story? Which is it? appeared first on Writer's Digest. Continue reading at Writer's Digest

[ Writer's Digest | 2025-05-03 12:00:00 UTC ]
More news stories like this


Gruffalo to return with first new book in more than 20 years

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler have announced they are working on a new outing for the monster in the deep dark wood, due out in September 2026He’s got knobbly knees, turned-out toes, a poisonous wart at the end of his nose … and he’s back, for the first time in more than 20 years: Julia... Continue reading at The Guardian

[ The Guardian | 2025-04-30 11:30:50 UTC ]
More news stories like this


Book Riot’s Deals of the Day for April 29, 2025

Down the belly of the whale, a submerged world of gods and myth, rival bookshop owners, and more of today's best book deals. Continue reading at Book Riot

[ Book Riot | 2025-04-29 13:00:00 UTC ]
More news stories like this


The Young Publishers Association Is Nurturing the Industry’s Next Generation

The volunteer-run nonprofit, launched in 2024 by Noah Perkins, is providing publishing newcomers with opportunities for connection and mentorship. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2025-04-25 04:00:00 UTC ]
More news stories like this


Storyboarding for Writers: How Sketching Can Strengthen Your Picture Book or Graphic Novel!

Bestselling author Joan Holub shares her expertise at storyboarding picture books and graphic novels, with both authors and illustrators. The post Storyboarding for Writers: How Sketching Can Strengthen Your Picture Book or Graphic Novel! appeared first on Writer's Digest. Continue reading at Writer's Digest

[ Writer's Digest | 2025-04-18 00:00:00 UTC ]
More news stories like this


Read This Dark Mystery Set in Appalachia

Whether you’re a print reader or audiobook listener, this family drama-laden dark Appalachian mystery is a must read. Continue reading at Book Riot

[ Book Riot | 2025-04-16 10:30:00 UTC ]
More news stories like this


8 Great Mystery Series to Listen to on Audio

Pop on your headphones and immerse yourself in these excellent audiobook mystery series. Continue reading at Book Riot

[ Book Riot | 2025-04-11 11:00:00 UTC ]
More news stories like this


Spotify Opens French and Dutch Audiobook Production

Touting an investment of €1 million, Spotify builds on its French and Benelux audiobook operations to open a new production initiative. The post Spotify Opens French and Dutch Audiobook Production appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2025-04-11 08:01:49 UTC ]
More news stories like this


TV Alert: Kwame Alexander's 'Acoustic Rooster'

PBS Kids in collaboration with GBH Kids is releasing a slate of short-form episodes and an hour-long special adapted from Kwame Alexander’s picture book 'Acoustic Rooster and His Barnyard Band.' Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2025-04-08 04:00:00 UTC ]
More news stories like this


5 Lessons Learned: Developing a Picture Book Series With Recurring Characters

Author Teresa Argenbright shares five lessons learned about developing a picture book series with recurring characters. The post 5 Lessons Learned: Developing a Picture Book Series With Recurring Characters appeared first on Writer's Digest. Continue reading at Writer's Digest

[ Writer's Digest | 2025-04-08 02:00:00 UTC ]
More news stories like this