US eBook Sales Surge by 160% While Germany’s Growth Lags Behind
It shouldn’t really come as a big surprise, as in recent months one success story has followed another. As reported by the Association of American Publishers (AAP) from the land of opportunity, eBook sales from January to May 2010 compared to the same period in 2011 have increased by a hefty 160.1%.
In concrete numbers, this means an increase from $149.8 million to $389.7 million. As a result, eBooks have climbed from 7th place in the sales ranking to 2nd place, sitting just behind paperbacks, which generated $473.1 million in sales.
Overall, the US market for printed books shrank in nearly all areas during this comparison period.
The German book market, however, has not yet experienced such drastic changes. In 2010, eBooks accounted for only 1% (!) of the total German book market. Consequently, the European eBook market is still in its infancy compared to the US, with the lack of distribution rights for many US providers in the local market and the tentative marketing of eBook readers hindering growth. However, with the recent introduction of the Amazon Kindle and Kobo’s announcement to launch on the German market, the trend could pick up, especially in the upcoming holiday season.
| Category | 2011 YTD | 2010 YTD | Percent Change |
| Adult Paperback | $473.1 Million | $576.4M | -17.9% |
| E-Books | $389.7M | $149.8M | +160.1% |
| Adult Hardcover | $386.2M | $504.1M | -23.4% |
| Religious Books | $252.5M | $227.8M | +10.8% |
| Children’s/YA Hardcover | $198.1M | $211.4M | -6.3% |
| Adult Mass Market | $185.1M | $264.8M | -30.1% |
| Children’s/YA Paperback | $163.5M | $192.5M | -15.1% |
| Downloaded Audiobooks | $36.5M | $31.2M | +17.0% |
