American Industry Overview: Book Publishing
Industry Snapshot
The book publishing industry experienced extraordinary growth after 1963, when annual book sales were $1.68 billion. According to the Book Industry Study Group, book sales totaled $40.3 billion in 2008.
Books sales are driven by a number of factors. Favorable demographics have contributed to sales growth in such categories as adult trade and education texts and materials. Publishers have found support in a growing literate population with high disposable personal incomes. Demand for adult trade and hardbound books reflects strong best-seller lists.
In the late 2000s, e-books were no longer the only embodiment...