Book Publishing (American Industry Overview)

This paper provides an overview of book and pamphlet publishing industry in the United States. It gives a snapshot summary of the industry, with additional sections on its development, organisation and structure, current conditions and leading companies.

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...

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