Physical book sales rebound to hit five-year high as ebook popularity dwindles
Publishers Association optimistic growth sustainable
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sales of real books in the UK rose by 8% to £3 billion last year - the highest level since 2012 - according to figures from the Publishers Association.
The trade body said total sales of physical books, digital books and journals were a record £4.8 billion including exports, their highest ever level, though e-book sales fell 3% to £538 million.
The figures show non-fiction sales were up 9% to £884 million - boosted by books including the high-profile Lean In 15 series by Joe Wicks - while children's books sales increased 16% to £365 million.
Exports of children's books increased 34% to £116 million, with the total export figure rose 6% to £2.6 billion.
Chief executive of the Publishers Association Stephen Lotinga said: “All of us have at some point in our lives enjoyed the work of a great author, used a high-quality textbook, or benefited from the sharing of academic literature and that is only possible due to the continued success of the publishing industry.”
Copyright Press Association
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments