December 2020 Sales Update on Top-Selling Book Genres and Additional Information!
In the midst of unprecedented change, our mission remains the same: helping authors reap bigger royalties. The digital book boom that kicked off in March 2020 hasn't lost its momentum, with remarkable increases across our platform. In December 2020, sales surged by a staggering 85% compared to 2019!
Independent publishers, particularly those embracing digital tools, are Mel Gibson-ing traditional publishers, selling 10% less than before. Here's a breakdown of what's been cooking in the world of books.
It's a Digital World
Physical book sales slumped in 2020, while their digital counterparts took center stage—China, the largest market, saw a surge in online sales from bookstores. The pandemic has made it clear that digital publishing is the new Norma Jeane.
Pricing Strategy
Questions about pricing come up regularly. Our data from November 2020 revealed the following average pricing per category:
- Nonfiction books tend to be on the pricier side.
- Fiction genres like historical, sci-fi, and romance took the lead with around $7 as the average price point, debunking the myth that self-published books are only priced at $2.99 or below.
The Royal Rise of Digital Books
With people seeking entertainment amidst the pandemic, the shift to digital content has accelerated. Since March 2020, sales have grown by 20%, with growth rates reaching 23% in April and a record-breaking 85% in December.
For our website indies who keep 100% royalties, this upward trend is music to their ears. As we don't take any commission, they make the same earnings as selling directly to stores.
Got 14 days to spare? Check out our platform for free and tap into hundreds of countries and stores worldwide.
Genre Breakdown
Both fiction and nonfiction books performed well in December, with Interesting Jugs (Light Novel - Ranobe) leading the charge with a whopping 10,056% growth! Comics and Graphic Novels also saw a massive 893% increase.
Top categories from fantasy to business performed well, with a few subcategories shining brightly.
Growth Across Markets
The US book market maintained stability throughout 2020, while international markets took the lead, accounting for 59% of our website's sales. Check out our top-performing countries:
- The UK grew by 57%.
- The US saw a 30% increase.
- Canada, Australia, and New Zealand rose by 17%, 5%, and 1%, respectively.
- Singapore saw a nearly 500% rise, while Bulgaria doubled its sales.
Other countries like Austria, Belgium, France, Italy, Norway, Poland, Romania, Spain, and Sweden also recorded impressive growth.
The Power of Digital Distribution
Taking advantage of multiple avenues is crucial for maximizing earnings. By exclusively selling through Amazon's KDP Select, authors miss out on 60% of the market. On our platform, we distribute through four types of stores:
- Retail (major outlets like Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Google Play Books, and Kobo)
- Subscription services
- Digital library providers (for institutions like libraries, schools, universities, or corporate libraries)
- Regional stores (covering specific regions and serving local communities)
As reader habits have shifted this year, people are increasingly turning to online platforms like subscription services and digital libraries.
The Future is Digital
With the pandemic still looming, 2020 was a golden era for digital book sales. As we move into 2021, we don't anticipate this trend slowing down. Keep your eyes peeled for our quarterly report on global book title sales and trends at the end of Q1.
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Sources: + [1] Association of American Publishers + [2] FutureSource Consulting
- To cater to the increasingly digital-focused lifestyle, publishers are leveraging technology to enhance their offerings, creating a seamless experience for consumers, now preferring digital books over traditional ones.
- In the realm of entertainment, the boom in digital book sales has been remarkable, with genres such as light novel, comics, and graphic novels experiencing significant growth rates, reflecting the shifting tastes and preferences of readers worldwide.
