Total net book sales in September in the U.S. were flat, at $1.4 billion, compared to September 2022, representing sales of 1,225 publishers and distributed clients as reported to the Association of American Publishers. For the first nine months of the year, total net book sales are up 0.8%, to $9.4 billion.
In September, trade revenue fell 0.4%, to $905.9 million, dragged down by lower sales of adult trade paperbacks, mass market titles, and e-books. By contrast, sales of children's/YA titles were all up compared to September 2022.
During September, trade hardcover revenue rose 7.2%, to $379.2 million, paperbacks fell 4.9%, to $299.1 million, mass market plummeted 39.5%, to $11.3 million, and special bindings rose 11.8%, to $27.1 million.
Sales by category in September 2023 compared to September 2022:
