Total net book sales in May in the U.S. rose 10.9%, to $1.1 billion, compared to May 2023, representing sales of 1,277 publishers and distributed clients as reported to the Association of American Publishers. For the year to date, net book sales rose 5.5%, to $5.2 billion.
In May, trade revenues rose 16.5%, to $789.1 million, with all trade categories showing gains. Adult mass market, hardcovers, and paperbacks had especially strong gains.
In trade categories, hardcover sales rose 21%, to $289.1 million; paperbacks rose 16.7%, to $289.6 million; mass market rocketed upwards 118.2%, to $11.2 million; and special bindings were up 28.4% to $13.6 million. E-book sales rose 2.2%, to $84.4 million; digital audio sales were up 15.3%, at $80.2 million; and physical audio sales dropped 27%, to $800,000.
Sales by category in May 2024 compared to May 2023:
