In August, total net book sales in the U.S. fell 1.5%, to $2.113 billion, compared to the same period in 2016, representing sales of 1,204 publishers and distributed clients as reported to the Association of American Publishers. For the first eight months of the year, total net book sales are down 0.6%, to $9.74 billion.
In August, adult book sales were down 0.3%, to $439.5 million, while children's/YA book sales rose 2.9%, to $169.2 million. Religious books and university press books had strong Augusts, rising 7.8% and 9.8%, respectively. All e-book sales were down 7.1%, to $95.3 million.
For the first eight months of the year, adult book sales were up 1%, while children's/YA book sales were down 2.5%.
Sales by category in August compared to August 2016:
