Total net book sales in October in the U.S. dropped 0.8%, to $1.57 billion, compared to October 2017, representing sales of 1,080 publishers and distributed clients as reported to the Association of American Publishers. For the year to date, total net book sales have fallen 0.7%, to $12.3 billion.
With a sales increase of 40.3%, downloaded audio was again the fastest-growing segment of publishing. E-books had a strong month, with sales up in all categories. Adult hardcovers slipped 0.3%, and adult paperbacks dropped 6.9%.
Sales by category in October 2018 compared to October 2017:
