Total net book sales in August in the U.S. dropped 9%, to $1.361 billion, compared to August 2021, representing sales of 1,367 publishers and distributed clients as reported to the Association of American Publishers. (Figures do not include pre-K-12, because of delays in data collection.) For the year to date, total net book sales were down 5%, to $7.94 billion.
Continuing recent trends, almost every category fell during the month, with only downloaded audio and e-books rising. Trade sales as a whole fell 10.5%, to $744.3 million. Trade hardcover sales dropped 19.5%, to $238.4 million. Trade paperbacks fell 8.6%, to $277.4. Mass market sales were off 15.2%, to $15.1 million. Special bindings dropped 16.8%, to $17.5 million.
Sales by category in August 2022 compared to August 2021:
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