Location: Books & Such main office, Santa Rosa, Calif.

In many ways, our society feeds a sense of being part of the milieu rather than being uniquely you or me. As a result, individuals are looking for others with whom they can connect and share their passions. One of the ways that need is being expressed is through book clubs. While many of us belong to generic book clubs that each year pick a variety of fiction/nonfiction, genre-crossing blends of books, others are founding specialized book clubs. One type of club is the cookbook club. The idea is to pick a cookbook, spend a month testing recipes and then coming together for a potluck.

Other books clubs exclusively read historical novels from a specific era, such as the Civil War. Still others read from the never-ending stream of WWII nonfiction books.

And some read books that involve an outing. The book club I belong to picks one book each year that results in our traveling to a site. For example, one year we read The Maltese Falcon and took a San Francisco walking tour of all the places named in the book. Another year we read a Jack London biography and then ventured to the Jack London State Park, where we had the chance to interview Jack London’s grandson–in the house he had built in the middle of the park and that was filled with London memorabilia. We went to Ashland, Oregon, to watch “To Kill a Mockingbird” performed as a play the month we read that book.

People are looking for ways to “add value” to their book clubs by connecting in a variety of ways over books.

What does that mean for writers? Think about how your book could fit into a specialized type of book club. Look online for such clubs. If you can’t find any but think lots and lots of people would respond to that type of club, start forming them via your website and social media.

What possibilities do you see for book clubs that are highly specialized? (Maybe you have ideas for a club you’d like to be in–even if it isn’t related to what you write about.)

Location: Books & Such main office, Santa Rosa, Calif.

I like to take the first few days of each year to get my grounding, to stabilize my feet under me, and to consider what the new year might hold. We’re all moving in a jet stream, propelled from behind by so many changes in society and in publishing that it’s hard to keep up with what’s new. But I think it’s instructive to consider what people are thinking about, how they’re reacting to life, and what that means to those of us who, ultimately, are either responders to society’s direction or movers of that direction. Either way, if we don’t know where our culture is going, we can neither write about it meaningfully nor influence its direction.

One thing I’ve noted is an uptick in the domestic arts. I’m not just talking people who like to cook, sew, knit, or build a bookshelf. I’m talking about people who are taking their activities to a new level. Sunset Magazine’s January 2012 issue had a section devoted to domestic artists. There I met:

Austin Durant, who is into fermenting–sauerkraut, pickles, even ketchup. He founded Fermenters Club in San Diego.

Emily Collins Kell, who makes cider because she had a backyard crammed with productive apple trees.

Emily Ho, who creates soda drinks because she found traditional sodas too sweet for her tastebuds’ liking. She carbonates drinks based on ingredients like elderflowers, oranges, rosemary, and cherries. She forages in farmers markets and on walks in her LA neighborhood to collect ingredients.

Jeff Pratuch, who cans tuna. A leisuretime tuna fisherman, he wanted albacore all year long and realized canning his catch was the way to stay stocked on the stuff. He says his homemade tuna bears little resemblance to the fare we eat from cans.

Cousins Brett Wittman and Jason Marwedel, who became sausage makers when they entered a sausage contest. Their family has been curing sausages for more than a century, but the guys knew they were onto something when, after three years of perfecting their skills, they beat not only their uncles but also their grandmother in the sausage contest.

Henry Chang, who roasts his own coffee. He started out trying to duplicate the espresso he tasted in Italy and eventually found the perfect roaster for him online–he had to learn to type in Chinese to communicate with the makers and eventually flew to Taiwan to pick up that precious baby.

What do all of these people, who from their photos look as though they’re in their 30s or 40s, have in common?

• They were inventive.
• They became obsessed with their hobbies.
• They saw a need (too many apples, sodas too sweet, couldn’t find a good espresso, etc.) and decided to meet it for themselves (and for friends). None of these individuals earns a living from what  he or she creates. Most don’t sell their wares. Their day jobs are: ob-gyn, banker, construction manager, wine merchant manager, publicist, food writer, software project manager.
• They created something uniquely their own.

What does this tell us about our culture as we enter 2012? Individuals like to personalize their experiences. In a world where we all shop in the same stores and wear the same brands, it’s refreshing to make something no one else makes just as you do.

They’ve developed a sense of exploration.

They enjoy self-expression.

They want to take what is at hand and create something new from it.

What does that translate to for writers? Readers want to “discover” you on their own. Rather than buying your book because everyone is reading it or because an ad told them to, they want to find your book–probably online. And they want to connect with you, not just with your writing.

And best of all would be if you could offer them a way to express what you’re writing about in their own way. If your novel’s character studies flowers’ genetics and develops new varieties, explain in an appendix how the reader could play around (in an obsessive kind of way) with doing the same. If your nonfiction book is about the importance of emotions, develop a website where readers can engage with each other on the topic.

A crafty lifestyle is an “in” lifestyle nowadays. How can you tap into that–and be true to yourself and your message?

Do you have any other insights as to why people are choosing to express themselves in such unique ways? Or how to apply that to your writing?

Location: Books & Such main office, Santa Rosa, Calif.

Everyone at Books & Such is bubbling over with excitement. We have the joy of beginning 2012 with a major boost to our agent roster. Rachelle Gardner joins our agency, bringing with her a significant client base as well as her reputation among publishers as an able agent.

Our press release, which was sent out today, in part reads,

Gardner has been involved in publishing since 1995, joining WordServe Literary Group in 2007. Before becoming an agent, she was senior editor at NavPress, where she developed and launched the NavPress fiction line that included three Christy Award finalists and an ECPA Award finalist in its first year. She acquired and edited numerous nonfiction books as well.

Prior to that, Gardner worked at General Publishing Group in Santa Monica, California, where she was director of rights and marketing, managing departments of special sales, subsidiary rights, international rights, international sales and domestic marketing. Among other things, she built and managed a team of international sales agents and represented the company in Frankfurt, London, Tokyo, Chicago and New York.

Gardner is recognized as one of the important online publishing voices. Her blog, RachelleGardner.com, has been named a Writer’s Digest 101 Best Sites every year that her site has been in existence. Last year she logged more than half a million visits to the blog. Both writers and industry professionals follow her. She has become known for her encouragement and grace in an all-too-often merciless industry….

Founder and president Janet Kobobel Grant said, “I’ve long thought that Rachelle’s style of agenting is the same sort of collegial approach that I’ve espoused since the beginning days of Books & Such. When she mentioned her interest in joining our agency, I knew immediately that this was going to be a proverbial match made in heaven. To say I’m pleased is an understatement of the first order.”

With that background, I’d now like to introduce our blog readers to Rachelle by posting her entry for today from her blog. Feel free to welcome Rachelle to Books & Such in the comments section below.

Here’s Rachelle’s blog post:

Good morning and happy new year! I hope everyone had a good holiday season and I trust you’re ready for good things in 2012. (Either that, or preparing for the end of the world on December 21^st.)

This new year brings a change for me. I’m continuing as a literary agent, and continuing my blog, but I’m switching agencies. Effective today, I’m an agent with Books & Such Literary Agency. Books & Such was founded by Janet Kobobel Grant, who continues as president of the company and represents a full roster of clients. Literary agent Wendy Lawton is vice president, and there are two other agents, Rachel Kent and Mary Keeley, so as I join the company, there are now five agents.

People may wonder why I decided to switch agencies. As you can imagine, the change involved intense thought and prayer, and wasn’t easy. My four years with WordServe Literary have been terrific. Greg Johnson is an amazing and successful agent, and has mentored me well. He’s taught me so much and I’m incredibly grateful. We’ve always had a great working relationship (and we still do). So the choice to move has been bittersweet.

Much of my decision grew out of my long-time friendship with Janet Grant and Wendy Lawton. I’ve been blessed to have these two women as treasured friends during my years working in CBA publishing, and we all knew I’d be a perfect fit for their agency. I’m thrilled for the opportunity to work alongside these friends and colleagues long-term.

Another reason for the change is the fact that I work solo in my home office, but it’s challenging for me—I’m by nature a social and collaborative person. I sensed God leading me to acknowledge that I work best when I have plenty of conversation with colleagues on a regular basis. I began praying about how I could find a situation that would fill my need for daily interaction, helping me serve and honor my authors while also keeping a flexible schedule for my family. Being with Books & Such will connect me with four other agents plus an assistant, and even though we won’t all be in the same office, we’ll regularly be brainstorming, planning and giving feedback on each other’s projects. I’m confident the synergy created by working in a collaborative atmosphere with these five dynamic women will suit my disposition and help me to even more effectively serve my clients and advance their careers.

Some of you may be curious about what happens to my clients in this situation. Whenever there’s a change in an agency, the original Author-Agent Agreement determines what the client’s options are. They may be obligated to stay with the agency for a certain specified term, or they may be free to leave the agency and, if they want, follow their agent. In my case, each of my clients has full ability to choose what they’d like to do.

Transitions are always challenging, but I’m excited for this new year.

What’s NEW for you this year?

Location: Books & Such Midwest Office, Illinois

As soon as we think we have some understanding of what to expect in 2012, we encounter a new twist as innovation continues to reinvigorate the dry soil of publishing’s recent years. Today I’ll highlight several recent twists and the opportunities they offer authors.

1.      How many Kindle Fires and Nook Tablets do you think will be sold this Christmas season? Amazon and Barnes & Noble planned their releases well. But surely more competitive devices are on the horizon. Optimism for publishing abounds. The more new formats, the more potential for sales of your books.

2.      Lest you think Amazon has secured every corner of publishing’s brave new world, the playing field isn’t as lopsided as you might think. Their Kindle magazine business has been fairly weak while Apple’s Newsstand has soared (more on this below). And some e-commerce companies are better prepared to deliver content in the international market. Even now eReaders are becoming available around the world, opening new doors for Christian authors to get books with our worldview everywhere around the globe.

3.      Don’t underestimate the value of your published magazine articles to enhance your platform. Opportunity knocks for authors. Apple’s Newsstand, which offers free apps to quickly and easily purchase newspaper and magazine subscriptions, is proving to be quite successful. PixelMags, provider of ways to convert content into apps and distribute the apps to smartphones and tablets, reported a surge of 1,150 percent in subscription sales the first week after Newsstand launched less than three months ago.

That’s not a typo; take a minute to process that data. It’s only a matter of time before Christian magazine publishers get onboard. Even just a portion of that surge will mean amplified name recognition for Christian authors, not to mention the potential positive impact on your social media.

Kindle Fire, Nook Tablet, Apple Newsstand, PixelMags, soon-to-be software producers that will provide your book in multiple languages . . . there’s no foreseeable limit. The competitive frenzy among innovators provides more and more opportunities for authors. These innovators are watering the soil, preparing it to bloom again.

Are you optimistic about next year? About your publishing possibilities? Are you finding it easy or difficult to adjust to the transformation of the publishing industry?

Location: Books & Such Midwest Office: IL

The continuous evolution of e-book publishing and its surrounding causes and effects warrant occasional updates. What do the latest shifts mean for authors and publishers? Here are two newsworthy comments:

• As of its post on May 2011, Amazon now sells more e-books than print books, according to Jeff Bezos, Amazon’s CEO. They were hoping for this but never expected it to happen in less than four years.
• Steve Haber, president of Sony’s digital reading unit, predicted in 2007 that it would take ten years for e-books to outsell paper books. Last year he said, “Three years ago, I said within ten years but I realized that was wrong – it’s within five.” I’ve seen several other quotes that corroborate his revised estimate.

When charting new waters, it’s to be expected that there will be some reluctance, maybe even distrust, and that certainly  has been true with e-books. For example, authors generally are disappointed in the 25 percent royalty rate that has become the standard in the industry for e-book sales. Perceptions are that publishers are unfairly claiming the bulk of savings in creating e-books rather than print books.

But wait, the publishers see the situation differently. Brian Murray, CEO of Harper Collins, is quoted on TheBookseller.com: “When we looked at our print royalties, we saw they averaged about 16%-18% so we knew we could afford to pay a higher royalty rate [for e-books]. That was almost a 40 percent increase in the royalty rate. There is a lot we can do to give readers additional value, such as enhanced e-books. Because they sell for a higher price that is, in turn, going to raise the pay for authors.”

A lot of authors would argue with Mr. Murray’s perspective, and publishers are under pressure by agents to increase the e-book royalty rates. It’s all a roller coaster.

Rachel Kent posted an important series of blogs last week about putting the C (Christian) back in CBA. As Christian publishers: 1) observe the effect Amazon Publishing may cause for ABA publishers (which I wrote about in yesterday’s post); 2) respond to the competition with independent e-book publishers (55 such publishers listed in a Google search but surely more than that exist); and 3) uphold Christian ethics, I trust they will be motivated to make deals that are a win-win for both parties. Christian publishers are rushing to find a model that will keep them profitable through several waves of change taking place simultaneously, while also attracting—and retaining—authors. We look forward to that happening. They are the guardians that ensure the Christian message is told.

The thing that remains the same is the content. While the delivery method continues to evolve, great writing will always be in demand. Keep growing and writing great books, and you will have increasing options to get them out to readers.

How do you feel about the 25 percent royalty rate for e-book sales?

Have you signed a contract that has a higher or lower rate? (Don’t give the name of the publisher or disclose any contractual terms that are proprietary!)

In your dreams, do you still see your next published book in a print version?

Location: Books & Such Midwest Office, IL

We’re aware technology has been changing the landscape of publishing, but have you noticed the rate of acceleration? Don’t think you’ve figured out your options and can settle in comfortably. It will be different tomorrow. The challenge we all face is to keep up. You need to be knowledgeable. Today I’ll share two news items I ran across in the past week that highlight the wave of change flooding the business of publishing.

Before Steve Jobs resigned as CEO of Apple last June, he unveiled the design for Apple’s new building. In a discussion group on LinkedIn, Kevin Cronin, an ebook pioneer, shared a column posted on www.FastCompany.com that was written by Farhad Manjoo entitled “The Great Tech War of 2012.”  Manjoo reported that Apple’s new circular building, situated on 150 acres, will house 12,000 employees. He wrote, “Apple’s new campus will have a footprint slightly smaller than that of the Pentagon; its diameter will exceed the height of the Empire State Building.” (Reminds me of the Tower of Babel, but whatever…) Obviously Apple is big, but so it Facebook, Google, and Amazon. The battle of these Titans affects all of us, and this article explores what that means in terms of your social media efforts: here

Steve Jobs died at a young age . . . 56 or 57, wasn’t it? But in the techno sphere, he was actually one of the older executives. His replacement, Tim Cook, is even younger. And have you seen photos of Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook, and Larry Page, CEO of Google? They’re young. Even Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon, appears to be relatively young to have risen to that level. The brave new world of technology comes easily for the younger generation. Who will be the next teenager to launch a technology empire from his garage? And what does that mean for those of us who use social media?

Speaking of Amazon, David Streitfeld wrote an interesting column in the Business Day-Technology section of The New York Times last week with the provocative title: “Amazon Signs Up Authors, Writing Publishers Out of the Deal.” He reports that “Amazon will publish 122 books this fall in an array of genres, in both physical and e-book form.” He points out next that their publishing program “will place Amazon squarely in competition with the New York houses that are also its most prominent suppliers” (emphasis mine). We should be watching to see how that is going to work out–another battle of the Titans.

Amazon executive Jeff Belle, announced that 30-year industry veteran Laurence J. Kirshbaum will lead a new imprint. He explained, “Larry will be building out a publishing team in New York and will found new imprints under the Amazon Publishing umbrella, with a focus on acquiring the highest quality books in literary and commercial fiction, business and general nonfiction.” Here is the link.

Amazon’s foray into publishing has been directed toward acquiring general market (ABA) authors. Fortunately, this gives Christian publishers a little time to think creatively and prepare defensively–better yet, offensively. Christian authors might find it tantalizing to contemplate partnering directly with Amazon Publishing, but when Amazon launches a Christian imprint, will it hire people who grasp how Christ-centered the projects need to be–and the authors need to be as well?

Of what significance is this information to you, the writer? Isn’t it enough work just to master your craft and produce great writing? The answer is that an informed writer has an edge when talking business with an agent or editor. Imagine yourself in a meeting with an editor at a writers conference. The editor may, in conversation, comment on a recent happening within the industry. Or the editor might mention it purposefully to see your reaction and thereby get a sense of your knowledge of the industry, or lack thereof. If you are able to respond intelligently, you will present yourself as a professional, committed to your craft.

Do all these goings-on make your head hurt? Me too. But it’s a fact of life that the business side of writing is more important than ever for you to know.

What questions does this information raise for you? What other aspects of publishing are you warily watching to see how they develop? What makes you the most nervous? What makes you the most excited?

Location: Santa Rosa, California, home office

As I write, the number one New York Times best-seller in trade paperback books is Heaven is for Real,by Todd Burpo, who collaborated with someone I know: Lynn Vincent. It’s been on top since March, and in the most recent counting I’ve seen–August 3–it had sold more than 3 million copies.

This is only the most recent heaven-based story that has soared to the top of the charts–90 Minutes in Heaven (Revell, 2004) by Don Piper and Cecil Murphey also has sold millions of books.

Both collaborators, Lynn Vincent and Cec Murphey, are fine, experienced writers who know how to put together a good story and have written other best-selling books. So, is it the author or the subject matter that makes a best-seller?

Angels in the ER by Dr. Robert Leslie (Harvest House, 2008) has sold more than 200,000 copies. Another top seller from 2010, is The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven by Kevin Malarkey (Tyndale).

These books all appeared on The New York Times list, or the Amazon.com list, which means they likely were purchased by people other than evangelical Christians.

Given the news from the last couple of years, it looks to me as if people are seeking something–reassurance, perhaps–that life is more than junk bonds, failing housing prices and war.

What better place can there be than heaven?

Another sleeper best seller came out in January: Ann Voskamp‘s: One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are (Zondervan). Voskamp’s book deals with gratitude and stopping to really look at life around you: she invites readers to push away from the grim aspects of a harried life and pause to thank God for the many blessings he pours out. Simple, easy, affirming, and something anyone can do.

Some books are always going to sell well: What to Expect When You’re Expecting, for example, or simple baby name books. But others are well-crafted for a certain time. Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin was famously declared by President Abraham Lincoln as having played a role in starting the Civil War. Every four years we get inundated with books written by prospective candidates.

Other books current on the list include The Help by Kathryn Stockett, a story of the Civil Rights era. The reader can root for the “winning” side. Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand is another feel-good story from an era during which right and wrong were easy to recognize. The same is true of Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay; we can always feel superior to the Nazis.

What do you think? In uncertain times, what types of stories might appeal to people? What do you think is behind all the heaven best-sellers? Can you think of common themes that always have appeal? What type of book would you like to read? What do you read when you need reassurance? Have you read any of the books in this post, and if so, what was your response to them?

Location: Main office, Santa Rosa, CA

Those of you who have been following my writing saga on the Books & Such blog may be interested in hearing the latest wrinkle. After releasing on September 1, 2011, A Log Cabin Christmas Collection hit #34 on The New York Times bestseller list for the week ending September 17.

To call me astounded would be an understatement. I keep repeating the words, “New York Times best-seller.” They still ring like a fantasy.

Maybe not even a fantasy; these are words I never even dreamed. So what does that make them? Fantastical? Improbable? Mythical?

Whatever. But, technically, true.

I realize A Log Cabin Christmas Collection is on the best-seller’s list because of the lead author: Wanda Brunstetter. Wanda has several other novels on the list this fall. But still, in small letters on the bottom of the cover appears, Michelle Ule–or my alias on the list: “et al.”

Some of my incredulous family members are suspicious. “How many copies of a book do you have to sell to make The New York Times Bestseller list?”

The answer varies between, “I don’t know,” and “it’s complicated.” But a more nuanced answer goes like this:

The New York Times first published their best-selling books list in 1942. The list is generated through the News Survey Department, which has nothing to do with their fine book review. The department uses weekly sales reporting samples of chain and independent bookstores, along with sales results from book wholesalers. It does not take into account Amazon’s sales or those of big box stores such as Costco or Wal-mart (which carries A Log Cabin Christmas Collection), or even Target—which also carries my book online.

It may be worth noting that only about one percent of books make it to the NYT best-seller list.

It also might be worth noting that the highest ranking A Log Cabin Christmas Collection hit on Amazon was 9,522.

Cynical family members also wonder if the NYT list could be manipulated. According to Wikipedia, it has been tried. In 1995, authors bought 10,000 copies of their book,  The Discipline of Market Leaders, claiming it was an excellent marketing investment for them. The book stayed on the list for 15 weeks and while not illegal, most publishers believe the authors’ purchase and skewing of the figures was unethical.

I didn’t do that.

The big question, of course, is what makes a book a best-seller? No one knows how to guarantee that a title will make the list, even though marketers promise they can get your book on the list. It basically winds down to catchy titles, intriguing book covers, creative marketing, hot genres, an author who has appeared on the list previously, and selling to all sorts of different people–crossover appeal.

In our case, A Log Cabin Christmas Collection is aimed at a niche market–Christmas stories in a historical setting–and is gorgeous. The greenery on the cover is embossed, and the pages are ragged-edged like a pine log. Novellas, short stories about 60 pages in length, make for quick reads, and of course these particular novellas are inspirational–one of the areas in publishing that is growing.

Sales were helped by Wanda Brunstetter’s name, but we had several other well-know writers in the mix: Jane Kirkpatrick and Margaret Brownley, not to mention Kelly Eileen Hake, Liz Johnson, Liz Tolsma, Debra Ullrick and Erica Vetsch.

All in all, it’s been a wonderful, fun experience. And in my own case, friends are laughing with me and asking a really hard question: “If your debut novella winds up on The New York Times bestseller list, what will you do next?”

Indeed.

Think of best-sellers you’ve enjoyed. What led you to that particular book? Did it make a difference that it was on The New York Times or some other bestseller list? What role do best-selling lists play in your choice of reading material? Should a list make that big of a difference? Do you think quality determines whether a book will be on a list?

Location: Books & Such Illinois Office

It’s hard to keep up with happenings in the digital world that affect publishing. Have you heard that Facebook bought a digital publishing company? Don’t be alarmed; they aren’t getting into the publishing business. They bought Push Pop Press not for the purpose of publishing books but to use Push Pop’s groundbreaking software ideas and technology to enhance our Facebook experience. Their press release states:

“We’re thrilled to confirm that we’ve acquired Push Pop Press, a startup whose groundbreaking software changes the way people publish and consume digital content. We can’t wait for co-founders Mike Matas and Kimon Tsinteris to get started, and for some of the technology, ideas and inspiration behind Push Pop Press to become part of how millions of people connect and share with each other on Facebook.” – AFP Tues, Aug 2, 2011.

The FB visionaries apparently feel that the success of Push Pop Press’s one published book was due to the publisher’s great design rather than the content and author (Our Choice, by Al Gore).

How can we apply the foresight of this social media giant to the future of e-books? Design technology is poised to explode. This is especially encouraging for children’s books and their authors. Children’s books have struggled because most people want to handle and “try out” a children’s book before they decide to purchase it. With fewer independent bookstores and now one fewer chain bookstore, buyers have less opportunity to see, touch, and feel the books. And children’s books haven’t worked well for e-book publishing because of the art and design needs.

When asked for publishers’ current e-book percentage of their sales, here are the responses from editors on a panel at the Oregon Christian Writers Conference:

Abingdon – All their fiction books are published in softcover and e-book

Revell – Fiction is their leading e-book category; increased from 10% to 14%

Tyndale – 10% of their sales and growing, especially fiction; release in both print and e-book

Waterbrook Multnomah – 15%; all books are released in softcover and e-book

White Rose – e-books far outsell print

Winepress – 20%

We’re all hoping children’s e-books will eventually catch up to these percentages as new technologies are developed. Have you heard about the one that enables children to swipe the e-reader screen to change colors? Electronics and the Internet are akin to second languages for this generation, fostering an urgent need for healthy children’s e-book publishing. They’ll be reading books in an entirely new experience. I just hope they will also always have the desire and opportunity to hold and appreciate a print book.

Have you heard any buzz about specific design enhancements for e-books? What creative abilities would you like to see?

Location: Books & Such main office, Santa Rosa, Calif.

So far this week we’ve looked at which publishing categories are growing in e-book sales and the pressures publishers’ are experiencing as the industry transitions into e-book sales being the lead pony in the race. Today let’s look at which categories and delivery method (e-book vs. paperback vs. hardcover vs. mass market) are increasing in sales so far in 2011. This report is from the Association of American Publishers, the industry’s national trade association.

You can study the numbers for yourself below, but here’s what I see:

• The only three areas of growth are in e-books, religious books, and downloaded audiobooks.
• The amount of money brought in by e-books and by adult hardcover are extremely close. Even though, according to Harlequin’s financial report we looked at yesterday, e-books weren’t yet outpacing physical books (the report I saw didn’t break down hardcover vs. paperback or mass market for Harlequin), this overall industry report indicates that e-books outpaced hardcovers. It’s especially astounding to see the rate at which the change took place if you compare revenue for each in 2011 and 2010. Imagine any industry sustaining such a mammoth change in the matter of one year. It’s hard to take in.
• The good news is that religious books have seen a nice increase in sales.
• And it’s surprising to see downloaded audiobooks gaining in popularity. Obviously readers are squeezing their reading in while multi-tasking–whether that’s commuting, exercising, or ????

Trade categories year-to-date: (YA = Young Adult)