Nathan Bransford - The Forums

The last few monthly reports from the Association of American Publishers (AAP) have shown that the stunning rate of growth of e-book sales has been heading toward "not quit so stunning" territory.

For October, AAP reports that e-book sales (US, wholesale dollars) were up only 81% compared with the previous year. This is the first two-digit increase since the original Kindle was announced at the end of 2007.

2009 - annual: Up 176.6%
2010 - annual: Up 164.4%
2011 - first half: Up 160.1%
2011 - July: Up 105%
2011 - August: Up 116%
2011 - September: Up 100.9%
2011 - October: Up 81.2%

Note: since these are wholesale dollars, it's possible we're seeing a shift in buying habits toward lower-priced e-books. Also, since these numbers are from established publishers, it's possible we're seeing a shift in buying habits toward smaller publishers and self-published e-books. Or all of the above.

Still some impressive numbers. Everyone and their mother is getting a tablet for Christmas so January should go Big.

More accurate: ebook sales growth for traditional publishing slowing, print sales still declining. Subheading: traditional publishers accused of underreporting ebook sales, sales for self-published ebooks not taken into account at all.

With the sales I'm seeing (with no promotion on my part beyond the next new release), I'm not worried.

Interesting, thanks for sharing these figures Doug. I agree with Margo - not sure if the figures reported are accurate and not sure what this exactly is measuring. Nonetheless, 81% is still quite impressive.

Although numbers seem impressive, my reason says two things: firstly, that enthousiasm might have provoked this burst of sales and secondly that once technology provides people with new means, going back is impossible. Perhaps Margo is right in what she knows or suspects. The source of any kind of statistics should be examined carefully.

Another thought of mine is that self publishing does not always guarantee quality. Educated readers will always seek quality.

Anyway I would not allow numbers to influence my aim and motivation.

http://www.squidoo/greek-debt.com
http://getpublishedonamazon.info/

Here's my take: http://blog.nathanbransford.com/2013/08 ... icles.html

Percentage growth is going down, but sales are still rising!