Blogger: Janet Kobobel Grant
What’s the health status of publishing, based on first quarter reports, which were released in July?
The industry is in stable condition, according to the Association of American Publishers (AAP) findings. Ebook sales are down 2.5% for adult books and 36.6% for children’s/young adult. Print books’ revenue is down in every category except for adult paperback books, which are up 8.6% from first quarter 2014 and professional books are up 16.7%.
As AAP summarized its report: “Downloaded audio continued its hot growth streak, with a 33.6% improvement over the same quarter last year. Physical audio, mass market, paperback and board book formats all experienced growth this quarter as well, while hardback and eBook formats declined.”
We’ve been reading reports about the ebook decline, but what’s up with the increase in audio, paperback books, and board books?
I can see why audio would continue its growth as people use their fancy phones to listen to books while they multitask.
A significant number of extremely popular children’s books are board books this year, including First 100 Words, with more than 195,000 copies sold YTD; Your Baby’s First Word Will be Dada by Jimmy Fallon at 75,000 copies YTD; Goodnight Moon board book at 192,000 copies YTD; Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do You See? at 170,000 copies YTD; The Very Hungry Catepillar by Eric Carle at 199,000 YTD, etc. A very good year for board books, both old and new releases.
The stat I find most interesting is the increase in adult paper sales. What’s up with that?
My theory is that a significant contributor to the increase is the popularity of adult coloring books. The trend was kicked off with two coloring books, The Secret Garden and The Enchanted Forest. Good luck finding a copy of either to purchase online or in bookstores. They sell as quickly as they become available. If you aren’t aware of this trend, you can read about it here and here.
I think it’s important for everyone engaged in publishing to pause and ask, as the authors of the articles I linked to above do, what’s the coloring book trend mean for us? I especially appreciated the insights offered by the Flavorwire article, in which the writer pointed out how we tend to “need” our high tech equipment, but then we want to step away from it and engage in artisanal activities–pickling our veggies, making our own cheese–or wine, knitting, woodworking, coloring, etc.
But I think the coloring books are kicking off a book trend as well. I believe we’re on the cusp of the advent of visually-focused books for adults.
Here’s evidence for my pronostication:
- Take journaling Bibles, for example. Here’s Shanna Noel’s blog post about why she loves her journaling Bible and how she uses it to deepen her appreciation for God’s Word. Journaling Bibles are a scrapbooker’s dream come true! And, if you enjoy coloring, creatively journaling in your wide-margin Bible might be a new way for you to interact with Scripture. Here’s a page from Greta Sutherland‘s journaling Bible:
- During a recent trip to a Barnes & Noble store, I was struck by the number of very visual adult books “written” by popular YouTube personalities. A special display showcases the books so the authors’ YouTube groupies can snatch them up.
- As my mind turned to this upswing in visual books, I read this article on the Top 10 Reads from the Yale Book Publishing Course, which highlights the books suggested by presenters at the course for mid- and senior-level publishing professionals. The second book listed is this visual stunner: The Conference of Birds, a Sufi poem illustrated by Caldecott award-winner and famed children’s illustrator, Peter Sis. Check out some of his illustrations for this adult picture book here. My point? A beautifully visual picture book for adults appeared on the Top 10 list for a course on publishing.
Have you seen other signs of visually-oriented adult print books picking up steam? Tell us about it.
What other directions do you think this trend might go?
TWEETABLES
Why are print books trending up in sales? Click to tweet.
Next book trend: visually-oriented adult books. Click to tweet.
Well, I sure can’t speak to the question of adult colouring books…I’ve never seen one, but it’s been along time since I’ve been physically able to get to a bookstore.
* My take on the resurgence of print books is that they have character, an individuality that comes from ‘my’ having read them. There’s an interaction; the cover, the dings and dog ears that come with use, and the context in which I carried and read a particular book places it in the context of my life.
* For instance, in 1986 I carried a copy of Alexander Frater’s “Beyond The Blue Horizon” on a long trip, and I hurriedly had tucked old receipts from meals at various airports between its pages. The book – that individual copy – is now a repository for memory. I remember where I was when I read certain chapters…and I remember WHO I was, someone very different from the person I am now. I can connect with that part of my personal story, through the physical reality of that book.
* Whenever I traveled, I always tried to be sure to buy a book or two; a stop at Barnes and Noble (or the late and lamented Borders) was always on my itinerary. The last trip I ever took, I bought a copy of Dick Winters’ (he of ‘Band of Brothers’) memoir. I open it now, and it brings those days back.
* I don’t think you can get this with an e-book; at least not with that intensity.
* And besides, how do you get an author to autograph your Kindle edition?
Andrew, I also can’t imagine experiencing the same bond with an e-book as I can with a paper one. Perhaps the digital ones are good for test runs, and then the best ones are purchased in paper. Just a thought.
Yes! You’ve expressed something I’d yet to take the time to articulate even to myself. We have a shared history, no matter how brief–or permanent and poignant–with our print books.
That emotional connection to a book (and the memories it carries) is one reason some readers buy an e-version of a book, and if they love it, they’ll buy a physical copy to put on their shelves, which are a repository of memories from when that book was read.
Andrew, your posts always make me sigh in deep thought, cry with you, or laugh. Today, I’m laughing at your last sentence. You reminded me that even though I get frustrated at times, I do what I do because I fell in love with the written page, whether paper or digital. I agree wholeheartedly with your delight in print books. I have many of my childhood favorites on my bookshelves. Although the pages are yellowed and fragile, they are reminders of my past, my dreams, and my hopes for the future. I resisted the digital book for a long time and then was given a Kindle e-reader as a gift. It sat unused until the giver asked me how I liked it. Oops! So I downloaded several e-books. Now I either have my e-reader, or my tablet, or my cell phone wherever I go so that my books are close at hand. Technology isn’t all bad, but nothing surpasses turning those paper pages.
We open up our church on Halloween and provide hot dogs, coffee and hot chocolate, bathrooms and a children’s craft table. We put out the leftovers of past VBS crafts and give the children free reign. It amazes me how many moms sit at the table even after their children lose interest, painstakingly finishing their own projects. Who knew that it was a book market trend? This year, I will add some Bible verse coloring pages and send the Word of God home in those trick-or-treat buckets. Thank you for the inspiration, Janet.
What a great idea, Shirlee.
I have seen the adult coloring books, and have been tempted to buy one. More, I am always curious about the “Wreck this Journal” trend. Why would people pay that much for a journal/book just to smear ketchup on a page? I do that for free when I read during lunch… But on a serious note, I think it has to do with interaction. We talk about how important it is for an author to interact and engage with readers. Being able to physically put pen or colored pencil to paper is another form of interaction that makes the experience more intimate. Where that’s going to lead, I don’t know, but I would probably pick up a copy of “Jane Eyre, the Coloring Book.”
You and me both, Melinda. I’ve spilled/dribbled more condiments on reading material than I will ever admit to. 🙂
And I agree with you. It’s hard to understand why people would buy a journal just to wreck it.
Melinda, I agree with your mention of interaction in regards to the adult coloring books. When we engage in an activity, there’s also a sense of ownership. There’s an element of self-care involved in allowing ourselves to slow down and create.
Melinda, I think the interaction with the author, with a memory or feeling, and the sense of creative expression are all latent points of enjoyment with a coloring book or journaling Bible.
I’ve not been to a bookstore recently. but I’ve heard mentions of friends on Facebook raving about their coloring books. And I confess, I’m one of those who finds coloring relaxing. Cathartic, even. A friend introduced me to the idea of praying in color. I bought a composition book and a large package of colored pencils so I can practice this from time to time.
There is the key though—I need to set aside time to do this, because I tend to lose myself in the coloring while praying.
“Praying in color” sounds like something I may want to try on Sunday afternoons. Thanks, Jeanne, for this idea.
Praying in color sounds like a, well, vivid way to express oneself to God.
I haven’t heard of adult coloring books or read any adult picture books, although I love the ones I have for my boys. But my husband is one of those increasing the audio book sales. It was that deal with Audible where you get a discount if you buy a book every month. He has “read” so many books lately listening on his tablet and he had stopped reading due to time constraints, but can listen while he does certain kinds of office work.
Hooray for your husband finding a way to re-incorporate books into his life. I think a lot of readers are like him.
Good morning, Janet! My daughters and I saw a couple of those adult coloring books at a bookstore a couple of weeks ago, and we just stood there staring at them, astonished at their existence. I was a child who flunked art and could only think of one scene to draw and color. I did it diligently, since that’s what children are supposed to do, but I never enjoyed it. Give me a good book to read instead. So I can’t profess to understand this new trend of adult coloring books. Don’t get me wrong: I love to see art, to observe it, to feel it. I just can’t make it. That said, however, I can completely understand the escape and relaxation that comes with pursuing it (like cooking or running or reading for others), and if it increases book sales, I’m all for it.
One of the pluses of coloring books is that someone else has done the art; you’re just adding your expression to the work. And I suspect those who need to color outside the lines feel free to do so. It works for most everyone!
I love the journaling Bibles. I want one. And I had not heard about the adult coloring. I can’t help but smile. I always had to force myself to sit and color with my girls–coloring books, I’d color with them on the kids’ menus at Chili’s when they were little. But once I started … I had to finish my project! 🙂 So please, don’t get me started! 🙂
Shelli, I can relate to “don’t get me started”. I’ve read somewhere that participating in art is good for our writing, so now we can color with abandon. 🙂
Coloring isn’t for everyone, just as the journaling Bibles aren’t for everyone. I personally was never much of a scrapbooker; so forget a journaling Bible for me. But as a kid, I was an inveterate colorer.
I think the popularity of adult coloring books proves the child in us never truly grows up. When my children were young I found myself buying books with stories and pictures that I was attracted to. Most of my favorite reads are still MG.
Certainly there is the “kid” aspect to coloring, recalling a simpler time in our lives. But studies seem to show that coloring truly is a relaxing activity.
Janet, this beautiful post has caught my artistic attention. I think people are craving the creative and handmade touch more than ever. Our digital world has lots of benefits, but it tends to miss the mark of heartfelt and earthy textures that feed our spirit like a walk in the woods does. I like my Kindle. But I love my collection of old and new books with covers as intriguing as the paintings on my walls. Art. We, who were made by the Master Artist, need art in our lives. And we’re never too old to color.
Blessings ~ Wendy
Wendy, there is something to interacting with our world, and finding a creative outlet to express some of what’s inside us. I thought your comment encapsulated that well!
For every trend, there’s a counter-trend. Our digital world cries out for a handiwork side to our lives. Thanks for expressing that so well.
How many of us as adults loved Where’s Waldo? The whole picking-vegis, doodling thing is a release/relief valve. Years ago our family doctor suffered from depression. His appointment-room walls were covered with unusually detailed pencil drawings, similar to some of the new coloring books. I asked him about it and he said they were his therapy. They were really quite lovely. God tossed the universe into existence and then stooped down to paint the petals of a sunflower. You’re right, Janet. There’s something to this new trend.
What a great example your doctor set of finding a therapeutic way to deal with his mental malaise. And he shared his work with others, which enabled everyone to step into his drawings and find a stress-free place to be.
“[We” tend to “need” our high tech equipment, but then we want to step away from it and engage in artisanal activities–pickling our veggies, making our own cheese–or wine, knitting, woodworking, coloring, etc.”
I play around the edges of the country living/homesteading/rural retreat community, where homemade and handmade everything is prized, and in many cases has been a way of life for generations. Our county fair is a real old-fashioned county fair, with prizes for the best quilt and the best pie and the biggest zucchini. I find it interesting that when Grandma made pickles thirty years ago, they were “Grandma’s pickles.” Now they’ve been given a gloss as “artisanal.” A homemade sweater was a homemade sweater until it was up-classed into a “handknit.” Anyway, I think it’s a wonderful trend, and try to participate as much as I’m able. I find coloring, paper crafts of all sorts, playing the piano, cooking a meal, and walking in the woods to be refreshing respites from long hours at the desk.
I think “artisanal” dovetails nicely with the “indie” trend in music, publishing, film, etc. Through that lens, it’s a great moment in history to be a small, independent, and fast-on-your-feet creative.
Good point, Jenny, to tie the “handmade” side of life today with indie publishing and DIY of all sorts.
I’m not at all surprised at the increasing popularity of illustrated books for adults. Graphic novels (Manga or “comic books”) are hugely popular over most of the world, with the exception of the US, Great Britain, and maybe Australia, where comic books are generally for kids. To put it in perspective, more than one of the most popular serialized Manga sell many millions of copies each and every week in Japan. I have a friend who was a successful commercial comic artist (Archie Magazine, Muppets, etc.). Then he was called to travel around the world with fellow Christian comic professionals to teach local artists how to produce professional-quality graphic novels and pamphlets for evangelizing their own cultures. Comix35 is the ministry, in case anyone is interested in checking them out. It will be interesting to see if the visual trend in the US leads the reading public to become more like the international community.
My college-age daughter took an adult coloring book on our last >3000 mile camping trip. She colored in the truck when the scenery was less interesting. She finds coloring very relaxing. I do, too, but I don’t do much because it is an addictive time-suck. I’m one of those people who can get lost in filling in the As, Os, Bs, and any other closed-in letter during telephone conversations.
Carol, it is interesting that US adults haven’t gravitated more to comic books, isn’t it? Maybe Japan has a larger young-adult population? Movies based on comic book characters certainly are popular here, though.
Content is unlike our kid’s comics.They are aimed at adult interests of all ages, and they range from romances to action novels to, unfortunately, porn. Anything that might be in a print-only book here might be found in a graphic novel in Japan.
My daughter turned 14 yesterday, and one of the gifts we gave her was an adult coloring book. When she opened it up, she seemed kinda interested. Then I told her that we’d remembered she had a really nice colored pencil set that would work well with it and that I was thinking of getting a book for myself and she and I could color together. Her eyes lit up at that. So I’m ordering myself a coloring book today. 🙂
I hadn’t thought that the coloring books were the reason adult sales were up, but I think you’re onto something there. Personally, I know I’m buying a hair more print books now than I was a year or two ago. My reasoning is twofold: 1) income is up and I can afford to buy some more expensive print books. 2) I’ve found some new authors that I love to death. Their covers are gorgeous and I’ve decided I want to read all of their books in print so I can enjoy the cover and reread them when I need that comfort read. I do wonder if now that ebooks have been out awhile and the novelty is gone–and since we’re used to frequent ebook sales–if others aren’t doing the same thing, buying favorite authors in print instead of ebooks.
Sally, I agree that avid readers want physical copies of books they love. They like to scan the bookshelves and recall each wonderful reading experience, which is tough to do with one’s digital library.
Your point about income not being as tight is an interesting one and could be true for many. It makes sense that book lovers would want to spend the extra on a physical book.
Thanks for your post on these trends, Janet. I believe “creation” is in our nature, and the coloring books for adults are the latest expression of that in our culture. Here’s to printed books!
We do all long to create–some in many ways, some in just a few. But it brings joy to us when we engage that part of our brains and hearts.
I think the publishing industry focuses on “fighting the last war” and over-specializing the reasons something fails or succeeds, instead of trying to generalize and expand an idea that succeeded. Great, coloring books are big now. I like the idea of generalizing that to journaling, as in the bible you mentioned. I’ve been told that enhanced content ebooks don’t work, all based on a specific book that started to loose sales several years ago. My opinion is that society is becoming more and more visual and interactive, and any good story and media that exploits that — such as coloring books and journaling bibles AND enhanced ebooks with much better reader interfaces and content than was done previously — will open up even more sales.
Anne, I’m not sure why enhanced ebooks haven’t worked. Several publishers have tried variations on them, but readers seem to want to read in a linear fashion, not be diverted onto different paths as they read. So some creative version of enhanced books needs to be devised. Once that nut is cracked, other publishers will imitate what worked.
How interesting. I read about the adult coloring book craze and thought it was cool. I love to draw and have a creative bent so this makes sense to me. When I was teaching, I capitalized on this to aid the visual learner. I agree with others’ comments, I also think people have a hungering for the”earthy,” back to nature feel and like warm tones and that which is peaceful as stated earlier. It’s why I like candles and mood music after a long day. About the electronic book vs paper, I find I will buy a paperback copy of a book I like even if I already have it as an ebook. Then it is used to refer back to or to read more than once. When I don’t care for the book, I’m glad I didn’t spend the money on a paperback copy.
Norma, you’ve expressed the sentiment that surveys reflect as well. A loved ebook often results in the purchase of a print version.
Good point about candles and music. Both are soothing after a high-tech day.