Results from the AAP's monthly sales report shows that total book sales rose 6.5% in 2005. Sales are based on reports from 74 publishers, and adjusted figures encompassing the entire industry will be released later this year.

As expected, sales in the children's hardcover segment had the strongest year, up 59.6%. Sales in the elhi segment also had double-digit gains, at 10.5%, led by a 12.6% increase in basal sales.

The religious segment had a surprisingly weak 2005, and sales were off in the university press and professional segments.

AAP Sales Report

Category % Change December % Change YTD
(Measured in $ sales against same time periods, 2004)
Adult Hardcover 20.1% 1.4%
Adult Paperback 20.9 9.5
Adult Mass Market -15.6 0.2
Juvenile Hardcover -13.2 59.6
Juvenile Paperback 34.7 10.6
Audio Books 44.7 29.0
Electronic Books 28.4 44.8
Religious Books -3.8 -6.1
Higher Education 6.0 5.3
Univ. Pr. Hardcover -38.4 -32.2
Univ. Pr. Paperback 3.3 -5.5
Professional 11.6 -1.0
Elhi 2.2 10.5
Other -36.8 -4.9
Total 7.0 6.5