According to Association of American Publishers (AAP) sales figures, adult hardcover sales decreased 6.5 percent in October compared to the same period last year–sales in this category totaled $242.9 million for the month. In September, the same category saw a 40 percent decrease in sales.
The complete release is embedded below, but here’s an encouraging excerpt: “In the children’s book category, Hardcover Children’s/YA sales showed an increase of 13.9 percent over October of last year with sales of $100 million; however, year-to-date sales decreased by 11.1 percent. Children’s/YA Paperback sales are down by 3.3 percent in October with sales totaling $50.9 million; sales fell 6.5 percent for the year to date.”
UPDATE: Check out our Best YA Books of 2010 sampler for some more reading. Overall book sales marked a slight decrease of 0.9 percent compared to the same period last year. Overall sales totaled $721 million for the month. eBookNewser has more about dramatic increases in eBook sales.