The German e-book market is profitable and for the past few years there is solid growth. Major publishers are responding well to consumer demands that digital prices should be more affordable. According to the German Publishers Association in the first nine months of 2016 the German e-book market increased by 1.7%, yet revenue from ebook sales increased by just 0.1%.
The vast majority of readers in Germany continue to buy hardcovers and paperbacks. Major publishers only see 5.2% of their revenue derive from audiobook and e-book sales. Still, the people who buy e-books tend to be repeat customers. German consumers bought an average of 6 e-books in 2016, which is an increase of 1.8% from 2015.
The average of price of an e-book in Germany in 2016 is €6.60 and one year ago the same title cost €7.00. Obviously prices are coming down so people continue to buy e-books, but for the most part publishers are not making much revenue, but are instead focused on consumer adoption.
Michael Kozlowski is the editor-in-chief at Good e-Reader and has written about audiobooks and e-readers for the past fifteen years. Newspapers and websites such as the CBC, CNET, Engadget, Huffington Post and the New York Times have picked up his articles. He Lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
