The audiobook industry has been experiencing unparalleled growth over the course of the last two years. The Association of American Publishers has just released their monthly report and the audiobook sales increased by over 42% in February 2016.
Digital audiobooks also increased 37% in January over the same period last year, according to the AAP. Audible, the biggest producer and retailer of audiobooks, says its customers around the world are on track to listen to 2 billion hours of programming this year. The company, which added Italy to its portfolio in May, now offers audiobooks in seven countries.
I am sad to report that in February e-book sales have continued to decrease and sales were down 18%, but print is doing well. Hardcovers grew 4% and paperbacks increased by 9%.
Michael Kozlowski has been writing about audiobooks and e-readers for the past twelve years. His articles have been picked up by major and local news sources and websites such as the CBC, CNET, Engadget, Huffington Post and the New York Times. He Lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.