Sales of religious books decreased 9.3% in July, continuing a yearlong trend as overall book sales increased by 2% to $1.54 billion, according to The Association of American Publishers (AAP).

The month's sales for religious books were $42.4 million, with the category's sales down by 8.1% for the year. Sales of religious books have been on the decline, decreasing 22%, 12%, 7.1%, 11.4%, 19% and 9% in June, May, April, March, February and January, respectively.

The bright spot in the AAP report was E-book sales, which continued to rise in July, seeing a 213.5% increase for the month to $16.2 million--reflecting an increase of 173.9% for the year. Audiobook sales increased 3.5% in July-with sales totaling $11.7 million, but the category's year-to-date sales were down by 29.9%.

The Adult Hardcover category was up by 6.9% in July with sales of $88.7 million, but year-to-date sales were down by 15.5%. Adult Paperback sales increased 9% for the month--posting $124 million in sales, but the category was down 11.2% for the year.

The Children's/Young Adult Hardcover category decreased by 5.4% for the month-with sales of $55.8 million, but year-to-date sales were up by 22.2%. The Paperback category for the same age was up by 4.1% in July with sales totaling $58.2 million, and sales rose by 2% for the year.

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