Sales of religious books saw a sharp decrease in January, while overall book sales decreased by 0.7% to $814.9 million and were down by 0.7% for the year, according to the Association of American Publishers (AAP).

The month's sales for religious books were down 14.6% to $42.2 million, also a 14.6% decline compared to January 2009. For the first time in a year, sales of religious books saw a small increase in December, as the category had been on a steady decline since January 2009.

The bright spot in the AAP report was e-book sales, which continued to rise in January, with sales of $31.9 million for the month--reflecting an increase of 261.2% for January and the same percentage increase compared to January 2009.

The Adult Hardcover category dipped 8.1% in January with sales of $55.6 million, and sales were down by 8.1% compared to January 2009. Adult Paperback sales increased by 0.8% for the month--posting $103.2 million in sales--and were up by 0.8% compared to last January.

The Children's/Young Adult Hardcover category decreased by 41.6% for the month with sales of $31.7 million, and sales were down by 41.6% compared to January 2009. The Paperback category for the same age decreased by 18.1% in January with sales totaling $30.7 million, and sales were down by 18.1% compared to last January.

Audiobook sales increased 5% in January--with sales totaling $10.6 million--and the category's sales were up by 5% compared to January 2009.

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