Sales of religious books significantly rose in May—the fifth month in a row of increases for the category, according to the Association of American Publishers (AAP).

Compared to the same period last year, May's sales for religious books—in all print and digital formats—increased 21.6% to $49.7 million, that followed a 2.5% hike to $48.5 million in April, a 27.4% jump to $63.5 million in March and a 5.5% increase to $48.5 million in February.

Religious books sales' year-to-date were $252.5 million—a 10.8% increase compared to the same period in 2010, when sales were $227.8 million.

The biggest growth in the AAP report, however, was e-book sales, which continued to rise in May—reflecting a year-to-date increase of 160.1% to $389.7 million, compared to the same period in 2010, when sales were $149.8 million.

Based on data from 93 publishers, the categories of e-books, downloaded audiobooks and religious books saw revenue gains in May this year compared to May 2010, according AAP.

Click here for more information.

• Prev
• Next