Religious books were the only major print category for trade books to see sales growth this year in the U.S., according to the latest figures from the Association of American Publishers (AAP).

Religious book sales were up 12.4% in October over the same month last year, to $65.7 million, and up 9% year-to-date over 2010 ($535.4 million).

The only other major categories to make gains were e-books (up 81.2% in October to $72.8 million and 131.1% year-to-date to $807.7 million); downloaded audiobooks (15.6% increase for October and 27.5% year-to-date); and audiobooks (0.7% increase for October but down 10.6% year-to-date).

All the other major trade categories tracked in sales reported to the AAP by 80 publishers saw losses. Adult hardcovers were down 16.9% for October and 18.3% for the 10-month period. Adult paperbacks were down 18.2% and 16.8%, respectively, and mass market dropped 37.6% for the month and 33.7% year-to-date.

Of more than a dozen categories tracked—also including higher education and professional—“other” sales not counted elsewhere rose 39.9% in October (to $3.4 million) and 20.1% year-to-date ($30.4 million).

Among Christian publishers reporting to the AAP were Crossway, David C Cook, InterVarsity Press, Moody Publishers, NavPress, Thomas Nelson and Tyndale House Publishers.

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