Religious book sales have continued their rise, according to the latest monthly figures from the Association of American Publishers (AAP). Sales were reported to the AAP by 77 publishers, including 22 religion publishers.

Religious book sales were up 6.9% in November net sales over the same month last year, to $56.2 million, and up nearly 9% year-to-date over 2010 ($592.7 million).

Major categories that made gains in November were children’s/young adult hardcover (up 38% to $87.2 million, down 6% year-to-date to $594.8 million); e-books (up nearly 66% in November to $77.3 million and up 123.4% year-to-date to $885 million); and downloaded audiobooks (up 10.3% for November to $7.2 million and nearly 26% year-to-date to 89.5 million). Audiobooks, however, were down 1% for the month and down 9.4% year-to-date.

Major trade categories that saw losses were children’s/young adult paperback, down nearly 8% to $36.8 million and down 12.5% year-to-date to $432.9 million; adult hardcovers down nearly 21% for the month and down nearly 19% for the 11-month period; adult paperbacks down 3.7% for the month and 16% year-to-date; and mass market down 56.4% for the month and down 35.4% year-to-date.

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

Editor's Note: The children's market figures were corrected since original publication and upon receipt of new information from AAP.

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