A just-released initial analysis of a survey of independent publishers in the UK finds that, in spite of the tough business conditions worldwide in almost all sectors (and specifically in independent publishing):
- Nearly a quarter (23%) of those surveyed reported significant growth of 11% or more. An additional 30% increased their sales in the UK in their most recent 12-month accounting periods. But 24% have seen a decline in sales, with the remainder keeping sales broadly level year-on-year.
- In the rest of the world, sales for the UK independent publishers who were surveyed increased year-on-year for 47% and fell for 21%. A third (32%) increased their licensing and co-edition sales, while 14% recorded a drop.
- Nearly all (95%) now generate sales outside the UK. More than two thirds (69%) sell rights, including licensing and co-editions.
- Recent growth has been notably higher in frontlist sales than backlist, while ebook and audiobook are in line with general trends in publishing as a whole.
- Nearly half (45%) said first-time authors provided more than 20% of their new titles in their latest financial year.
Astonishingly, figures apparently to be released at the Frankfurt Book Fair are expected to show that the worldwide performance of publishing as a whole is impressive. I will respond to those figures as soon as I can.