U.S. publishing revenue rises sharply

The American publishing industry reported an 8.9% year-on-year increase in net revenue for August 2026, reaching $1.2 billion, according to the Association of American Publishers (AAP). This growth was driven by several segments, particularly trade books for the general public.

General public books drive growth

Trade books for the general public saw the fastest growth, rising 12.5%, driven primarily by paper formats. Paperbacks generated $333.3 million, up 17.6% compared to the previous year, while hardcovers accounted for $320.2 million, a 13.8% increase.

Ebook revenue declines, digital audio rises

Ebooks, however, experienced a 5.7% decline in revenue, totaling $83.9 million, while digital audio revenue grew by 12.6%, reaching $105.4 million. Over eight months, digital audio revenue reached $806.3 million, compared to $685.1 million for ebooks.

Religious and professional publishing see gains

Religious publishers saw an 11% increase in August, reaching $85.3 million, while professional and scientific publishing grew by 8% to $29.6 million. Educational resources for schools and higher education declined by 2.8%, to $256.8 million, though the cumulative growth for the year remained positive at 1.8%.

International publishing faces challenges

In Brazil, the debate over book discounts has intensified, with publishers and booksellers divided on how to respond to Amazon's influence, while the Lei Cortez bill remains pending in the Senate. In Argentina, independent bookstores reported a 41.5% decline in real turnover between 2023 and 2026, prompting the Federation of Independent Bookstores (FALPA) to declare a state of emergency and call for government intervention.

Regional market trends vary

In Quebec, the book market continued to grow, but licensed bookstores saw a 2.9% decline in sales, while unlicensed bookstores experienced a 10% increase. In France, the National Book Center (CNL) faces a potential deficit in 2027 despite a stabilized budget, following a 15% reduction in state funding in 2026.

Infrastructure and library issues emerge

The CNL reported a deficit of €5.3 million, partially offset by a withdrawal from working capital. Meanwhile, the Elf Library in Aixe-Sur-Vienne has entered judicial restructuring, and the prison library in Le Havre has been closed since 2023. In Spain, a flood caused by a river overflow damaged the Central Library of Cerdanyola del Vallès, leaving the extent of the damage to its collection unknown.

Public and policy developments

In the United Kingdom, nine out of ten visitors to bookstores reported that their mood improved after visiting, according to a YouGov survey commissioned by the Booksellers Association. In Germany, the Greens proposed long-term public support for small publishers, targeting those with an annual turnover of less than €2 million.

Author and publisher relations shift

In the United States, Sally Rooney's books will no longer be distributed by Faber in the UK due to her financial support for Palestine Action, an organization banned by British authorities. In France, the National Assembly has initiated discussions on the pantheonization of Olympe de Gouges, while the National Book Center has hired Virginie Queste as a national events officer.

Business and legal changes in Argentina

In Argentina, the judicial restructuring of Eilean Books has led to potential acquisitions by Hachette Livre, Média Participations, and Editis.