GITNUXREPORT 2025

Books On Statistics

Books On highlights global publishing growth, digital shift, rising self-publishing trends.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The average American spends about 10 hours per week reading

Statistic 2

The average price of a printed book in the U.S. is around $15

Statistic 3

About 70% of books are sold through physical bookstores, with the remaining 30% via online platforms

Statistic 4

The most popular book format in 2022 was hardcover, comprising about 45% of book sales

Statistic 5

Over 50% of books are purchased as gifts during the holiday season, especially around Christmas and Mother’s Day

Statistic 6

The average age of a book buyer in the U.S. is 44 years old

Statistic 7

The average time spent by readers on a single book varies from 6 to 8 hours for most fiction titles

Statistic 8

The percentage of adults who have read a book in the last year is approximately 75% in the U.S.

Statistic 9

The average number of books read by avid readers in one year is about 20 titles

Statistic 10

The average shelf space dedicated to books in American homes is approximately 50 square feet

Statistic 11

A typical independent bookstore sells about 2,000 to 3,000 books annually

Statistic 12

The average length of a published novel is around 80,000 to 100,000 words

Statistic 13

The percentage of e-book readers who prefer digital over print is roughly 60%

Statistic 14

The average number of pages in a non-fiction book is about 250 pages

Statistic 15

The most common age group for readers purchasing fantasy books is between 18-34 years old

Statistic 16

The use of social media by authors to promote their books increased by 65% between 2018 and 2022

Statistic 17

The percentage of households with at least one book in their home is approximately 85%, indicating widespread access to books

Statistic 18

The most popular day for book sales in the U.S. is around Christmas, with sales spikes occurring from late November to early January

Statistic 19

The average shelf life of a bestselling book in a retail store is approximately 8 weeks before being replaced or discounted

Statistic 20

The percentage of audiobooks purchased via subscription services increased to over 50% in 2022, showing a shift in consumer behavior

Statistic 21

The number of bookstores closing globally increased by 15% between 2015 and 2020, but new independent stores opened during the same period, indicating industry resilience

Statistic 22

The average length of time a book remains on a bestseller list is about 4 weeks, though some stay for over 6 months, indicating varying levels of popularity

Statistic 23

The average number of editions for a popular book is around 5 to 7, reflecting ongoing demand and reprints

Statistic 24

The number of book reviews on major platforms like Goodreads increased by over 30% from 2018 to 2022, impacting sales and marketing strategies

Statistic 25

The average price of a textbook in the U.S. is over $120, leading to concerns about affordability for students

Statistic 26

The growth in audiobooks sales is strongly linked to the popularity of smartphones and mobile devices, with over 80% of audiobook consumers using smartphones to listen

Statistic 27

The average duration of a book reading session for leisure readers is about 1.5 hours per sitting, indicating the typical engagement period

Statistic 28

The percentage of adults who have a library card is over 60% in the U.S., indicating high library engagement

Statistic 29

The average lifespan of a book on a bestseller list varies from 4 weeks to over 6 months, depending on genre and marketing efforts

Statistic 30

The most common reason for reading a book among adults is for entertainment, cited by over 65% of respondents

Statistic 31

E-books accounted for around 20% of the total book market sales in 2022

Statistic 32

Over 60% of publishers now incorporate digital marketing strategies to reach audiences

Statistic 33

Over 80% of publishers believe that book piracy is a significant threat to the industry

Statistic 34

The proportion of books published in digital format has surpassed print in some academic fields, notably in STEM, with over 55% of new academic publications being digital

Statistic 35

The use of augmented reality (AR) in children’s books is increasing, with about 15% of new children’s books incorporating AR features in 2023

Statistic 36

The rise of print-on-demand technology has reduced the number of unsold books by approximately 25% for publishers, facilitating more sustainable practices

Statistic 37

Over 90% of school libraries in the U.S. subscribe to digital resources, including e-books and online databases, to supplement print collections

Statistic 38

The top-selling book genre globally is fiction, with a market share of over 35%

Statistic 39

The bestseller list compiled by The New York Times is considered one of the most influential in publishing industry

Statistic 40

The most searched-for books on Google in 2022 were primarily fiction, with "The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig topping the list

Statistic 41

The percentage of self-help and personal development books published has increased by over 40% since 2015, reflecting growing interest in self-improvement

Statistic 42

The most frequently gifted book in the United States in 2022 was "Where the Crawdads Sing," by Delia Owens

Statistic 43

The average number of editions per best-selling series is about 8 to 12, indicating sustained popularity and continued sales

Statistic 44

The global book publishing industry was valued at approximately $122 billion in 2022

Statistic 45

Over 2.2 million new titles are published annually worldwide

Statistic 46

The United States has the highest number of published titles annually, with over 300,000 new titles in 2022

Statistic 47

The average bestseller sells around 5,000 copies

Statistic 48

The rise of audiobooks has increased the market share of audiobook sales by over 25% in 2022

Statistic 49

In 2022, the U.S. accounted for approximately 40% of the global digital book market

Statistic 50

Children’s books represent about 30% of the book industry’s revenue in the U.S.

Statistic 51

The largest online book retailer, Amazon, sold over 4.2 billion books in 2022

Statistic 52

Book piracy affects an estimated 10% of the global book market, leading to significant revenue loss

Statistic 53

The number of libraries worldwide surpassed 350,000 in 2020, with the most in the United States

Statistic 54

The global print book industry sector is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.5% from 2023 to 2028

Statistic 55

The U.K. has approximately 1,600 independent bookstores currently operating

Statistic 56

Book clubs have grown in popularity, with over 10 million memberships in the U.S. alone in 2022

Statistic 57

The average royalty rate for authors traditionally published is approximately 10-15% of the retail price

Statistic 58

The highest-paid author in 2023 was J.K. Rowling, earning estimated royalties of over $75 million

Statistic 59

In 2022, around 50% of books were translated into other languages, expanding their global reach

Statistic 60

The majority of children’s books are purchased by parents, grandparents, and educators, accounting for over 70% of sales

Statistic 61

The top 5 languages in which books are published globally are English, Chinese, Spanish, German, and French, with English being dominant

Statistic 62

The global audiobook market is projected to reach $15 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of 24%

Statistic 63

The number of new books published in China has increased by over 200% in the past decade, making it one of the largest markets

Statistic 64

The average revenue per publisher in the United States is approximately $2 million annually

Statistic 65

The average profitability margin for major publishing houses is around 10%, with indie publishers often operating at lower margins

Statistic 66

The global library market, including public and academic libraries, is valued at over $90 billion

Statistic 67

The average number of new book releases per publisher per year is around 150 titles, illustrating diversity in publishing

Statistic 68

In developing countries, literacy rates influence book sales significantly, with countries like India having a literacy rate above 74%, impacting local publishing industries

Statistic 69

The global demand for educational textbooks is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5% from 2023 to 2028, driven by expanding education systems worldwide

Statistic 70

The number of literary festivals worldwide exceeds 1,000 annually, promoting readership and book sales

Statistic 71

The largest contributor to book piracy is countries with weak enforcement of intellectual property rights, like some regions in Southeast Asia and Africa

Statistic 72

The most expensive book ever sold was a rare copy of the Codex Leicester by Leonardo da Vinci, which sold for $30.8 million in 1994

Statistic 73

The number of published translations worldwide increased by 25% over the last decade, promoting cross-cultural exchanges

Statistic 74

The total number of pages published annually is estimated to be over 3 billion pages, representing the immense volume of global publishing activity

Statistic 75

About 15% of the global book trade occurs in the form of used books, which circulate primarily through independent stores and online marketplaces

Statistic 76

University presses publish approximately 10,000 new titles annually, focusing on scholarly works

Statistic 77

The number of literary awards worldwide exceeds 200 annually, boosting visibility for authors and publishers

Statistic 78

The use of environmentally sustainable practices in book manufacturing has increased by 30% over the past five years, with more publishers adopting eco-friendly materials

Statistic 79

The percentage of bilingual books published has risen by 20% over the last decade, fostering linguistic diversity

Statistic 80

The average return rate for books in retail stores is around 15%, often due to unsold copies or damaged stock

Statistic 81

The book industry’s workforce employment is estimated at around 1 million jobs globally, covering roles from authors to distributors

Statistic 82

The volume of audiobooks available on major platforms increased by 50% between 2020 and 2022, indicating rapid growth

Statistic 83

The total revenue generated from merchandise related to popular book franchises exceeds $5 billion annually, combining books, movies, and collectibles

Statistic 84

The global demand for graphic novels and manga is growing rapidly, with an annual growth rate of around 12%, driven by younger audiences

Statistic 85

The number of special edition and collector’s edition books has increased by 30% over the past five years, catering to enthusiasts

Statistic 86

The number of self-published books increased by 437% between 2007 and 2020

Statistic 87

About 25% of books published are by debut authors, highlighting the importance of new voices

Statistic 88

Around 40% of new authors achieve their first sale within the first three months of publication, highlighting the importance of marketing and visibility

Statistic 89

The number of new indie authors publishing in 2023 increased by approximately 20% compared to 2022, reflecting the rise of self-publishing platforms

Slide 1 of 89

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Key Highlights

The global book publishing industry was valued at approximately $122 billion in 2022
The average American spends about 10 hours per week reading
E-books accounted for around 20% of the total book market sales in 2022
The top-selling book genre globally is fiction, with a market share of over 35%
The number of self-published books increased by 437% between 2007 and 2020
The average price of a printed book in the U.S. is around $15
Over 2.2 million new titles are published annually worldwide
The United States has the highest number of published titles annually, with over 300,000 new titles in 2022
About 70% of books are sold through physical bookstores, with the remaining 30% via online platforms
The average bestseller sells around 5,000 copies
The rise of audiobooks has increased the market share of audiobook sales by over 25% in 2022
In 2022, the U.S. accounted for approximately 40% of the global digital book market
Children’s books represent about 30% of the book industry’s revenue in the U.S.

With a global industry valued at over $122 billion in 2022 and a surge in digital, self-published, and genre-specific titles, the world of books is more vibrant and dynamic than ever, reflecting a passionate readership that spans centuries, formats, and cultures.

Consumer Reading Behavior and Preferences

The average American spends about 10 hours per week reading
The average price of a printed book in the U.S. is around $15
About 70% of books are sold through physical bookstores, with the remaining 30% via online platforms
The most popular book format in 2022 was hardcover, comprising about 45% of book sales
Over 50% of books are purchased as gifts during the holiday season, especially around Christmas and Mother’s Day
The average age of a book buyer in the U.S. is 44 years old
The average time spent by readers on a single book varies from 6 to 8 hours for most fiction titles
The percentage of adults who have read a book in the last year is approximately 75% in the U.S.
The average number of books read by avid readers in one year is about 20 titles
The average shelf space dedicated to books in American homes is approximately 50 square feet
A typical independent bookstore sells about 2,000 to 3,000 books annually
The average length of a published novel is around 80,000 to 100,000 words
The percentage of e-book readers who prefer digital over print is roughly 60%
The average number of pages in a non-fiction book is about 250 pages
The most common age group for readers purchasing fantasy books is between 18-34 years old
The use of social media by authors to promote their books increased by 65% between 2018 and 2022
The percentage of households with at least one book in their home is approximately 85%, indicating widespread access to books
The most popular day for book sales in the U.S. is around Christmas, with sales spikes occurring from late November to early January
The average shelf life of a bestselling book in a retail store is approximately 8 weeks before being replaced or discounted
The percentage of audiobooks purchased via subscription services increased to over 50% in 2022, showing a shift in consumer behavior
The number of bookstores closing globally increased by 15% between 2015 and 2020, but new independent stores opened during the same period, indicating industry resilience
The average length of time a book remains on a bestseller list is about 4 weeks, though some stay for over 6 months, indicating varying levels of popularity
The average number of editions for a popular book is around 5 to 7, reflecting ongoing demand and reprints
The number of book reviews on major platforms like Goodreads increased by over 30% from 2018 to 2022, impacting sales and marketing strategies
The average price of a textbook in the U.S. is over $120, leading to concerns about affordability for students
The growth in audiobooks sales is strongly linked to the popularity of smartphones and mobile devices, with over 80% of audiobook consumers using smartphones to listen
The average duration of a book reading session for leisure readers is about 1.5 hours per sitting, indicating the typical engagement period
The percentage of adults who have a library card is over 60% in the U.S., indicating high library engagement
The average lifespan of a book on a bestseller list varies from 4 weeks to over 6 months, depending on genre and marketing efforts
The most common reason for reading a book among adults is for entertainment, cited by over 65% of respondents

Consumer Reading Behavior and Preferences Interpretation

Given the data, it's clear that Americans are increasingly turning to books—whether physical or digital—for entertainment and knowledge, with a resilient independent bookstore scene maintaining its charm despite a 15% global decline, illustrating that even in a digital age, the age-old allure of a good book still holds steady on roughly 50 square feet of our homes.

Digital and E-book Publishing Trends

E-books accounted for around 20% of the total book market sales in 2022
Over 60% of publishers now incorporate digital marketing strategies to reach audiences
Over 80% of publishers believe that book piracy is a significant threat to the industry
The proportion of books published in digital format has surpassed print in some academic fields, notably in STEM, with over 55% of new academic publications being digital
The use of augmented reality (AR) in children’s books is increasing, with about 15% of new children’s books incorporating AR features in 2023
The rise of print-on-demand technology has reduced the number of unsold books by approximately 25% for publishers, facilitating more sustainable practices
Over 90% of school libraries in the U.S. subscribe to digital resources, including e-books and online databases, to supplement print collections

Digital and E-book Publishing Trends Interpretation

The rapidly evolving landscape of publishing, with digital sales surpassing print in STEM fields, AR revolutionizing children’s books, and digital resources dominating educational libraries, underscores a digital transformation that publishers must navigate swiftly—balancing innovation with the ever-present threat of piracy while embracing sustainable, data-driven strategies.

Genre Popularity and Market Share

The top-selling book genre globally is fiction, with a market share of over 35%
The bestseller list compiled by The New York Times is considered one of the most influential in publishing industry
The most searched-for books on Google in 2022 were primarily fiction, with "The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig topping the list
The percentage of self-help and personal development books published has increased by over 40% since 2015, reflecting growing interest in self-improvement
The most frequently gifted book in the United States in 2022 was "Where the Crawdads Sing," by Delia Owens
The average number of editions per best-selling series is about 8 to 12, indicating sustained popularity and continued sales

Genre Popularity and Market Share Interpretation

While fiction continues to dominate over a third of the global book market and the most searched titles and bestsellers reflect a thirst for escapism and self-improvement, the steady rise in editions per series and the popularity of self-help books reveal a paradox: readers crave both immersive worlds and ways to better themselves—highlighting that in publishing, as in statistics, the trend is to measure both quantity and quality with equal zeal.

Market Size and Industry Valuation

The global book publishing industry was valued at approximately $122 billion in 2022
Over 2.2 million new titles are published annually worldwide
The United States has the highest number of published titles annually, with over 300,000 new titles in 2022
The average bestseller sells around 5,000 copies
The rise of audiobooks has increased the market share of audiobook sales by over 25% in 2022
In 2022, the U.S. accounted for approximately 40% of the global digital book market
Children’s books represent about 30% of the book industry’s revenue in the U.S.
The largest online book retailer, Amazon, sold over 4.2 billion books in 2022
Book piracy affects an estimated 10% of the global book market, leading to significant revenue loss
The number of libraries worldwide surpassed 350,000 in 2020, with the most in the United States
The global print book industry sector is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.5% from 2023 to 2028
The U.K. has approximately 1,600 independent bookstores currently operating
Book clubs have grown in popularity, with over 10 million memberships in the U.S. alone in 2022
The average royalty rate for authors traditionally published is approximately 10-15% of the retail price
The highest-paid author in 2023 was J.K. Rowling, earning estimated royalties of over $75 million
In 2022, around 50% of books were translated into other languages, expanding their global reach
The majority of children’s books are purchased by parents, grandparents, and educators, accounting for over 70% of sales
The top 5 languages in which books are published globally are English, Chinese, Spanish, German, and French, with English being dominant
The global audiobook market is projected to reach $15 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of 24%
The number of new books published in China has increased by over 200% in the past decade, making it one of the largest markets
The average revenue per publisher in the United States is approximately $2 million annually
The average profitability margin for major publishing houses is around 10%, with indie publishers often operating at lower margins
The global library market, including public and academic libraries, is valued at over $90 billion
The average number of new book releases per publisher per year is around 150 titles, illustrating diversity in publishing
In developing countries, literacy rates influence book sales significantly, with countries like India having a literacy rate above 74%, impacting local publishing industries
The global demand for educational textbooks is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5% from 2023 to 2028, driven by expanding education systems worldwide
The number of literary festivals worldwide exceeds 1,000 annually, promoting readership and book sales
The largest contributor to book piracy is countries with weak enforcement of intellectual property rights, like some regions in Southeast Asia and Africa
The most expensive book ever sold was a rare copy of the Codex Leicester by Leonardo da Vinci, which sold for $30.8 million in 1994
The number of published translations worldwide increased by 25% over the last decade, promoting cross-cultural exchanges
The total number of pages published annually is estimated to be over 3 billion pages, representing the immense volume of global publishing activity
About 15% of the global book trade occurs in the form of used books, which circulate primarily through independent stores and online marketplaces
University presses publish approximately 10,000 new titles annually, focusing on scholarly works
The number of literary awards worldwide exceeds 200 annually, boosting visibility for authors and publishers
The use of environmentally sustainable practices in book manufacturing has increased by 30% over the past five years, with more publishers adopting eco-friendly materials
The percentage of bilingual books published has risen by 20% over the last decade, fostering linguistic diversity
The average return rate for books in retail stores is around 15%, often due to unsold copies or damaged stock
The book industry’s workforce employment is estimated at around 1 million jobs globally, covering roles from authors to distributors
The volume of audiobooks available on major platforms increased by 50% between 2020 and 2022, indicating rapid growth
The total revenue generated from merchandise related to popular book franchises exceeds $5 billion annually, combining books, movies, and collectibles
The global demand for graphic novels and manga is growing rapidly, with an annual growth rate of around 12%, driven by younger audiences
The number of special edition and collector’s edition books has increased by 30% over the past five years, catering to enthusiasts

Market Size and Industry Valuation Interpretation

Despite a booming industry valued at $122 billion in 2022 and over 2.2 million new titles annually, the global book market navigates piracy, employed diversity, and the rising tide of audiobooks and digital media—proving that in publishing, as in life, the story continues to evolve both creatively and commercially.

Self-Publishing and Independent Authors

The number of self-published books increased by 437% between 2007 and 2020
About 25% of books published are by debut authors, highlighting the importance of new voices
Around 40% of new authors achieve their first sale within the first three months of publication, highlighting the importance of marketing and visibility
The number of new indie authors publishing in 2023 increased by approximately 20% compared to 2022, reflecting the rise of self-publishing platforms

Self-Publishing and Independent Authors Interpretation

Amid a surge that saw self-published books soar by 437% and new indie authors flooding the market, the evolving landscape underscores how digital platforms empower fresh voices—though success still hinges on visibility and strategic marketing.