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Book Numbers and Trends as Reported by Bowker:
2011 Estimates Show 4,198 New Book Titles and Editions Per Day!

Bowker, the global leader in bibliographic information, released its annual report on U. S. print book publishing for 2011, compiled from its Books In Print® database. Based on preliminary figures from U.S. publishers, Bowker is projecting that traditional print book output grew six percent in 2011, from 328,259 titles in 2010 to a projected 347,178 in 2011, driven almost exclusively by a strong self-publishing market. This is the most significant expansion in more than four years for America’s traditional publishing sector, but removing self-publishing from the equation would show that the market is relatively flat from 2010.

They also reported that 2011 projected New Book Titles and Editions for non traditional books (defined largely as reprints, often public domain, and other titles printed on-demand) totaled 1,185,445! Combined with the 347,178 for traditionally printed books, the estimated total of New Book Titles and Editions for 2011 is 1,532,623. That is an average of 4,198 per day for the U.S. alone!

“Transformation of our industry has brought on a time of rich innovation in the publishing models we now have today. What was once relegated to the outskirts of our industry—and even took on demeaning names like ‘vanity press’ is now not only a viable alternative but what is driving the title growth of our industry today,” said Kelly Gallagher, Vice-President, Bowker Market Research. “From that standpoint, self-publishing is a true legitimate power to be reckoned with. Coupled with the explosive growth of e-books and digital content – these two forces are moving the industry in dramatic ways.”

Genres that contributed to the robust growth in the Traditional sector include:

Education, 20%

Music 14%

Philosophy & Psychology 14%

Religion 12%

Juveniles 11%

Biography 11%

Business 11%

Fiction–the largest genre–turned around a multi-year decline with a notable 13% increase

Bowker is the world’s leading provider of bibliographic information and management solutions designed to help publishers, booksellers, and libraries better serve their customers. Creators of products and services that make books easier for people to discover, evaluate, order, and experience, the company also generates research and resources for publishers, helping them understand and meet the interests of readers worldwide. Bowker, an affiliated business of ProQuest and the official ISBN Agency for the United States and its territories, is headquartered in New Providence, New Jersey with additional operations in England and Australia.