The print book has survived, the e-book has plateaued and the audio book is a hit with achievement-oriented young men, Spectrum editor ShonaMartyn takes a look at book trends of the decade
have spurred producers to actively seek book properties with a track record rather than generate new material; Moriarty's large backlist surged when she was discovered by TV viewers. But the increasing proportion of sales going to the bestsellers has been at the expense of many other books that have failed to reach expectations, disappointing their authors and prompting profit-focused publishing companies to become more risk-averse.
The remaining Australian chains, such as Dymocks, and a strong independent bookselling sector have fought to maintain their customer bases with lively in-store events and their own online retailing. Sydney online retailer Booktopia, founded 2004, saw sales reach over $130 million in the 2019 financial year, attracting both city-based online shoppers and those in regional areas without easy access to physical bookstores.
An unexpected new market for audiobooks has been found in achievement-oriented young men who listen to business and self-improvement titles on the treadmill at the gym, often at 1.5 times speed to maximise their time. Audio retailer Audible is now commissioning Australian authors to write original fiction audiobooks.The most surprising trend of the decade was the adult colouring book phenomenon of 2015 and 2016, which purported to encourage mindfulness.
Bestselling children's book author Andy Griffiths, right, and illustrator Terry Denton have ridden the growth of their category.
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