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New Report shows massive increase in self-publishing

12 September 2016

Bowker has published a huge report on self-publishing in the US and, although the detailed figures are rather dry, some of the conclusions are quite explosive in their picture of a rapidly growing self-publishing scene. And where America goes, other countries tend to follow, although not at a uniform speed.

The figures cover the years from 2010 to 2015 and here are the researchers' main conclusions:

  1. Since 2010 the number of ISBNs for self-published titles has increased by over 375%.
  2. During the year from 2014 to 2015 self-published titles have increased by over 21%.
  3. In 2010 152,978 ISBNs were assigned to self-published titles, but by 2015 it was 727,125.
  4. More writers are taking advantage of traditional publishing houses and self-publishing.
  5. Libraries and booksellers are seeking opportunities to offer more self-published content.
  6. The number of self-publishing authors topping prominent bestseller lists is on the rise.

This explosive picture of a rapidly growing self-publishing scene shows the bare bones of what is happening.

Next week we'll look at some of the implications of these changes for authors.

Bowker Report on Self-Publishing in the United States 201-2015

 

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