Survey: In 2017, 1 in 2 readers chose audiobooks and e-books

According to an online survey conducted by Editura ACT si Politon, in 2017 half of the readers polled chose audiobooks and e-books.

The survey, conducted among 362.935 readers shows that online sales on the audiobook and e-book segment reached 51 percent of the total book sales in 2017.

According to the same study, those who purchase e-books and audiobooks are mainly men – 65 percent – aged 35-44 who live in urban areas and are active on social media and are involved in environment protection and volunteering, use alternative means of transportation and have an average income. They spend, on average, RON 60 on each purchase.

Most books sold in 2017 by ACT si Politon belong to the personal development area, 50 percent, followed by business sector books, namely 30 percent. Sales of books relating to spirituality and meditation represented 18 percent, and classic literature represented 2 percent.

“In 2017 we continued the strategy of publishing new titles in the fields of interest for the public both in electronic as well as in classic format. There is a strong appetite for fields such as personal development and business, and ACT si Politon publishing house aimed to publish in Romanian bestselling titles in these fields, even in audiobook format, which can exceed 20 hours. The increase in online sales shows a preference of consumers for online orders and is a consequence of investment made in new titles,” Adrian Hotoiu, the publishing house’s founder said.