As I Predicted, Book Sales Have Soared And Readers Are Living Our Best Lives

Recently I wrote a blog post about how many new books would be coming out in September, and how this was amazing news for readers. I was excited to see what happened, and now, a few weeks later, we’re seeing the results.

There’s loads of new books out, so we’re able to stock up in anticipation of a second wave and the cold weather that’s coming as we move closer towards autumn. That also means that publishers, authors and publicists are having a great time too, as their figures get a much-needed boost.

As such, it’s been ace for writers and bookshops too, with booksellers reporting record sales over recent weeks, and some even comparing their sales figures to the time when the last Harry Potter novel was released. They’ve seen more readers purchasing books as their favourite authors publish exciting new volumes, either as part of a series or stand alone books.

Everyone from Jo Nesbo through to, of all people, Ant and Dec, have new books out shortly, so there’s something for literally every reader. There is everything from young adult fiction through to thrillers, romances to autobiographies, and beyond. Readers of all ages, abilities and interests will find something that they love in this latest swathe of releases, which has become one of the biggest and most popular of the year so far.

As I mentioned in my previous post about the number of new releases coming out over the coming weeks, it’s clear that increased book reading is one of the few good things to come out this horrendous situation. The pandemic has led to more people reading and, as such, buying books.

With book sales rising, and crime fiction a particular winner in the race towards increased popularity, readers have lots to get their teeth into and keep themselves busy if (read: when) a second wave locks everywhere down again.

Which brings me on to my next point. While book sales are rising now, readers need to continue to prioritise their hobby and invest more of their time on reading over the coming months and years. Reading offers so many benefits to the mind and your wellbeing, as well as your overall view of the world.

Reading widely, and by a range of different authors from all types of backgrounds, helps to broaden your view of the world. It helps you to see everything and understand the perspectives of people from different backgrounds. It also helps you to learn cool new things, and to see the world in a different light.

For writers too, the boost in productivity has helped them to grow and expand their knowledge. I write almost every day in my job, and I find that the more I write, the more I’m able to write. I expand my knowledge with everything I write. You also have to read a lot when you’re researching for articles or books, so you naturally absorb loads of exciting new information.

Creative writers have clearly been knuckling under and being productive during the lockdown, as this spike in new book releases proves. Hopefully, they’ll keep up the momentum and bring us lots of exciting new titles well into next year and even further into the future.

So, in all, I’m happy to hear that more writers are writing and more readers are reading. Or, more accurately, that we’re all buying books to read. When we’ll read them, remains to be seen. I’m excited to see how much our reading habit extends once the pandemic is fully over, and whether or not we continue to make time for solitary pursuits like reading in the long run.