UK indie publishers make more than half of sales overseas

British independent publishers are generating more than half their revenue from overseas, the Bookseller reports.

The 2023 Independent Publishing Report, from industry group the Independent Publishers Guild (IPG), found that members reported receiving 48% of net sales from the UK, and 52% from exports and rights. More than a quarter (28%) of IPG members’ sales came from digital content. IPG also reported that 19% of members’ 2022 releases were by first-time authors.

The report also focused on returns and end-of-life treatment of books, finding that an average of 35% of returned books are pulped, with 56% put back into stock and 9% donated to charity or otherwise handled.

IPG chief executive Bridget Shine said the figures ‘emphasise how IPG members are properly global and digital-enabled publishers’. ‘They show how highly British publishers’ content is valued around the world, and how even the smallest and newest of independents are innovative and tech-savvy,’ said Shine.

Category: International news