According to Lagarder, the parent comply of Hachette & Little Brown, Twilight sales have finally reached a plateau of sorts. According to an article in The Book Seller:
“Lagardère Pubishing saw a 6.5% decline in revenues for the first quarter of 2010, with sales down from €30m to €433m for the period to end-March 2010 after what it described as “the expected erosion in Stephenie Meyer sales”.
Hachette UK said its sales had been “strong” in the first quarter of 2010, with underlying sales across HUK up on 2009 and “considerably ahead of expectation”. This was despite continuing international economic uncertainty, and a fall of 6% in the overall UK market. Hachette UK added that “inevitably, sales of Stephenie Meyer’s backlist have steadied after their phenomenal performance in 2010″.
Business Week is also reporting on the trend.
“Lagardere last year benefitted from the success of Meyer’s vampire-themed “Twilight” novels, published by its Hachette Book Group unit. In 2010 guidance issued in March, the company said its publishing division would see a “return to normal” after brisk sales of “Twilight” books and related products.
Last month, the company fought off a challenge from American activist shareholder Guy Wyser-Pratte, who sought a board seat to force a “strategic review” and changes to a corporate structure that gives Arnaud Lagardere extra powers.”
You can see a bit of the trend on this week’s New York Times Bestseller Lists. The Twilight Graphic novel is in second position in its category(graphic books). The Twilight Saga books are in forth in their category (Children’s series: note there is no YA distinction) behind the House of Night series, Percy Jackson, and Diary of a Whimpy Kid. It should also be noted that The Host paperback edition is in fifth place in its category. So while not gone from the lists, the books do not have their previous stranglehold on the top spots in all categories.
What will really be interesting to watch is how well the Bree Tanner novella performs when it goes on sale June 5th. It will mark the first time any new Twilight specific information has come out in almost two years. How many people will opt for a hardcover version vs. how many people will want the PDF free version.
I already have my Bree Tanner book pre ordered through Amazon. I couldn’t pass up added another SM Hardcover to the collection.
I only even like the Twilight series because of Edwrd, so I’m going with the free online version of the Bree thing. But I don’t think the sales plateau is anything to worry about — she still has a solid career and lots of money
the only reason sales have dropped is because most people have all the books, there are probs only a few in the world who dont actually own a copy now lol
Not surprised it happens to all books. But she’ll sell more after each movie and there great books it will always do well but Stephenie Meyer is a great author were she’ll continue to sell books even if it’s not the Twilight series. And she has enough money to retire her and her kids kids.
If Stephanie fired up her laptop and started writing the next true twilight book (and not a side note thing like the Bree story), sales will go nuts again. Nothing Stephanie ever writes will garner the status of what Twilight has done for her.. she needs to stick with it… and the fans…. millions and millions of them, are hungry for it.
I have all the books, but only Breaking dawn as hard back. Will be getting the others in hardback to add to it. Have also pre ordered my copy of Bree Tanner. Cannot wait. Have to say that I did not like The Host though, just still loving Twilight. Hope she does publish Midnight Sun that would be the icing on the cake
:):):)
Some of the profit is goin to charity so I’m buyin my copy
Ooh that’s a good point, I’ll have to think about this more.
I pre-ordered my Bree book to go on my Twi-Shelf with the rest of the collection. Also it feels good that they take a $1.00 of each sale for Haiti so I was fine with buying it. As far as the sales going down that is understandable they have been out now for 5 1/2 years. Plus I don’t know anyone who doesn’t have a hardback copy for their shelf and use their paperback copies for study guides for group discussions. Love the movie campions and the director’s notebook. Great behind the scenes information. ! Alright I am admit I am a proud Twi-fan!
Sales dwindling because everyone in the world owns The Twilight Saga… this is inevitable and nothing to worry about.
Oh and yes, when Breaking Dawn hits paperback. There will be an increase again.
once eclipse comes out it will take off again
that’s because like most of the world have bought it…
she needs to keep writing more books, i am so addicted now.
I agree with Megan and Dawn….I own all of her books and she should continue to write.
It woud be great to read new books by S. Meyer…
I believe you are correct Melissa. I really enjoyed The Host.
I know this is an old song….Midnight Sun finished please.
I agree with Terry Martin…I would love to have the entire series from Edwards point of view especially new moon where we don’t know exactly what he was doing and feeling
She’s such a great writer and the Twighlight Saga is so good – seems it could go on forever! At least we have Eclipse to look foward to and the novella of Bree. But of course, as Terry wrote, Midnight Sun would be great
JIll how could I forget the BD paperback. Hope it comes out soon!
midnight sun would make the series go crazy again. i admit i read what steph posted on line and it was seriously awesome! it would also be awesome for her to continue the twilight series after breaking dawn. it can be done! i have faith!
OMG I think I would probably pass out if she released a whole series of books told from Edwards point of view!! I am waiting for Midnight Sun with baited breath- but would also like it if she did shorter novels going into more detail on each of the Cullens, expanding on their back stories…
All about Midnight Sun..when oh when?!!
I also ordered my copy of “Bree” the moment the release came out. I love all these characters and any book that provides more information will always be purchased. Of course, I will be reading on SM’s website too. I loved The Host too. I can’t wait for ANY book from Stephenie. She creates people that I carry in my heart. I’ve always been a reader. Not since Little Women have I fallen in love with the people within the pages as I do with the people of Stephenie’s world. She is amazing!
She actual is thinking about a 5th book. If you go to Oprah.com/twilight there is an interview with her back stage that explains when/where/how/why she would do another book. Enjoy!!
My thoughts exactly! Well said Rochelle. I am not worried about MS I know it will come out later. We should all be thankful that SM is back in her vampire world after she said she wouldn’t go back there because she wanted to focus on her alien world. Thank you Stephenie you ROCK!
Like others have said this isn’t anything to worry about. Stephenie will be fine.
I am going to buy a hardcopy of the Bree Tanner novella because I want my own copy & since money will be donated to charty.
And I really hope this means that someday soon she will go back to writing MS. I CAN NOT wait to read it! It will be wonderful to finally get Edward’s pov & understand more of what goes on!
I am hoping a few years down the road..she writes one about Renesme’s life!