Lots more interesting statistics at this site, especially if you are a writer.
Para Publishing – Welcome to Para Publishing
Writers and Authors
81% of the population feels they have a book inside them.
27% would write fiction.
28% would write on personal development
27% would write history, biography, etc.
20% would do a picture book, cookbook, etc.
6 million have written a manuscript.
6 million manuscripts are making the rounds.
Out of every 10,000 children’s books, 3 get published.
–Jerrold Jenkins. 15 May 99.
http://www.JenkinsGroup.com
Who is Reading Books (and who is not)
One-third of high school graduates never read another book for the rest of their lives. Many do not even graduate from high school.
58% of the US adult population never reads another book after high school.
42% of college graduates never read another book.
80% of US families did not buy or read a book last year.
70% of US adults have not been in a bookstore in the last five years.
57% of new books are not read to completion.
–Jerrold Jenkins.
http://www.JenkinsGroup.com
Most readers do not get past page 18 in a book they have purchased.
Via Swerve Left.
5 Responses
The Jenkins Group, who commissioned the survey, make their living by publishing books, including those of first time authors. They recommend an investment of at least $10,000 per project from potential customers.
[…] I feel like a kind of SPCB – society for the prevention of cruelty against books. Donna, please tell me that these stats are horribly wrong! If not, I am going to be forced to admit that President Hungry-Caterpillar just might really be the people’s representative. My resolve to become a librarian is even stronger now. Wow! Do I have work to do! I might even need a cape and mask (as well as pants) if I am going to fight this evil. […]
Nice blog! And thanks for the link! I’ve added a link to you over at Swerve Left.
By the way, your alternating banner is very cool. Someday in the remote future, I will also learn how to do that.
Thanks, Karlo – it’s a script in wordpress, though. Someday I will learn to put my own photos on it….