Does the Internet influence Book Sales?

Posted by Susan Whelan Jul 11, 2009

While some print media sources are cutting back on book reviews, the number of book blogs seems to be growing exponentially. What remains uncertain is whether the large number of book reviews and articles available online is having any significant influence on book sales.

Promoting Books Online

In addition to the advertising might of internet booksellers such as Amazon and major booksellers with an online presence such as Barnes & Noble, Borders and others, there are a significant number of book blogs reviewing and promoting books of all genres.

Follow the Reader bloggers Kat Meyer and Charlotte Abbott regularly post articles related to the internet, book promotion and the publishing industry. One recent post records the highlights of a Twitter discussion inspired by the question “Do Twitter and blogs really drive book sales?”

Bloggers Amy (of My Friend Amy) and Lenore (of Presenting Lenore) are currently running a blog sales drive for Beth Kephart’s latest book, Nothing but Ghosts. With prizes on offer for those who forward proof of purchase, they are hoping to boost sales through their online influence. The promotion is due to end on 24th July 2009.

The South by South West Interactive in March 2009 held a session titled New Think for Old Publishers with the intended purpose of discussing how the publishing community was failing and succeeding to embrace and interact with digital media. The success of this forum was the subject of much discussion on book blogs in the following days.

Publishers Active Online

Some publishers seem to have enthusiastically embraced the internet book community. Many publishers have blogs and a Twitter presence, regularly posting updates about new releases, literary prize winners and other topics related to their authors. Several authors also have blogs and Twitter accounts which they use to update and interact with readers.

As an example of online interaction, on the 9 – 10th July Penguin Books Australia (@PenguinBooksAus) ran a Twitter competition to celebrate their 2000th follower. The author of best tweet offering an answer to the question “Why did the penguin cross the road?” will be receive $2000 of Penguin titles. The winner will be announced on Twitter on Monday, 13th July 2009.

Other bookstores, book clubs and publishers hold scheduled Twitter conversations, where interested users can follow the discussion using a specific Twitter hashtag.

Personal Libraries Online

There are a large number of websites that allow users to enter details of their personal library online including reviews and ratings. LibraryThing, GoodReads, Shelfari, BookArmy and others offer a community atmosphere as readers link up with others with similar reading tastes and recommend their favourite books.

Book Lovers Online

While there currently seems to be no way to quantitatively measure the influence of book blogs and social media on book sales, the presence of book lovers and promoters cannot be denied. Personally, I enjoy being part of the online book blog community and regularly pick up books recommended by book bloggers.

Do you search for reviews online before purchasing a book or are your purchases influenced by online reviews or comments? Do you think publishers should be more or less active in online forums and social media networks such as Twitter? Please leave a comment and let me know what you think.