Literature in lockdown: Bloomsbury reports major increase in demand for books

One of the UK’s largest publishers, Bloomsbury Publishing, announced today that their sales have increased by almost a fifth during the lockdown period.

Bloomsbury Publishing, which is based in London, reported a 18% year on year increase in revenue in the four months to June, showcasing a growing desire for books amongst the British public in lockdown.

Bloomsbury said that they had seen an increase in demand for both their e-book/digital content, as well as regular print books, which was consistent throughout the lockdown period, not just in the initial weeks. This suggests that, while some may have turned to reading simply to occupy themselves at first, there are many people who have discovered a love of reading which is now enduring beyond the lockdown.

Professional biography writing service StoryTerrace is another publisher which has seen a considerable increase in demand during lockdown. Founder and CEO of StoryTerrace, Rutger Bruining, explores why people in Britain have rediscovered a love of reading, and discusses the phenomenon around the growing number of people writing their biographies in lockdown:

“As someone who has dedicated their life to writing and fully understands the benefits that reading can bring, I am thrilled to see that there has been such a clear increase in demand for books and literature in lockdown. 

Initially, it’s unsurprising to find that more people were looking to buy books earlier in the lockdown, as people searched for ways to fill the time and occupy their minds whilst confined to their homes. However, to see that the demand increased consistently throughout the lockdown into June would suggest that this new-found desire for reading has endured for months, and may have given way to more people experiencing the joy and the myriad benefits that reading can have. 

At StoryTerrace, we connect everyday people who want to write their biographies with professional ghost-writers. It seems as though the Coronavirus pandemic has not only encouraged people to think more about their life experiences, but has also provided people with the extra time needed to get around to documenting their history. We’re extremely happy to see that so many people are finally making time to celebrate and document all of their experiences, both for themselves and their families, and are undoubtedly feeling the benefits of recording their lives.”