Bowker has just released a massive new report indicating that self-publishing is booming and continues to grow at a healthy pace . There was a 21 percent increase in the number of titles published between 2014 and 2015, both ebooks and print books.
ISBN (International Standard Book Number) registrations for self-published titles have grown by more than 375% since 2010, climbing from 152.978 ISBNs to 727.125. This indicator allows us to determine the true market share of self-published books.
This is what Beat Barblan , director of service identifiers at Bowker, states in these words:
ISBN registrations capture a significant portion of the self-publishing market. By comparing the number of registrations year over year, we gain insight into a booming industry.
The report reveals other emerging trends in self-publishing, such as authors opting for a hybrid approach . Rather than relying exclusively on self-publishing or using traditional publishing channels, authors are choosing the best method for their work, depending on the type of book, sales targets, and target audience.
Another important point of the report shows how bookstores and booksellers are looking for opportunities to incorporate different sources of content into their offerings, which benefits self-publishing authors.
Barblan refers to it:
As the field of self-publishing matures , the quality of content and format for many of these titles is becoming indistinguishable from those of prominent best-selling authors, which is in itself a clear indication that readers are looking favorably upon self-published titles.
The report is important because it shows the number of titles with ISBNs and their year-over-year growth. You can find it here.