Following the format of the star-studded, dramatic audio Bible production The Word of Promise: New Testament Audio Bible, Next Generation--which features the voice talent of Cody Linley, Jordin Sparks, Corbin Bleu and Annasophia Robb--was honored in the Inspirational/Faith-Based Nonfiction category during the 14th Annual Audies, held May 29 in New York City.

Prague Counterpoint by Bodie and Brock Thoene (Tyndale House Publishers), narrated by Sean Barrett (Family Audio Library), won in the Inspirational/Faith-Based Fiction category.

Meanwhile, the recently released 2009 APA Sales Survey revealed that total 2008 revenue reported by APA's 30-member companies--which includes several Christian audiobook publishers such as Oasis Audio and Christian Audio--was $331 million, down 6.7% from 2007. The total size of the audiobook industry is nearly $1 billion.

"The audiobook industry has been growing steadily for more than a decade. And while some segments of the audiobook business slowed in 2008, some formats saw significant growth," said Beth Anderson, chair of the APA Research Committee.

The survey revealed that fiction audiobooks represented 73% of sales last year, an 11% increase in 2007, nonfiction represented 27% of sales in 2008, down from 8% in 2007. The study also revealed that downloadable audiobooks increased 21% in sales last year, up from 17% in 2007.

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