Faith-based publishers reported a 49.2% increase in February from religious e-books compared to the same month last year, according to the latest figures available from the Association of American Publishers (AAP). The category also saw a rise of 86.5% for the year to date versus January-February 2011.

Religious hardcover sales were up 12.4% in February over the same month the previous year to more than $30 million, while religious paperback sales were down more than 23% for the same period, totaling $12.4 million. Overall, book sales from religious presses saw a 3.5% rise to $52.3 million.

After a strong month in January, Children’s/Young Adult physical book sales again demonstrated high double-digit increases over Feb 2011 and over year-to-date 2011. E-books for that age again showed impressive triple-digit gains in monthly and year-to-date comparisons. Some publishers attribute this to the ongoing success of blockbuster franchises, but also noted the escalating trend of adults reading YA titles, particularly in e-book format. 

Adult hardcover, downloaded audio and e-books showed consistent gains for the month and year-to-date. Digital and physical formats were up 11.3% year-to-date and 6.9% for February.

With 1,191 publishers reporting, AAP’s Monthly StatShot report included data from Concordia Publishing House, Gospel Light, Moody Publishers, NavPress, Thomas Nelson and Tyndale House Publishers, among others in the Christian market.