Publishing sales stayed steady in August for some of the categories tracked by the Association of American Publishers (AAP). Adult paperback and electronic books were both up, while religious books saw a drop. Net sales were up 4.8 % for the month, with sales for the year up 7.5%.

The sales figure for the adult hardcover category was down 9.3% in August, with sales of $83.2 million. This has slightly declined by .1% in 2005. Adult paperback sales were up 13% (sales totaled $110.2 million). Sales for this category have grown 8% over last year's sales. The adult mass-market category slipped by 7.5% with sales totaling $58.6 million for this category; a small dip of .6% for the year.

Religious books slipped 30% ($28 million); overall, sales were down by 8.6% for 2005. Audio book sales gained 15.5% in August ($12.5 million); year-to-date sales are 37.5% greater than in 2004. E-books sales grew 96.6% in August ($1.2 million). This rapidly expanding category is up 44% for the year.

The children's and young adult hardcover category posted a rise of 36.9% in August ($76.3 million). This category has done well in 2005 with sales 118% greater than last year's. The children's and young adult paperback publishing sales however, saw a loss of 6.8% ($40.8 million). This category is up by 2% for the year.