Book adaptations into movies or TV series are not a new trend, and the subsequent increase in book sales is well-known. However, Canadian book retailers are observing a surge in sales for book-to-screen adaptations like never before. Kobo, an online platform for e-books and audiobooks, has witnessed significant sales growth for books recently adapted for screen consumption.
One notable success story is the transition of Rachel Reid’s hockey romance novel “Heated Rivalry” into the popular Crave television series of the same name. Similarly, the upcoming movie adaptation of Emily Bronte’s classic gothic novel “Wuthering Heights,” starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, has sparked a surge in book sales. Additionally, Emily Henry’s romance novel “People We Meet on Vacation” and Julia Quinn’s period romance “An Offer From a Gentleman” have also seen increased sales due to their Netflix adaptations.
The rise in sales can be attributed to the strong influence of social media fandoms surrounding these adaptations. Deandra Lalonde, Kobo’s Content Sales Lead of North America, highlighted the impact of viral moments, BookTok, Bookstagrammers, and fan communities that immerse themselves in the created worlds.
“Heated Rivalry” has been a standout success story, with a notable increase in e-book sales following the TV adaptation’s premiere. Sales for the book series have skyrocketed, with the print version seeing a remarkable surge in demand. Similarly, “Wuthering Heights” has seen a significant spike in sales ahead of the movie release, generating buzz and controversy over casting decisions.
The trend of book-to-screen adaptations is attracting new readers to bookstores. Lionel Zahrai, a new reader introduced to “Heated Rivalry,” praised the depth of character development in the book compared to the show. This trend is not limited to one title, as other adaptations like “Hamnet” are also drawing attention.
Predicting future successes in this realm, industry experts anticipate strong sales for upcoming adaptations like Suzanne Collins’ “Sunrise on the Reaping,” Andy Weir’s “Project Hail Mary,” and Marissa Stapley’s “Lucky.” The Canadian novel “Every Summer After,” set to be adapted for an Amazon Prime show, is expected to resonate with Canadian audiences, much like “Heated Rivalry.”
The impact of book-to-screen adaptations on book sales continues to be a topic of interest, raising the question for readers whether to read the book first or wait for the adaptation.