Blockbuster year for humble novel as sales boosted by new releases

With almost limitless streaming television options, all-action video games and gripping podcasts, the humble book seems like it could be in danger of fading into the background.

Not so, according to literary expert Angie Crawford, the Scottish buying manager for Waterstones, who says the publishing industry is coming off the back of a blockbuster 12 months.

“It is one of the best years of publishing we’ve seen in years,” said Angie. “This year we’ve had The Dutch House, from Ann Patchett, Agent Running In The Field by John le Carre and, of course, Margaret Atwood’s The Testaments. “But Scotland has had a strong year and we expect sales to build as we get closer to Christmas. “I expect Three Kings by Leo Moynihan, telling the story of Matt Busby, Jock Stein and Bill Shankly’s impact on football, will be in demand. “A book we have seen fantastic sales for is Billy Connolly’s Tall Tales and Wee Stories.

“I’m really excited for Ian Rankin’s Westwind – a novel originally published nearly 30 years ago.” Recent environmental activism has also had an influence, says Angie. “Some of the biggest books this year tackle this – like Robert Macfarlane’s Underland and Greta Thunberg’s No One is Too Small To Make a Difference,” she added. “Physical books are excellent, and publishers these days are surpassing themselves with high-quality finishes. “My favourites are Lanny by Max Porter – which has a gorgeous copper foil leaf cover detail. The Dutch House by Ann Patchett boasts beautiful Dutch art sprayed edges. “The House by the Loch by Kirsty Wark (pictured above) has a very seasonal red edge to the pages.”