Book-to-screen adaptations have long been a popular trend, often resulting in a significant boost in book sales. However, Canadian booksellers are currently witnessing a surge in the popularity of book-to-screen adaptations like never before. Kobo, a renowned online retailer specializing in e-books and audiobooks, has observed a remarkable increase in sales of books that have recently been adapted for film or television.
Among the notable adaptations are Rachel Reid’s hockey romance novel, “Heated Rivalry,” transformed into a successful Crave television series, and Emily Bronte’s classic gothic novel, “Wuthering Heights,” poised for release as a movie starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. Additionally, Emily Henry’s romance novel, “People We Meet on Vacation,” has been adapted into a Netflix movie, while Julia Quinn’s period romance, “An Offer From a Gentleman,” served as the inspiration for a recent season of Netflix’s “Bridgerton” series.
Deandra Lalonde, Kobo’s Content Sales Lead of North America, highlighted the impact of social media fandoms on driving sales and creating a sense of community around these adaptations. The rise of viral press tour moments, BookTok, Bookstagrammers, and related content has significantly contributed to the immersive experience fans seek beyond just watching the screen adaptations.
“Heated Rivalry,” in particular, has garnered immense attention, leading to a substantial surge in book sales following the television adaptation’s debut. Sales of the e-book skyrocketed by 265% in the initial two days after the show’s premiere, with a subsequent spike of nearly 500% by December 7. Print sales at Indigo reported a staggering 5,805% increase since the TV adaptation aired, solidifying its position as the top-selling book on CBC’s bestseller list.
The anticipation surrounding the upcoming “Wuthering Heights” movie has also translated into a significant sales boost for the book, with a nearly 600% increase in sales since the start of the year. Despite controversies over casting choices and on-screen chemistry, the adaptation directed by Emerald Fennell has generated substantial buzz.
The trend of book-to-screen adaptations has not only revitalized interest in reading but has also attracted new readers to bookstores. Lionel Zahrai, a newfound reader, delved into “Heated Rivalry” after watching the show, appreciating the additional character depth offered in the book. His experience reflects a growing trend of viewers transitioning to readers to explore the intricacies of the original source material.
Looking ahead, industry experts anticipate continued success for forthcoming book-to-screen adaptations like Suzanne Collins’ “Sunrise on the Reaping,” Andy Weir’s “Project Hail Mary,” and Marissa Stapley’s “Lucky.” With the adaptation of Carley Fortune’s debut romance novel, “Every Summer After,” into an Amazon Prime show titled “Every Year After,” the trend is expected to sustain momentum, captivating audiences with diverse storytelling experiences.