Book-to-screen adaptations have long been a common practice, often leading to increased book sales. However, Canadian book retailers are currently witnessing a surge in sales for adaptations unlike anything seen before. Kobo, a prominent online seller of e-books and audiobooks, has reported notable spikes in sales for books recently adapted for the screen.
For instance, Rachel Reid’s hockey romance novel, “Heated Rivalry,” transformed into a successful Crave television series, and Emily Bronte’s classic gothic novel, “Wuthering Heights,” is set to hit screens as a movie starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. Other examples include Emily Henry’s romance novel, “People We Meet on Vacation,” adapted into a Netflix movie, and Julia Quinn’s period romance, “An Offer From a Gentleman,” serving as the foundation for the latest season of Netflix’s “Bridgerton.”
Deandra Lalonde, Kobo’s Content Sales Lead of North America, highlighted the impact of social media fandoms on driving sales and fostering a sense of community around these adaptations. The enthusiastic engagement on platforms like BookTok and Bookstagram, coupled with the creation of related podcasts and group chats, has significantly expanded the audience’s interest in immersing themselves fully in the adapted worlds.
“Heated Rivalry” stands out as a prime example of this phenomenon. The adaptation’s unexpected popularity, fueled by viral content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, led to a 265% surge in e-book sales within the first two days of the show’s premiere in Canada. Print sales also skyrocketed, with Indigo reporting a remarkable 5,805% increase in sales for Reid’s book series post-TV adaptation.
Moreover, “Heated Rivalry” has consistently topped CBC’s bestseller list since January 13, underlining its enduring popularity among Canadian readers. Similarly, the anticipation surrounding the upcoming “Wuthering Heights” movie has driven a nearly 600% rise in book sales, mirroring the heightened buzz generated by the film’s casting controversies and promotional events.
The trend of book-to-screen adaptations not only boosts sales but also attracts new readers to bookstores. Lionel Zahrai, one such newcomer, delved into “Heated Rivalry” after watching the show and found a deeper connection with the characters through the novel’s insights. This journey has sparked his interest in exploring more titles within Reid’s Game Changer series, reflecting a growing appetite for similar narratives.
Looking ahead, industry experts predict continued success for upcoming adaptations like Suzanne Collins’ “Sunrise on the Reaping,” Andy Weir’s “Project Hail Mary,” and Marissa Stapley’s “Lucky.” These adaptations are poised to introduce new audiences to the original stories, showcasing the enduring appeal of book-to-screen transitions in captivating diverse readerships.
As the phenomenon of book-to-screen adaptations continues to captivate audiences worldwide, the question remains: read the book first or wait for the adaptation? Only time will reveal the preferences of readers as they navigate the rich tapestry of storytelling across different media platforms.