Can anyone help me source information about numbers of books sold by specified authors/subjects? In the 'market' section of my book proposal I want to be able to say XX's book sold XXX copies.
Many thanks

I second that I'd love to know where I can lay my hands on that kind of information. They used to print a list of sorts at the back of the review section in the Guardian on Saturday but for some reason scrapped it.

For instance I'd love to know how many books Hari Kunrzu shifted after he was given a £1.25 million advance for the Impressionist.

Geoff

You could try The Bookseller. If you don't want to subscribe, you can usually get it in big public libraries, and some newsagents in publish-y areas of the West End stock it.

But publishers are understandably coy about that kind of information. After all, you don't expect Kelloggs to come clean about how many boxes of Cheerios they sell, or whatever, do you?

Emma

<Added>

Though, personally, I think your time might be better spent on writing the book.

Thanks, Emma. I am looking for a very specific piece of information to emphasise a point in a book proposal, that is all. I will follow up your suggestion, much appreciated

Fran, yes, I see what you mean. It depresses me when people seem to be writing-by-sales-numbers, but there are moments when it does no harm to look as if you're thinking as publishers do!

Emma

http://www.nielsenbookscan.co.uk/

Might be worth a look or an email to see if they would help? They'd certainly have the information - it's whether they would pass it on!

Sue

Many thanks, this is so helpful. I'll follow it up and post any links I find onto this message board
Fran