Adapting books into movies or TV shows is a common practice known to boost book sales. However, Canadian booksellers have observed a significant surge in sales for book-to-screen adaptations recently.
Kobo, an online platform for e-books and audiobooks, has witnessed a notable increase in the sales of books that have been adapted for the screen. Notable examples include the hockey romance novel Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid, transformed into the popular Crave TV series, and the classic gothic tale Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte, set to hit the big screen starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi on Feb. 13.
Other instances include the romance novel People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry, adapted into a Netflix movie, and the period romance An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn, the inspiration behind a recent season of Netflix’s Bridgerton series.
Fandoms Driving Sales and Community Engagement
Deandra Lalonde, Kobo’s Content Sales Lead of North America, highlighted the impact of social media fandoms on book-to-screen adaptations. She mentioned the influence of viral press tour moments, BookTok and Bookstagram posts, along with the emergence of spinoff podcasts and fan communities surrounding these adaptations.
The phenomenon is particularly evident with Heated Rivalry. Lalonde noted the unexpected level of obsession generated by the Crave adaptation, attributing it to the widespread sharing of content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Following the premiere of the Heated Rivalry series in Canada, e-book sales surged by 265% in the first two days and nearly 500% by Dec. 7, as per Lalonde. Indigo reported a staggering 5,805% increase in sales for Reid’s book series since the show’s debut.
Heated Rivalry has dominated the No. 1 spot on CBC’s bestseller list since Jan. 13, showcasing the immense popularity and demand for the book.
The upcoming release of Wuthering Heights as a movie has sparked a nearly 600% rise in book sales since the beginning of the year, fueled by media anticipation surrounding the adaptation.
While the casting controversy and showmance surrounding the Wuthering Heights film have stirred discussions, Lalonde highlighted the growing interest in the book ahead of the movie’s premiere.
According to Vancouver bookseller Mary-Ann Yazedjian, the accessibility of streaming services has contributed to the increasing interest in book-to-screen adaptations, exemplified by the success of Heated Rivalry.
Yazedjian pointed out the impact of adaptations like Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell, noting a boost in sales and attention following the movie release.
Expanding Reader Base
Book-to-screen adaptations, particularly Heated Rivalry, have attracted new readers to bookstores, according to Yazedjian.
One such reader, Lionel Zahrai, delved into the novel after watching the show, appreciating the additional character depth and insights offered in the book.
Zahrai’s experience exemplifies the trend of viewers transitioning to readers after engaging with adaptations, expanding their literary horizons.
Predicting the future success of book-to-screen adaptations, Oneida Crawford emphasized the potential of these projects to introduce stories to a wider audience, appealing to both existing fans and newcomers.
Upcoming adaptations like Sunrise on the Reaping, Project Hail Mary, and Lucky are anticipated to drive significant sales and interest, as per Lalonde and her team.
Additionally, the adaptation of Every Summer After as a TV show holds promise for increased book sales, especially in Canada, drawing parallels to the success of Heated Rivalry in resonating with Canadian audiences.
While the debate continues on whether to read the book first or watch the adaptation, the ongoing trend of book-to-screen adaptations continues to captivate audiences and drive literary engagement.
<a href="https://www.cbc.ca/books/from-heated-rivalry-to-wuthering
