The transformation of books into movies or TV series is a common practice, often resulting in a surge in book sales. Canadian book retailers are currently witnessing a remarkable uptick in sales of book-to-screen adaptations.
Kobo, an e-book and audiobook online retailer, has observed significant sales spikes for books recently adapted for the screen. Notable examples include the hockey romance novel “Heated Rivalry” by Nova Scotia writer Rachel Reid, which inspired the successful Crave TV series of the same name, and Emily Bronte’s classic gothic tale “Wuthering Heights,” slated for release as a movie featuring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi on Feb. 13.
Moreover, adaptations like Emily Henry’s romance novel “People We Meet on Vacation,” now a Netflix movie starring Emily Bader and Tom Blythe, and Julia Quinn’s period romance “An Offer From a Gentleman,” the foundation of Netflix’s recent “Bridgerton” season, have also seen increased sales.
The surge in sales is attributed to the influence of social media fandoms, according to Deandra Lalonde, Kobo’s Content Sales Lead of North America. Platforms like BookTok and Bookstagram have played a pivotal role in amplifying the buzz around book-to-screen adaptations, fostering dedicated communities and discussions.
“Heated Rivalry” stands out as a prime example of this phenomenon. The TV adaptation’s premiere in Canada last November led to a 265% surge in e-book sales within the first two days, escalating to nearly 500% by Dec. 7. The print version also saw a remarkable 5,805% sales increase since the show’s debut, maintaining the No. 1 spot on CBC’s bestseller list.
The anticipation surrounding the upcoming “Wuthering Heights” movie has also translated into a surge in book sales, with a nearly 600% increase recorded since the beginning of this year. Directed by Emerald Fennell, the film has stirred controversy over the casting of Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff and the perceived showmance between the main co-stars.
Book-to-screen adaptations like “Heated Rivalry” not only drive book sales but also attract new readers to bookstores, creating a ripple effect of literary engagement. Lionel Zahrai, one such new reader, discovered a deeper understanding of characters by delving into the novel version of “Heated Rivalry” after watching the show.
Overall, the trend of book-to-screen adaptations has proven to be a lucrative strategy for publishers and production companies, expanding the reach of stories to broader audiences. Anticipated future adaptations like Suzanne Collins’ “Sunrise on the Reaping” and Marissa Stapley’s “Lucky” are poised to continue this trend, captivating audiences both familiar and new to the original source material.