Reading the future

Openbook's report says Japanese author Keigo Higashino is the most popular fiction writer among Chinese. Three of his titles were among the 10 best-selling fiction works in the country. His book Miracles of the Namiya General Store grabbed first place.

Essayist Lung Ying-tai's book See Off topped the nonfiction best-seller list.

Their consensus is that children's books, literature and reference books led the pack in 2016, followed by books about science, economics and management.

Kids' books are the fastest-growing genre and account for the largest market segment. It has enjoyed a nearly 29 percent growth rate and occupies nearly a quarter of the market, Openbook reports.

Some publishers are entering the audio-book sector, which promises huge market potential but is underdeveloped compared to the United States and Britain.

"Amazon's audio books are popular among English-language readers," Cheers Publishing's vice-president, Chen Yi, says.

"They offer vast opportunities in China, given the proliferation of smartphones and fragmentation of time in urban lifestyles," Chen says.

His company has produced audio versions of five of its popular titles, including Nike founder Phil Knight's autobiography, Shoe Dog, which is recorded by five amateur runners from different professions.

Guangxi Normal University Press brand Imaginist dedicated a special section of its exhibition area to audio books.

Penguin Random House partnered with mobile-radio app Himalaya FM last month and will soon bring over 6,000 English-language audio books to China.

The BBF featured over 730 exhibitors that were presented in nearly 2,400 booths and at 200 events.

Purchases totaled 114 million yuan during the fair and follow-up sales are expected to reach 350 million yuan in February, organizing committee deputy director Liu Lixia says.