Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

The Good Book Is Good Biz

New looks, special themes drive $770M Bible industry

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 25, 2007 9:19 AM CST

(Newser) – In the thriving business of Bible publishing, the lone calligrapher in his scriptorium has been superseded by marketing execs armed with PowerPoint. About 25 million Bibles were sold this year in America, reports the Los Angeles Times—that's 11 million more than the latest Harry Potter installment. But since the content stays the same, the dressing has to keep changing.

Leading publisher Zondervan, owned by HarperCollins, targets specific groups—teenagers, newlyweds, recovered alcoholics—with new designs and specialized commentary. Since a third of Bibles are purchased as gifts, Zondervan has one for every occasion; their sorority rush edition does particularly well. "Smoke and mirrors," a sales VP concedes, are what keep prices at $30 and up.

A Bible bound in pink faux-leather. Bible publishing has become a $770 million industry.
A Bible bound in pink faux-leather. Bible publishing has become a $770 million industry.   ((c) The Pink Princess)
Bible publishing has become a $770 million industry.
Bible publishing has become a $770 million industry.   ((c) b.frahm)
Bible publishing has become a $770 million industry.
Bible publishing has become a $770 million industry.   ((c) ieuz)
The Bible has become a $770 million industry.
The Bible has become a $770 million industry.   (Shutter Stock)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

No Time For Faith? Try a Podcast

Dad Writing Winehouse Bio

Evangelicals Slam New Gender-Neutral Bible

600 Audio Bibles Sent to Haiti

'Jesus Rifles' Draw Fire


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne