I am surprised at the huge growth in e-Books. 
http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/digital/retailing/article/46870-e-book-sales-explode-in-february-as-other-segments-sink.html

Now about the same level as soft cover books.  And other segments are down (paper backs down 22%, adult hard cover down 43%).  And hard covers traditionally is where authors make their money.

And in related news showing how the old retail model is broken.

Borders pre-bankruptcy returned 31% of its merchandise for credit annually.
http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/bookselling/article/46604-borders-watch-distribution-center-switch-exec-incentives-new-terms-sought.html

Labels: book, e-books