FS titles published annually

It is interesting to see the number of titles published by the Folio Society every year since 1947. This includes completely new titles and new editions of existing titles.

The raw data can be found in the Complete List of FS books here.

A graph showing the variations from 1947 to 2019 is below, with the peak of 111 titles in 2008. The number of titles per annum is now trending downwards.



SEE UPDATED GRAPHS AT END OF THREAD

It feels about right these days, maybe a little high still

>1 wcarter:

Very interesting, very useful. Thanks, Warwick.

>2 gmacaree: It feels about right these days, maybe a little high still

If by "these days" you're including the titles published so far in 2020, which have been noticeably fewer, I am reliably informed this is a temporary aberration forced upon Folio by the times in which we live. I understand the plan is for another reduced output for the autumn collection, but then hang onto your hats for the Christmas catalogue. Times change, of course, as do plans, but for the moment that's what I would anticipate happening. For myself, I could easily live with the current output but I'd personally prefer to see less.

>3 folio_books: Hah. I was feeling good about (mostly) being able to keep up with the Folio publications which interested me this year, I should have known that wasn't going to last.

Just needs a cumulative count to see whether we are "flattening the curve"

>5 SimB:
Cumulative count is 2511 Titles as of 31 May.
The curve appears to be flattening, but this is one curve we do not want to drop to zero.

Does this include the infamous reprints as well? Or do those not count as a new edition? It feels like we have been seeing a lot of familiar faces in the new collection these last few years. If they are included, the graph paints a dire picture...

Thanks for this Warwick. The numbers and chart helps tell us a story. This trend is a bit concerning, not because of the number per se but in the titles behind those numbers. Unlike others, I've not been overly concerned about the recent surge in sci-fi and fantasy titles because Folio has continued to publish a broad array of titles that appeal to most interests. But the decrease in titles suggests that some genres will receive less attention from FS and I fear it may the titles of most interest to me. I want FS to thrive and make a profit but I hope it can do so while continuing to serve all of its constituencies.

>1 wcarter:

Interesting.

Have you done this for LEs? I seem to recall that it has been suggested that they have been trending upwards in frequency.

>8 Redshirt:

A 'genre' analysis over the years would be interesting. Is it doable?

So interesting! I hadn't remembered the high watermark of 2008, although I was a member at the time. It sounds like FS was not breaking even back then, so a smaller output, with some popular works that sell very well, is fine with me as long as they continue to release books I'd like to add to my library every year.

Earlier this year I created a master list for myself of FS books I owned or would like to own (not all at full price). I created a summary of FS books of interest to me from each year, how many of those I own, and of the remainder how many are now OOP. It is as follows:

2019: 23 on the list, 10 owned (1 LE), 0/13 OOP
2018: 20 on the list, 10 owned, 0/10 OOP
2017: 28 on the list, 20 owned, 0/8 OOP
2016: 23 on the list, 19 owned (1 LE) 0/4 OOP
2015: 27 on the list, 23 owned, 2/4 OOP
2014: 25 on the list, 22 owned, 3/3 OOP
2013: 28 on the list, 25 owned 3/3 OOP
2012: 33 on the list, 28 owned, 5/5 OOP
2011: 33 on the list, 28 owned, 5/5 OOP
2010: 28 on the list, 24 owned, 4/4 OOP
2009: 28 on the list, 21 owned, 7/7 OOP
2008: 28 on the list, 17 owned, 11/11 OOP

Even though FS published 111 books in 2008 and fewer than 60 last year, the books of interest to me numbered 28 and 23 respectively, with a range of 20-33 books over the past decade. For now, at least, the decline in releases is not having a huge impact on me.

>11 wdripp: Hmmm, I fear if I made such a list it would look more like this:

201x: 18 on the list, 21 owned, 4 books still on the list

>9 Cat_of_Ulthar:
The Limited Edition annual statistics are shown on this thread -
http://www.librarything.com/topic/192880

>13 wcarter:

I knew my acquisition of Folio LEs had been proceeding fairly steadily, but consulting that list informs me that I've acquired exactly two of each year's releases since 2011 inclusive, with the sole exception of the wonderful year 2017 which is represented by five: or three if the Fine Press Classics are regarded as one item.

Only one so far this year, so if I'm to maintain my own rate the FS must be preparing a volume I don't yet know I want. It won't be the first time.

Updating this graph to end of 2020.

Updated to 2021

Updated to 2022

>17 wcarter:

40-50 books per year is the sweet spot, enabling FS to focus properly on each new publication. Quality, not quantity.

Updated to end 2023 with some minor corrections along the way.

>19 wcarter:

I hope this trend continues. I'll take quality over quantity every time.

Latest graph on annual book numbers published by the FS.



Go here to see a list of all Folio Society books.