Note to readers

Data for the Survey of Book Publishers are collected using a sample and typically represent results for firms that account for at least 95% of total revenues earned by the book publishing industry. Administrative data are used to account for the smallest firms.

Statistics Canada's Annual Survey of Book Publishers alternates between releasing basic financial statistics in odd survey years and more comprehensive data, including sales in Canada for own and agency titles, country of control, language and for customer category, in even years.

Data for 2006 to 2009 were revised.

The survey frame is based on a central Statistics Canada database of businesses that have been classified through the use of the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). Self publishers, vanity publishers and print-on-demand publishers were not previously considered as book publishers, but have been included in the survey according to NAICS since 2004.

In addition, exclusive agents are included in the survey only if their revenue from book publishing exceeds 10% of their total revenues, while pure exclusive agents are excluded. Comparisons should not be made between results of this survey and the former Survey of Book Publishers and Exclusive Agents (conducted prior to 2005) due to differences in survey methodology.

Book publishers are establishments primarily engaged in carrying out various design, editing and marketing activities necessary for producing and distributing books of all kinds, such as textbooks; technical, scientific and professional books; and mass market paperback books. These books may be published in print, audio or electronic form. Some publishers also act as exclusive agents.

Exclusive agents distribute and sell works (agency titles) published by another firm, by acting as its sole representative.