According to Association of American Publishers (AAP) sales figures, the adult hardcover category sagged 40.4 percent in September compared to the same period last year–sales in this category totaled $180.3 million for the month.

At the same time, overall book sales dropped 12.1 percent compared to the same period last year. Overall book sales totaled $1.1 billion for the month. Nevertheless, eBook sales increased 158 percent in September–read more at eBookNewser.

The complete AAP release is embedded below. Here’s more from the release: “The children’s book category showed decreases over September of last year, with Hardcover Children’s/YA sales down 17.4 percent for the month with sales of $76.6 million in September, and year-to-date sales are down by 15.1 percent. Children’s/YA Paperback sales decreased 1.6 percent in September with sales totaling $53.3 million; sales fell 6.8 percent for the year to date.”

AAP September 2010 Sales Report