The Folio Society, founded in 1947 was known for its beautifully bound classics – and not much more. In 2016 the company was ib intensive care and awaiting the final rites. That’s when the new CEO, Joanna Reynolds took charge and transformed business by changing the type of books it was publishing and attracting a whole new Gen Z readership with its science fiction and fantasy titles.
Sales have soared since those dark days, with revenues rising by more than 55%, and the company has ditched its membership model. Back in September the society published Children of Dune, the third in Herbert’s series, and sold more than 1,000 copies of the £80 book in 24 hours.
Readers are attracted by beautifully bound illustrated copies of Tolkien and Game of Thrones.
Reynolds said that for younger generations, even those who mostly use e-readers, “they’re happy to pay for a wonderful edition of books they love. There’s something very exciting for them about the physical book.”