Audible's Harry Potter audiobooks hit one million unit sales

Sales of J K Rowling’s Harry Potter audiobooks through Audible have already reached one million copies, according to the company.

Audible began selling the Harry Potter audiobooks in November across its UK, US, German and Australian sites. In the UK, the first three retail at £17.99 each, whilst the last four cost £32.99 each.

Andy Gaies, Audible’s chief content officer, said: “Audible listeners are the most voracious readers there are, and now that we’re able to offer the opportunity to enjoy the Harry Potter series seamlessly through the Audible service, our audience is clamouring for these wonderful stories.”

The audiobooks are produced by Pottermore, which also sells them on its own site, and read by Jim Dale (in the North American version), Felix von Manteuffel (in the German version) and Stephen Fry (in the UK and the rest of the world).

Susan L Jurevics, c.e.o. of Pottermore, said: “These strong Audible sales figures demonstrate the continuing strength and appeal of the Harry Potter series on any platform – print book, e-book or digital audiobook. The Harry Potter digital audiobooks are now more accessible thanks to Audible’s ability to successfully connect with its vast membership base.”

When Pottermore opened, the site maintained that it would be the only location to purchase Harry Potter e-books and downloads, but last year it did a deal with Apple to sell enhanced versions of the Harry Potter series via its platform, before also doing an audiobook deal with Audible.