The numbers are in: Harry Potter really does work sales magic

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, J.K. Rowling's seventh and final Harry Potter book, hit US bookstores at 12:01 a.m. on July 21 and proceeded to break all publishing records in the country, selling 8.3 million copies in the first 24 hours at retail.

July 24, 2007

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, J.K. Rowling’s seventh and final Harry Potter book, hit US bookstores at 12:01 a.m. on July 21 and proceeded to break all publishing records in the country, selling 8.3 million copies in the first 24 hours at retail.

US publisher Scholastic announced an unprecedented first printing of 12 million copies, and launch results bested those of 2005 release Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The sixth title had an initial 10.8-million copy print run and chalked up first day sales of 6.9 million in the US.

About The Author

Gary Rusak is a freelance writer based in Toronto. He has covered the kids entertainment industry for the last decade with a special interest in licensing, retail and consumer products. You can reach him at garyrusak@gmail.com

// Author Page