Publishers are betting on long sellers

We live surrounded by constant new releases, fleeting trends, and fierce competition for the attention of young readers. But one thing remains unchanged: quality.

As we prepare our new Frankfurt catalogue and update our rights sales, it’s the perfect moment to reflect. Once again, the leading titles aren’t just the latest releases. Many of the books that continue to win over publishers, cross borders, and captivate new generations are the ones that have been with us for years—solid, well-constructed books with powerful illustrations and strong content concepts that stand the test of time.

These are the much-desired long sellers: titles that, beyond their initial momentum, go on to enjoy long and active lives in the international market. It’s not just about acquiring the next hit—it’s about building a meaningful, coherent catalogue with a clear voice and lasting value. That shared vision between authors, illustrators, and publishers is what turns a book into a lasting reference. Sometimes, success comes as suddenly as it does unexpectedly. At Combel, we don’t claim to have a magic formula, but we are convinced of this: when a book is well edited, it has a much greater chance of staying on bookstore shelves and library collections—and of having a long life.

This is the case for “Agus & Monsters” or “Victory!” series. We keep renewing contracts, adding languages, and growing title by title. Looking at the backlist of our novelty books, top spots are still held by titles like A Kiss Goodnight and My First Book of Economics. Other, more recent like The Amazing Creepy Granny House, The Amazing Creepy Grandpa House, and the “I Spy with My Little Eye” series are gaining ground fast and have everything it takes to become future classics.

This year, we’re celebrating multiple reprints. Besides “Houses”, Good Morning & Good Night, and Baby Pop—spectacular novelties that remain just as vibrant as the day they were first published. And, as always, there are new surprises: bath books, which are so costly to produce, are slowly gaining ground. i.e. “Bath Times Classics” and The Wolf is Coming!, set for release in September. Or our big pop-up collection “Pipa & Otto”, which continues to grow with the support of loyal publishers around the world.

And speaking of releases: “Rob & Ot”, launched in February, has already sold into four languages—and “Ticniks”, soon to be released, already has a home in Brazil. We hope they too will become long sellers. Because if there’s one thing this ranking confirms, it’s that investing in quality, teamwork, and lasting relationships always pays off.