Book Trends–2025 and Beyond: What Aspiring Authors Should Know

Trending genres

In 2025, book trends are shifting towards AI-assisted writing, self-publishing, niche subgenres, and genre blending. Digital formats, such as audiobooks, continue to grow in popularity. Globally, there is a growing demand for diverse stories and voices.

What does this mean for aspiring authors?

Keeping track of changes in the book writing, marketing, and publishing industries will help you make crucial decisions about your book.

Read on to find out what the current book trends are and how they affect you.

An overview of key book trends to watch out for in the next few years

1. The status of self-publishing is improving and gaining more recognition. As a result, the self-publishing market is booming, with a 17% annual growth rate as opposed to 1% growth in traditional publishing.

2. Earnings have increased substantially for creators on platforms like Amazon KDP. This is largely due to the growing popularity of e-books and the ability to reach global audiences.

3. Trending text-driven book genres are romance, young adult, fantasy, mystery, thriller, historical fiction, science fiction, religious and inspirational, self-help, and memoirs. Young Adult (YA) and LGBTQIA+ books continue to gain popularity.

4. Genre blending, where authors combine different genres, such as sci-fi and mystery, is also attracting attention. Genres such as magical realism, which blend realistic elements with fantasy or the supernatural, are rising in popularity. Other examples of genre blending to look out for include dramady (drama + comedy), romantic suspense, and literary horror.

5. The need for greater diversity in the book industry is being recognized. Publishers are joining the movement to support diverse voices, diversify their workforces, and provide more opportunities for underrepresented creators. Diverse stories resonate with readers, and books that reflect global diversity are becoming increasingly popular.

6. Children's books have traditionally enjoyed strong sales but are now expanding to include more topics on diversity and inclusion, emotional intelligence, mental health, and environmental awareness. Interactive formats, such as flaps, pop-up designs, sound effects, and game elements, continue to be favourites among kids and parents.  

Children's books are still popular.

7. Graphic novels remain popular, and an increasing number of photo books are being created. Their ability to engage readers visually appeals to a wider and more diverse audience.

8. There is a growing demand for short-form content, including bite-sized tips, serialized stories, zines, and flash fiction, due to "shrinking attention spans and an overabundance of content" in digital publishing.

Short-form content is in demand.

Other book industry trends to note

9. AI has begun to play a transformational role in writing, editing, proofreading, design, marketing, book searchability, and data analytics. How to use AI responsibly remains one of the hottest topics in the book industry. The Authors Guild has compiled a comprehensive list of best practices on how authors can utilize generative AI ethically. If you are an AI user, I recommend reading the article.

10. Direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales of books are gaining traction, especially among emerging authors and creators. Authors can sell directly to their readers via personal websites, newsletters and emails, book fairs and literary festivals, or ecommerce platforms such as Shopify. DTC book-selling provides you, as the author, with the opportunity to build your own brand, earn a larger share of the revenue by cutting out the middleman, and engage directly with your readers.

11. An increasing awareness of sustainability in the book industry is leading to the adoption of more print-on-demand services and digital formats, as well as the recycling of paper and the use of environmentally friendly packaging. The print-on-demand trend has contributed to the increase in e-book sales. Hold your horses, though; print books are still in demand and are not going to become obsolete anytime soon.

12. The use of social media for book marketing is on the rise, particularly on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. #Booktok allows authors to connect directly with their fans. BookThreads, a subgroup within the Threads app, is useful if you're looking for niche books.

13. Online book communities are growing and gaining more readers. These platforms foster a sense of community amongst readers as well as authors. They enable readers to share their thoughts and reading experiences. As an author, you can promote your books, build an audience, and interact directly with your readers.

The Rise and Growth of Audiobooks: A Shift in Reading Habits

There has been a surge in people listening to books instead of reading them, partly due to the increased prevalence of multitasking. Although print books are still the most popular book format, there has been a significant increase in audiobook and e-book sales. Nonfiction audiobooks in genres such as self-development, business, and health and wellness are gaining traction.

Audiobook Sales. Source: grandviewresearch

The advent of Streaming-Books-On-Demand (SBOD) models has significantly contributed to the increase in audiobook sales. Platforms like Spotify and Audible have recently expanded their audiobook offerings. AI tools such as AI-powered translations make audiobooks more accessible in multiple languages.  

What does this mean for authors?

The power of social media, the rise of digital content, and the increasing popularity of self-publishing are transforming the industry. This transformation brings with it a wealth of opportunities for authors. The book publishing world continues to evolve, encompassing emerging trends and new technologies, and offering a promising future for those ready to adapt.

While publishers and bookstores learn to adapt to these changes, what does all this mean for aspiring authors?

Stay informed about the evolving trends in publishing. Discover the various publishing options available and select the one that best suits your budget and needs. Explore and embrace emerging digital marketing trends that allow you to connect with your readers and reach a wider audience.

Ultimately, remember that quality always prevails over quantity. To stand out from the crowd, focus on the quality of your book. This is your chance to inspire and captivate your readers. Investing in a good editor or book coach is one of the smartest things you can do to ensure your book shines in a competitive market.

Happy Writing

Shamila