The book publishing sector in 2025 looks different to the way it looked twenty years ago; keep reviewing to discover why.
Now that 2025 has just started, it is a good time to make predictions on what the future of book publishing appears like for the year ahead. Whilst there is no crystal ball to tell us the future, specialists take a look at annual reports to see if there are any noticeable trends that are gaining traction. If there is a pattern that was consistently and steadily rising all throughout 2024, we can envision that this will carry on this year also. A prime example of this is the adjustments to what the most popular book genres are. Previously, styles were a great deal more clear-cut and distinctive; with the number one genre being a close-tie between either thriller or romance. Nonetheless, in 2024 one of the most significant trends in the book industry was an increase in the demand for mixed-genre books. As opposed to read one type of genre, bookworms were seeking stories which blurred the lines in between a range of different genres. For example, thanks to online novel communities on social media, 'romantasy' is a subgenre which increased in demand. Romantasy is a mixed-genre which blends fantasy and romance together; indicating that there will usually be a remarkable, turbulent and amazing love story in the midst of a fantasy-driven plot. This could be an enemies to lovers story between a demon and a demon hunter, or a forbidden romance in between a vampire and a werewolf, or cosy romance between 2 students at a wizardry school. Whatever it is, it is expected to stay exceptionally popular in 2025, as individuals like co-founder of the investment fund which partially owns WHSmith would certainly recognize.
When looking at the trends from last year, among the most prominent trends was an increase in self-publishing, as people like the CEO of the media conglomerate which owns Penguin Random House would undoubtedly confirm. Primarily, what is self-publishing? To put it simply, self-publishing is when aspiring writers choose to take publishing right into their very own hands, rather than go down the conventional path of being signed to a publishing agency, employing a book agent and working with a specialist editor. Instead, they have complete control over the writing of their novel, along with the cover design and advertising projects. If they have the cash, self-publishers can decide to get physical books printed, or most commonly they can post their books to one of the self-publishing websites for people to read through internet browsers or applications. For those pondering why self-publishing is better, many individuals argue that it gives authors a great deal more artistic freedom and control over their own work. They also do not have the extreme time pressures and due dates which they would definitely have if they collaborated with a traditional publishing house.
According to reports, one of the most current trends in fiction novels is the growth in limited versions, as people like the head of the private equity owner of Waterstones would likely validate. Simply put, even more bookworms are investing in uncommon, limited edition versions of their favourite books. These books may have gold-sprayed edges, or magnificent covers or exclusive material. More readers are wanting to collect some special versions of books, whether this be for their own personal collection or with the intent to sell them at a later day.