Publishing Trends 2025

What Writers, Editors, and Publishers Need to Know

As we move into 2025, the publishing industry is experiencing major shifts, shaped by technological advancements, changes in consumer behavior, and evolving author-publisher relationships. While many trends from 2024 continue, new developments—especially in artificial intelligence (AI), marketing strategies, and publishing models—are reshaping the landscape. So, whether you’re a writer planning your next release, an editor navigating industry changes, or a publisher looking to stay competitive, understanding these trends is crucial. Let’s explore the biggest publishing trends of 2025 and how they’ll impact the way books are written, marketed, and sold!

How Is AI Transforming Publishing Trends in 2025?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a tool of the future—it’s a fundamental part of publishing today. In 2024, AI-driven insights helped refine book marketing, but in 2025, its impact is even more significant.

AI in Content Creation

AI-generated summaries, book synopses, and even full-length drafts are becoming increasingly common. Large language models can assist authors in brainstorming ideas, structuring their books, and even improving writing style. However, this has sparked legal and ethical concerns (as it should!).

For example, Chegg recently sued Google, arguing that AI-generated content overviews are reducing demand for original works. As AI-generated books flood digital platforms, publishers and authors are pushing back against unauthorized use of their content.

While AI can enhance the writing process, publishers and authors must be cautious about its implications for originality and intellectual property rights.

AI in Editing and Marketing

AI-driven tools are also streamlining editing and marketing. Programs like Grammarly and ProWritingAid continue to evolve, offering more nuanced language suggestions. AI-powered marketing tools can analyze reader behavior and recommend highly targeted promotional strategies.

Some publishers are even using AI to generate book descriptions optimized for search engine algorithms, increasing discoverability in online marketplaces.

What Are the Biggest Genre Trends in 2025?

Genre trends shift with reader preferences, and in 2025, we’re seeing an expansion of several key categories.

Romantasy Reigns Supreme

The blend of romance and fantasy—known as “romantasy”—has dominated bestseller lists, with books like Fourth Wing fueling the trend. Readers are gravitating toward immersive fantasy worlds infused with romantic tension, and publishers are actively seeking manuscripts in this space.

Genre-Blending Gains Momentum

Readers in 2025 are more open than ever to books that cross traditional genre boundaries. Stories that blend elements of sci-fi, mystery, horror, and historical fiction are attracting widespread attention. Publishers are increasingly interested in manuscripts that defy rigid categorization.

Collectible Editions Are Booming

As digital books continue to thrive, physical books are evolving into collectible items. Special editions with exclusive covers, sprayed edges, and bonus content are becoming powerful sales drivers. Publishers are investing heavily in these editions to attract dedicated fanbases.

How Are Author-Publisher Relationships Changing?

In 2025 trends, the traditional publishing model is shifting, with new financial structures and alternative paths to publication gaining popularity.

Profit-Sharing Agreements Replace Traditional Advances

Rather than paying large advances, some publishers are exploring profit-sharing models, where authors receive a larger percentage of book sales instead of a lump-sum payment upfront. This model is designed to attract authors considering self-publishing, offering them better long-term financial incentives.

Independent Publishing and Direct-to-Consumer Sales Are on the Rise

More high-profile authors and celebrities are bypassing traditional publishers and selling directly to consumers. Platforms like Substack and Kickstarter allow authors to fund and market their books independently. This trend is challenging traditional publishing’s dominance, providing authors with greater creative control and financial rewards.

Traditional Publishers Are Buying Self-Published Successes

With self-publishing more accessible than ever, traditional publishers are acquiring rights to self-published books that have proven market potential. Authors who achieve strong sales independently are more likely to receive offers from major publishers.

What’s the Future of Sustainability in Publishing?

Sustainability has been a major focus in publishing, but in 2025, the conversation is expanding well beyond print books.

Digital Sustainability Takes Center Stage

While digital books reduce paper waste, they come with their own environmental costs. Publishers are now focusing on reducing the carbon footprint of digital content, implementing practices like efficient data compression and green hosting for online distribution.

Sustainable Print Practices Continue

More publishers are committing to recycled paper, soy-based inks, and biodegradable packaging to reduce the environmental impact of printed books. Some are even experimenting with alternative materials for bookbinding. So cool!

How Are Publishers Marketing Books in 2025?

Marketing strategies are evolving to keep up with changing reader behaviors and platform algorithms.

Multi-Platform Engagement Is Key

Simply running ads on Amazon or Facebook is no longer enough. Publishers are leveraging short-form video content, interactive social media campaigns, and influencer marketing to reach readers where they spend their time.

Commerce Media Is Changing Book Sales

Amazon has introduced a program paying media companies to direct readers to books on its platform, blending content and commerce in a new way. This shift is influencing how book discovery and online sales work.

AI-Driven Marketing Campaigns

AI is playing a larger role in optimizing book ads, identifying reader demographics, and personalizing outreach efforts. AI-generated book trailers and social media posts are becoming more common.

What Should Authors Avoid When Publishing in 2025?

With so many changes in the industry, authors must be strategic about their publishing choices.

Over-Reliance on AI

While AI tools can be helpful, relying on them too much can lead to issues of originality and even legal trouble. Writers should use AI as a tool rather than a replacement for human creativity.

Ignoring Marketing Strategy

Some authors believe that publishing a great book is enough—but without a strong marketing plan, even the best books can go unnoticed. Investing in marketing (or working with professionals) is essential.

Failing to Understand Market Trends

Understanding what readers want and how they consume content is key to success. Ignoring industry trends can result in books that fail to connect with audiences.

To stay informed, authors and publishers should regularly check industry news, reports, and discussions. Here are some valuable resources to keep up with publishing trends in 2025:

Publishers Weekly – Industry news, bestseller lists, and trend analysis.

The Hot Sheet – A subscription newsletter by Jane Friedman offering in-depth publishing insights.

BookScan (via NPD Group) – Sales data and market trends for print books.

Authors Guild – Advocacy, legal resources, and industry updates for authors.

The Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) – A great resource for indie authors navigating self-publishing trends.

Is the Publishing Industry Growing?

Despite economic uncertainties, the publishing industry is evolving rather than shrinking. While traditional publishing faces challenges from regulatory shifts and financial pressures, digital content, self-publishing, and independent presses continue to expand, creating a complex and dynamic landscape.

Digital Content Is Expanding

The demand for e-books and audiobooks continues to grow, with some projections suggesting that audiobook revenue could surpass print sales in certain markets within the next few years.

According to the Audio Publishers Association (APA), the global audiobook market is expected to exceed $35 billion by 2030, with double-digit growth each year leading up to that milestone! This surge is fueled by increased consumer interest in on-the-go content, AI-assisted narration making production more cost-effective, and subscription services like Audible, Storytel, and Spotify broadening their offerings.

E-books and Self-Publishing Continue to Thrive

Additionally, e-book sales remain steady, with particular growth in niche genres such as romance, fantasy, and self-help. The rise of digital-first imprints and self-publishing platforms like Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Draft2Digital, and IngramSpark has empowered authors to publish without traditional gatekeepers, often leading to substantial success.

Direct-to-consumer sales models, where authors sell books via their own websites or platforms like Shopify, are also gaining traction, reducing reliance on traditional marketplaces.

Regulatory Challenges Loom

While the digital revolution presents opportunities, it also raises complex legal and ethical challenges. Governments worldwide are reassessing copyright laws, particularly concerning AI-generated content and text/data mining.

In the UK, the proposed “text and data mining exemption” would allow tech companies to scrape and analyze published content without explicit permission, potentially undermining publisher revenue and author royalties. Critics argue that such exemptions could lead to content being repurposed by AI models without proper attribution or compensation. Authors and publishers have raised concerns that AI-generated book summaries, such as those integrated into search engines, could reduce direct sales.

Similarly, the United States and European Union are considering stricter AI copyright regulations, with the goal of balancing technological innovation and content protection. The final outcomes of these legal debates will significantly impact how publishers and authors monetize their work in the digital age.

Mixed Financial Landscape

The financial health of the publishing industry presents a varied picture. While some sectors face challenges, others continue to thrive, showcasing the dynamic nature of the market.

> Struggles for Large Publishers

Large media companies and digital publishers are under economic pressure due to declining advertising revenue and shifts in consumer behavior. For example, Future plc, a major media conglomerate, has reported financial difficulties, with its stock prices falling amid concerns over digital ad revenues.

> Growth for Independent and Hybrid Publishers

In contrast to the struggles of large publishers, many independent publishers, hybrid presses, and self-published authors are finding success. The rise of crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Patreon has allowed authors to secure direct funding from readers, bypassing the traditional publishing model.

> Success for Niche Publishers

Small presses focusing on niche genres or communities are also thriving. These publishers often cater to underserved markets and have adopted print-on-demand models, reducing financial risks and avoiding the costs associated with large print runs and inventory management.

The Future of Publishing: Growth or Contraction?

The publishing industry is not shrinking, but rather shifting. While economic volatility and regulatory changes pose challenges, the rise of audiobooks, self-publishing, and direct-to-consumer sales signals an industry adapting to new reader habits and technological advancements.

For authors, editors, and publishers, the key to thriving in 2025 lies in adaptability—whether that means leveraging AI for marketing, exploring alternative revenue streams, or staying informed about legislative changes that could impact intellectual property rights.

Thriving in the Publishing Landscape of 2025

The publishing trends of 2025 are dynamic, with new opportunities and challenges for writers, editors, and publishers. By staying informed about AI’s role in content creation, shifting author-publisher dynamics, marketing innovations, and sustainability efforts, industry professionals can navigate these changes successfully.

For authors, the key to success lies in understanding trends, leveraging technology wisely, and building strong marketing strategies. Whether pursuing traditional publishing or independent routes, adaptability will be the key to thriving in 2025’s ever-evolving literary world.

Erin K. Larson-Burnett, Production Manager at Atmosphere Press (submit your manuscript here!), is a born-and-raised Southerner currently living in Katy, Texas, with her husband and their small domestic zoo. She is an avid ink drinker who lives and breathes books—during the day, she works remotely with authors around the world, honing and perfecting books published through Atmosphere Press. By night, she crafts her own stories…or at least tries to. The Bear & the Rose is her debut novel.