Publishing Industry Predictions & Trends

In this episode, we highlight the top publishing trends for 2025 and 2026. We discuss the rise of new romance subgenres, the impact of artificial intelligence on editing and marketing, and the nostalgic comeback of 90s and early 2000s-inspired fiction. We also explore the evolution of audiobooks into immersive experiences, the bookstore renaissance with a surge in new openings, and the growing trend of “readaways,” where readers merge travel with literature

SHOW NOTES:

The Enduring Allure of Romance

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Publishing

Nostalgia as Cultural Capital

The Evolution of Audiobooks

Bookstore Renaissance

Transforming the Reading Experience

The Enduring Allure of Romance

Best-Selling Genre— Love Stories Never Go Out of Style: Despite a shifting literary landscape, romance remains the best-selling genre, reflecting its strong, enduring appeal among readers.

Evolving Subgenres: The genre is undergoing an evolution, with new subgenres like romantasy, sports romance, dark romance, and sci-fi romance emerging. These subgenres infuse the traditional romance narrative with emotional depth and complexity while also appealing to a broader audience through innovative contexts. (Source: Booksshelf)

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Publishing

AI's Unchanging Presence: Artificial intelligence is not going anywhere. According to a blog from Lumina Datamatics, AI is set to continue reshaping the publishing industry, touching every aspect from content creation to distribution.

Operational Efficiencies: AI significantly enhances efficiency by assisting with copyediting, metadata tagging, and marketing efforts. These innovations help lower costs and save time for publishers, thereby streamlining the publishing process and allowing for a greater focus on content quality. (Source: Lumina Datamatics)

Nostalgia as Cultural Capital

1990s Comeback: Nostalgia is a powerful force, with fiction inspired by the late 1990s and early 2000s drawing in millennials. This generation is particularly resonating with coming-of-age stories filled with references that evoke memories of their formative years. (Source: Booksshelf)

The Evolution of Audiobooks

Shifting Reader Expectations: Audiobooks are evolving to meet the growing demand for more immersive experiences. Readers are increasingly seeking out formats that feature full casts and additional sound effects, transforming how stories are experienced. (Source: Booksshelf)

Revenue Growth: According to the New York Times, audiobook sales maintained performance similar to the previous year, but overall revenue has quadrupled over the last decade. Audiobooks not only attract new listeners who may not read in print but also appeal to habitual readers who tend to purchase both print and audio editions of the same title. (Source: New York Times)

Bookstore Renaissance

Resurgence of Bookstores—The New Cool Hangout:: There has been a renaissance in bookstore culture, highlighted by the opening of 422 new bookstores this year alone, a significant increase compared to previous years. Major chains such as Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million are expanding their footprints, indicating heightened interest in physical bookstores. (Source: New York Times)

Genre-Specific Shops: The rise of targeted genre-specific bookstores, like Spicy Librarian in Denver and The Twisted Spine in Brooklyn, reflects a growing demand for curated literary experiences that cater to specific reader interests, enhancing community engagement around literature. (Source: New York Times)

Transforming the Reading Experience

The Trend of "Readaways": A fascinating trend termed “readaways” is reshaping how individuals approach vacations. More people are seeking travel-centric experiences that focus on reading and spending quality time with loved ones. (Source: VRBO)

Vacay with a Side of Literature: According to VRBO and People Magazine, an impressive 91% of travelers express interest in trips focused on reading, relaxation, and family time. Mentions of reading-related terms in guest reviews have surged by 285% year-over-year, while searches for “book retreats” and “book club retreat ideas” on Pinterest saw increases of 100% and 275%, respectively. This indicates that book enthusiasts are increasingly traveling to serene coastal homes, chalets, and countryside retreats to unplug, unwind, and connect through shared stories. (Source: VRBO)

SOURCES & LINKS:

Lumina Datamatics. (2026). Top 10 Publishing Trends to Watch Out For in 2026. Retrieved from Lumina Datamatics

Booksshelf. (2026). What’s Going to Be Hot in 2026: Predictions for Fiction. Retrieved from Booksshelf

New York Times. (2025). Book Sales Trends 2025. Retrieved from NY Times

VRBO. (2026). Readaways: Trends in Literary Travel. Retrieved from VRBO

“2026 Author Trends You need to Know,” Written Word Media (2026) 

Next Episode: Marketing Scams Every Author Should Know

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey  https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you