The global book market is a massive machine valued at over $142 billion annually. Although forecasts predict stable growth of nearly 2% through 2030, its structure is changing dynamically.
The latest data presented by NielsenIQ BookData and GfK Entertainment at the Frankfurt Book Fair shed new light on what and how we read. If you plan to publish a book in 2026, you must know that the volume game is ceasing to pay off. The time for quality is coming.
Fewer copies, higher profits
Analysis of data from 19 key markets (including the UK, France, and Poland) reveals a fascinating phenomenon. In as many as 11 of the surveyed countries, revenue growth was recorded, even though in many of them the number of copies sold fell or remained unchanged.
What does this mean in practice?
- Price increases: the average book price has soared – in Spain by over 4%, and in Mexico and the Netherlands by exactly 4%.
- Reader acceptance: audiences are willing to pay more, but in return, they expect a higher-class product.
For self-publishers and publishing houses, this is a wake-up call to revise their production approach. Cheap, mass-market editions lacking character are increasingly losing the battle for attention, which is why premium editions are becoming the strategy for 2026.
If your book is to compete on the shelf, it must offer something more than just content – a hardcover, metallic foil, sprayed edges, or higher-weight paper. The physical book is transforming into a luxury good, ideal as a gift, for which the customer is willingly paying a premium price.
What is the world reading? Crime and the magic of BookTok
In 2025, fiction once again proved to be the queen of sales, recording growth in 14 of the 19 surveyed regions. Which genres are driving this trend?
- Crime and Thrillers: the undisputed leader is Freida McFadden. Her series “The Housemaid” dominated bestseller lists in France, Spain, and the UK.
- Fantasy and Romantasy: titles such as “Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros or the series by Sarah J. Maas continue to attract legions of fans.
- Young Adult: here sentiment mixes with novelty. Suzanne Collins and her new prequel to “The Hunger Games” – “Sunrise on the Reaping” – is a global hit in the YA segment.
The common denominator of these successes is BookTok. The TikTok community not only promotes new releases but can also create bestsellers from titles published years ago. For an author, this means one thing: social media presence, including unboxing videos of aesthetically published books, is a free and powerful marketing tool in 2026.
Non-fiction: seeking advice, not facts
The non-fiction sector is experiencing tougher times – sales drops were recorded in many countries. However, in this sea of red, there are islands of green.
Readers still want personal development. Books like the immortal “Atomic Habits” by James Clear or the newer “The Let Them Theory” by Mel Robbins are breaking popularity records in Australia, Ireland, and Poland. Biographies of famous figures, from Pope Francis to politicians, are also doing well. The conclusion? In uncertain times, we look for signposts and inspiring stories, not dry analyses.
A place for ambitious literature
In his “Diaries”, the Hungarian writer Sándor Márai cited an anecdote about a conversation with a publisher, suggesting it might be worth publishing more ambitious titles, not just entertainment. In response, the author was told that it was a risky idea.
This took place decades ago, and the situation hasn’t changed much. Fortunately, there are still “madmen” who bring this risky idea to life. Thanks to this, we get such astounding novels as “O” by Miki Liukkonen.
Many literary fiction books may be missing from bestseller lists, but it is worth remembering that these are the ones we will be discussing in a dozen years, not a seasonal hit with a generic plot written in transparent language.
3 pillars of publishing strategy for 2026
Returning to the hard data from the Nielsen and GfK reports. A clear strategy emerges for anyone planning a publication in the coming year (and wants to earn from it):
- Quality over quantity: invest in embellishments. The market shows that customers buy less often, but more consciously. Premium editions justify a higher price and build prestige.
- Online visibility: traditional bookstores are important, but product desire is built on the Internet. Your book must “look good” on a smartphone screen.
- Bold pricing: printing costs are rising, but book prices often rise slower than inflation. Don’t be afraid to price your work higher, provided that quality follows.
The paper book market is doing great – it accounts for nearly 83% of the entire industry’s revenue. Paper is not dying; it is simply evolving towards an exclusive product.
In 2026, the winners will be those who understand that a book is not just text, but a physical experience. And at Books Factory, we know everything about embellishments and will gladly help you create an edition that will delight readers.