2025 Book Market Trends: Quiz Books, Bibles, and Fiction Lead the Way
Quiz books and Bibles saw a remarkable increase in popularity last year, with sales hitting their highest levels in decades. NielsenIQ BookData reported a 24% rise in spending on quiz books and a 19% increase in Bible purchases, marking the highest figures recorded since 1998. In contrast, non-fiction titles experienced a decline, with spending dropping to £791 million, a 5% decrease year-on-year, and volume sales decreasing by 6% to 59 million units. However, adult fiction saw a 5% increase in spending, contributing to an overall marginal 0.5% dip in print book sales in the UK, totaling £1.81 billion.
Philip Stone, head of publisher account management at NielsenIQ BookData, noted the resilience of the book market in 2025, with fiction being the standout performer. The growth in sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and graphic novels, as well as gains in children's and young adult books, contributed to the market's strength. Despite the challenges faced by non-fiction, the popularity of trivia, quiz books, and religious titles highlighted the sustained demand for escapism and insight among readers. The average cost of a book reached a record high of £9.52 in 2025, reflecting rising production costs and inflation.
Audiobook sales increased by 6% in 2025, and comic strips and graphic novels also gained popularity. Richard Osman's "The Impossible Fortune" topped NielsenIQ's bestseller list, followed by Charlie Mackesy's "Always Remember" and Freida McFadden's "The Housemaid." Julia Donaldson emerged as the UK's bestselling author in 2025, with sales of 3.3 million copies, surpassing Freida McFadden and Dav Pilkey. The market remains dynamic and full of opportunities, with bestselling authors like Osman, McFadden, Donaldson, and Pilkey driving continued growth and innovation.
As the National Year of Reading begins, the industry aims to inspire more people in the UK to make reading a regular part of their lives. These insights were shared ahead of The London Book Fair, scheduled to take place from March 10 to 12 at Olympia London. The event promises to showcase the latest trends and developments in the publishing world, offering a platform for industry professionals to connect and explore new opportunities.