Books Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Science, Historical, Mystery, Fantasy, Literary, Contemporary /Realistic, Romance, Educational, Comic), By Format (Hard Copy, E-book, Audiobook), By Distribution Channel, By Region, And Segment Fo
Description
Books Market Summary
The global books market size was estimated at USD 150.99 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 215.89 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2025 to 2033. Different types of genres, such as Japanese fiction, have surged in popularity, capturing a significant share of the translated fiction market in the UK, according to an article published by The Guardian in November 2024.
In 2022, it accounted for 25% of all translated fiction sales, and by 2024, 43% of the top 40 translated titles were Japanese, led by Asako Yuzuki’s Butter. Publishers like Doubleday have embraced this trend, with Jane Lawson pioneering the introduction of Japanese "comfort books" to English audiences. Titles like The Travelling Cat Chronicles have sold over a million copies, showcasing enduring appeal. Niche genres like romantasy, a blend of romance and fantasy, have witnessed remarkable growth, driven by platforms like TikTok’s BookTok community. Sales of science fiction and fantasy books surged by 41.3% between 2023 and 2024, with Rebecca Yarros' Fourth Wing leading the charge as a bestseller. Romance and erotic fiction also thrived, with sales increasing by 9.8% and 18.1% respectively. This shift reflects changing attitudes and greater prominence given to these genres in bookstores, appealing to a wider audience. Beyond romantasy, general and literary fiction, along with crime and thrillers, have achieved their best sales performances in over a decade, showing renewed interest in these categories. However, war fiction has seen a significant decline, with an 18.3% decrease in sales value. The success of niche genres demonstrates evolving reader preferences, with audiences gravitating towards creative and emotionally resonant storytelling, amplified by online communities and changing perceptions of genre fiction.
Audiobook subscriptions have also experienced steady growth, reflecting changing consumer preferences. In 2024, 63% of audiobook listeners subscribed to at least one service, a slight increase from 62% in 2023. The American Publishers Association’s (APA) 2024 survey revealed that 52% of U.S. adults, or nearly 149 million people, have listened to an audiobook, with 38% having done so in the past year. This growth indicates that subscription models are fostering consistent engagement with books through audio platforms.
An increase in engagement among families accompanies the rise in audiobook consumption. The APA survey found that 53% of audiobook listeners with children reported that their kids also listen to audiobooks, with 77% highlighting the benefit of reducing screen time. The average number of audiobooks consumed by avid listeners rose from 6.3 titles in 2022 to 6.8 in 2023. This trend demonstrates how audiobook subscriptions cater to diverse audiences, including families, further solidifying their importance in the industry.
Social media platforms, particularly trends like #BookTok, have emerged as significant drivers of demand for books, especially among younger readers. According to the Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels, the German book industry experienced a 2.8% turnover growth in 2023 and a 1.2% increase in the first half of 2024, driven by increased interest in fiction, children's, and young adult titles. Karin Schmidt-Friderichs, the association's chair, notes that social media recommendations have made books “very popular among young people, transforming them into a creative pastime and a means of navigating a complex world.
Publishers and booksellers are adapting their strategies to meet this new demand by curating programs and presentations that resonate with young, social media-savvy consumers. As Schmidt-Friderichs observes, many bookstores and publishers actively engage on these platforms to reach audiences directly. Echoing this sentiment, Peter Kraus vom Cleff highlights the potential of youthful consumer dynamics while acknowledging the challenges posed by broader economic pressures. This shift highlights how platforms like #BookTok are transforming the book market, driving sales, and revitalizing industry engagement.
Global Books Market Report Segmentation
This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional & country levels and provides an analysis of the latest trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2033. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global books market report based on type, format, distribution channel, and region:
The global books market size was estimated at USD 150.99 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 215.89 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2025 to 2033. Different types of genres, such as Japanese fiction, have surged in popularity, capturing a significant share of the translated fiction market in the UK, according to an article published by The Guardian in November 2024.
In 2022, it accounted for 25% of all translated fiction sales, and by 2024, 43% of the top 40 translated titles were Japanese, led by Asako Yuzuki’s Butter. Publishers like Doubleday have embraced this trend, with Jane Lawson pioneering the introduction of Japanese "comfort books" to English audiences. Titles like The Travelling Cat Chronicles have sold over a million copies, showcasing enduring appeal. Niche genres like romantasy, a blend of romance and fantasy, have witnessed remarkable growth, driven by platforms like TikTok’s BookTok community. Sales of science fiction and fantasy books surged by 41.3% between 2023 and 2024, with Rebecca Yarros' Fourth Wing leading the charge as a bestseller. Romance and erotic fiction also thrived, with sales increasing by 9.8% and 18.1% respectively. This shift reflects changing attitudes and greater prominence given to these genres in bookstores, appealing to a wider audience. Beyond romantasy, general and literary fiction, along with crime and thrillers, have achieved their best sales performances in over a decade, showing renewed interest in these categories. However, war fiction has seen a significant decline, with an 18.3% decrease in sales value. The success of niche genres demonstrates evolving reader preferences, with audiences gravitating towards creative and emotionally resonant storytelling, amplified by online communities and changing perceptions of genre fiction.
Audiobook subscriptions have also experienced steady growth, reflecting changing consumer preferences. In 2024, 63% of audiobook listeners subscribed to at least one service, a slight increase from 62% in 2023. The American Publishers Association’s (APA) 2024 survey revealed that 52% of U.S. adults, or nearly 149 million people, have listened to an audiobook, with 38% having done so in the past year. This growth indicates that subscription models are fostering consistent engagement with books through audio platforms.
An increase in engagement among families accompanies the rise in audiobook consumption. The APA survey found that 53% of audiobook listeners with children reported that their kids also listen to audiobooks, with 77% highlighting the benefit of reducing screen time. The average number of audiobooks consumed by avid listeners rose from 6.3 titles in 2022 to 6.8 in 2023. This trend demonstrates how audiobook subscriptions cater to diverse audiences, including families, further solidifying their importance in the industry.
Social media platforms, particularly trends like #BookTok, have emerged as significant drivers of demand for books, especially among younger readers. According to the Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels, the German book industry experienced a 2.8% turnover growth in 2023 and a 1.2% increase in the first half of 2024, driven by increased interest in fiction, children's, and young adult titles. Karin Schmidt-Friderichs, the association's chair, notes that social media recommendations have made books “very popular among young people, transforming them into a creative pastime and a means of navigating a complex world.
Publishers and booksellers are adapting their strategies to meet this new demand by curating programs and presentations that resonate with young, social media-savvy consumers. As Schmidt-Friderichs observes, many bookstores and publishers actively engage on these platforms to reach audiences directly. Echoing this sentiment, Peter Kraus vom Cleff highlights the potential of youthful consumer dynamics while acknowledging the challenges posed by broader economic pressures. This shift highlights how platforms like #BookTok are transforming the book market, driving sales, and revitalizing industry engagement.
Global Books Market Report Segmentation
This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional & country levels and provides an analysis of the latest trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2033. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global books market report based on type, format, distribution channel, and region:
- Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2021 - 2033)
- Science
- Historical
- Mystery
- Fantasy
- Literary
- Contemporary /Realistic
- Romance
- Educational
- Comic
- Others
- Format Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2021 - 2033)
- Hard Copy
- E-book
- Audiobook
- Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2021 - 2033)
- Online
- Local Book Shops
- Mass Merchandisers/Retail Shops
- Specialty Bookstores
- Others
- Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2021 - 2033)
- North America
- U.S.
- Canada
- Mexico
- Europe
- UK
- Germany
- France
- Italy
- Belgium
- Netherlands
- Luxembourg
- Asia Pacific
- China
- India
- Japan
- Australia
- South Korea
- Indonesia
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- Singapore
- Malaysia
- Central & South America
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Middle East & Africa (MEA)
- South Africa
- UAE
- Saudi Arabia
Table of Contents
110 Pages
- Chapter 1. Methodology and Scope
- 1.1. Market Segmentation & Scope
- 1.2. Market Definition
- 1.3. Information Procurement
- 1.3.1. Purchased Database
- 1.3.2. GVR’s Internal Database
- 1.3.3. Secondary Sources & Third-Party Perspectives
- 1.3.4. Primary Research
- 1.4. Information Analysis
- 1.4.1. Data Analysis Models
- 1.5. Market Formulation & Data Visualization
- 1.6. Data Validation & Publishing
- Chapter 2. Executive Summary
- 2.1. Market Snapshot
- 2.2. Type Outlook
- 2.3. Format Outlook
- 2.4. Distribution Channel Outlook
- 2.5. Regional Outlook
- 2.6. Competitive Landscape Snapshot
- Chapter 3. Books Market Variables, Trends & Scope
- 3.1. Market Lineage Outlook
- 3.1.1. Related Market Outlook
- 3.2. Penetration and Growth Prospect Mapping
- 3.3. Industry Value Chain Analysis
- 3.3.1. Raw Material Trends
- 3.3.2. Profit Margin Analysis
- 3.4. Market Dynamics
- 3.4.1. Market Driver Analysis
- 3.4.2. Market Restraint Analysis
- 3.4.3. Market Opportunities
- 3.4.4. Market Challenges
- 3.5. Industry Analysis Tools
- 3.5.1. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
- 3.6. Market Entry Strategies
- Chapter 4. Books Market: Consumer Behavior Analysis
- 4.1. Consumer Trends & Preferences
- 4.2. Factors Affecting Buying Decisions
- 4.3. Consumer Product Adoption
- 4.4. Observations & Recommendations
- Chapter 5. Books Market: Type Estimates & Trend Analysis
- 5.1. Books market, By Type: Key Takeaways
- 5.2. Type Movement Analysis & Market Share, 2024 & 2033
- 5.3. Market Estimates & Forecasts, by Type, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 5.3.1. Science
- 5.3.1.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 5.3.2. Historical
- 5.3.2.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 5.3.3. Mystery
- 5.3.3.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 5.3.4. Fantasy
- 5.3.4.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 5.3.5. Literary
- 5.3.5.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 5.3.6. Contemporary /Realistic
- 5.3.6.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 5.3.7. Romance
- 5.3.7.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 5.3.8. Educational
- 5.3.8.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 5.3.9. Comic
- 5.3.9.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 5.3.10. Others
- 5.3.10.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- Chapter 6. Books Market: Format Estimates & Trend Analysis
- 6.1. Books Market, By Format: Key Takeaways
- 6.2. Format Movement Analysis & Market Share, 2024 & 2033
- 6.3. Market Estimates & Forecasts, by Format, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 6.3.1. Hard Copy
- 6.3.1.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 6.3.2. E-book
- 6.3.2.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 6.3.3. Audiobook
- 6.3.3.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- Chapter 7. Books Market: Distribution Channel Estimates & Trend Analysis
- 7.1. Books Market, by Distribution Channel: Key Takeaways
- 7.2. Distribution Channel Movement Analysis & Market Share, 2024 & 2033
- 7.3. Market Estimates & Forecasts, by Distribution Channel, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 7.3.1. Online
- 7.3.1.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 7.3.2. Local Book Shops
- 7.3.2.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 7.3.3. Mass Merchandisers/Retail Shops
- 7.3.3.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 7.3.4. Specialty Bookstores
- 7.3.4.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 7.3.5. Others
- 7.3.5.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- Chapter 8. Books market: Regional Estimates & Trend Analysis
- 8.1. Books market: Regional Outlook
- 8.2. Regional Marketplaces: Key Takeaways
- 8.3. Market Estimates & Forecasts, by Region, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 8.3.1. North America
- 8.3.1.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 8.3.1.2. U.S.
- 8.3.1.2.1. Key country dynamics
- 8.3.1.2.2. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 8.3.1.3. Canada
- 8.3.1.3.1. Key country dynamics
- 8.3.1.3.2. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 8.3.1.4. Mexico
- 8.3.1.4.1. Key country dynamics
- 8.3.1.4.2. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 8.3.2. Europe
- 8.3.2.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 8.3.2.2. Germany
- 8.3.2.2.1. Key country dynamics
- 8.3.2.2.2. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 8.3.2.3. UK
- 8.3.2.3.1. Key country dynamics
- 8.3.2.3.2. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 8.3.2.4. France
- 8.3.2.4.1. Key country dynamics
- 8.3.2.4.2. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 8.3.2.5. Italy
- 8.3.2.5.1. Key country dynamics
- 8.3.2.5.2. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 8.3.2.6. Belgium
- 8.3.2.6.1. Key country dynamics
- 8.3.2.6.2. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 8.3.2.7. Netherlands
- 8.3.2.7.1. Key country dynamics
- 8.3.2.7.2. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 8.3.2.8. Luxembourg
- 8.3.2.8.1. Key country dynamics
- 8.3.2.8.2. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 8.3.3. Asia Pacific
- 8.3.3.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 8.3.3.2. China
- 8.3.3.2.1. Key country dynamics
- 8.3.3.2.2. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 8.3.3.3. India
- 8.3.3.3.1. Key country dynamics
- 8.3.3.3.2. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 8.3.3.4. Japan
- 8.3.3.4.1. Key country dynamics
- 8.3.3.4.2. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 8.3.3.5. Australia
- 8.3.3.5.1. Key country dynamics
- 8.3.3.5.2. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 8.3.3.6. South Korea
- 8.3.3.6.1. Key country dynamics
- 8.3.3.6.2. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 8.3.3.7. Indonesia
- 8.3.3.7.1. Key country dynamics
- 8.3.3.7.2. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 8.3.3.8. Thailand
- 8.3.3.8.1. Key country dynamics
- 8.3.3.8.2. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 8.3.3.9. Vietnam
- 8.3.3.9.1. Key country dynamics
- 8.3.3.9.2. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 8.3.3.10. Singapore
- 8.3.3.10.1. Key country dynamics
- 8.3.3.10.2. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 8.3.3.11. Malaysia
- 8.3.3.11.1. Key country dynamics
- 8.3.3.11.2. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 8.3.4. Central & South America
- 8.3.4.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 8.3.4.2. Brazil
- 8.3.4.2.1. Key country dynamics
- 8.3.4.2.2. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 8.3.4.3. Argentina
- 8.3.4.3.1. Key country dynamics
- 8.3.4.3.2. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 8.3.5. Middle East & Africa
- 8.3.5.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 8.3.5.2. South Africa
- 8.3.5.2.1. Key country dynamics
- 8.3.5.2.2. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 8.3.5.3. Saudi Arabia
- 8.3.5.3.1. Key country dynamics
- 8.3.5.3.2. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- 8.3.5.4. UAE
- 8.3.5.4.1. Key country dynamics
- 8.3.5.4.2. Market estimates and forecast, 2021 - 2033 (USD Billion)
- Chapter 9. Books Market: Competitive Analysis
- 9.1. Recent developments & impact analysis, by key market participants
- 9.2. Company Categorization
- 9.3. Participant’s Overview
- 9.4. Financial Performance
- 9.5. Product Benchmarking
- 9.6. Company Market Share Analysis, 2024 (%)
- 9.7. Company Heat Map Analysis
- 9.8. Strategy Mapping
- 9.9. Company Profiles
- 9.9.1. Disney.
- 9.9.1.1. Company Overview
- 9.9.1.2. Financial Performance
- 9.9.1.3. Product Portfolios
- 9.9.1.4. Strategic Initiatives
- 9.9.2. Penguin Random House
- 9.9.2.1. Company Overview
- 9.9.2.2. Financial Performance
- 9.9.2.3. Product Portfolios
- 9.9.2.4. Strategic Initiatives
- 9.9.3. Pearson
- 9.9.3.1. Company Overview
- 9.9.3.2. Financial Performance
- 9.9.3.3. Product Portfolios
- 9.9.3.4. Strategic Initiatives
- 9.9.4. Hachette Book Group
- 9.9.4.1. Company Overview
- 9.9.4.2. Financial Performance
- 9.9.4.3. Product Portfolios
- 9.9.4.4. Strategic Initiatives
- 9.9.5. HarperCollins Publishers
- 9.9.5.1. Company Overview
- 9.9.5.2. Financial Performance
- 9.9.5.3. Product Portfolios
- 9.9.5.4. Strategic Initiatives
- 9.9.6. Scholastic Inc.
- 9.9.6.1. Company Overview
- 9.9.6.2. Financial Performance
- 9.9.6.3. Product Portfolios
- 9.9.6.4. Strategic Initiatives
- 9.9.7. Simon & Schuster, Inc.
- 9.9.7.1. Company Overview
- 9.9.7.2. Financial Performance
- 9.9.7.3. Product Portfolios
- 9.9.7.4. Strategic Initiatives
- 9.9.8. McGraw-Hill.
- 9.9.8.1. Company Overview
- 9.9.8.2. Financial Performance
- 9.9.8.3. Product Portfolios
- 9.9.8.4. Strategic Initiatives
- 9.9.9. Macmillan
- 9.9.9.1. Company Overview
- 9.9.9.2. Financial Performance
- 9.9.9.3. Product Portfolios
- 9.9.9.4. Strategic Initiatives
- 9.9.10. IDW Publishing
- 9.9.10.1. Company Overview
- 9.9.10.2. Financial Performance
- 9.9.10.3. Product Portfolios
- 9.9.10.4. Strategic Initiatives
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