Coming to a Cover Near You Next Year : Book Trends for 2024
The literary landscape of 2024 promises a dynamic mix of genres and themes, catering to the ever-expanding tastes of a global bookworm audience. From the continued rise of narratively rich escapism in genres like romantasy to a surge in audiobook accessibility, readers can expect a year filled with captivating tales and endless possibilities.
trend #1: audiobook availability
The global audiobook market is worth over $5.3 billion and is projected to reach $35 billion in 2030.
This means that the audiobook market will grow by 26.4% every year over the next 7 years, while the book publishing market will grow by 1.9%.
Almost half of Americans have listened to an audiobook at least once in their life as of 2022, and as digital technologies continue to grow so will the expansion of audiobook availability. Look for more streaming services to start offering audiobooks in 2024.
trend #2: romantasy
A blend of romance and fantasy, epic adventures are fueled by passionate connections and magical landscapes. From mythical creatures to mystical realms, Romantasy transports readers into a universe where love knows no bounds,
The romance industry is saturated at the moment, but I foresee this sub-genre breaking out in the next year.
trend #3: self publishing
The number of self-published books grew from about 150K in 2010 to more than 1.68 million in 2019. The pandemic has pushed that trend even further by making eBooks very popular.
Fast forward to 2023, the number of self-published books has increased by 264% in the last five years.
This is why ebooks are so great for self-publishers because the dispersement of digital content has greater ease of access than traditional book printing methods. On the downside, they typically have less marketing budget, so booktok fame is key to some of these publishers! Lastly, we might see inventory delays as independent publishers may print books in smaller quantities due to financial constraints.
trend #4: cozy core
Cozy Core, the genre that wraps readers in a literary embrace, offering heartwarming narratives that blend comfort, charm, and a touch of nostalgia. Dive into tales set in quaint locales, where characters navigate life's challenges amid close-knit communities.
Cozy Core books provide a respite from the ordinary, infusing warmth and gentleness into every page. Whether it's small-town mysteries, feel-good romances, or friendships that stand the test of time, this genre creates a snug haven for readers seeking solace and a delightful escape into the soothing embrace of storytelling.
trend #5: generative AI
Generative AI is coming whether I want to admit it or not. Authors may harness the power of generative AI technology to co-create plot and structure, market research, editing, marketing… the list is exhaustive.
Regardless of how AI evolves within the literary landscape, it opens the discussion of the relationship between the human imagination and the limitless possibilities of technology.
