While it’s impossible to predict the future, we’re already seeing some solid publishing trends as 2025 heads into spring, which means it’s a pretty safe bet to assume these same patterns will continue as the year goes on. So what are readers gravitating to? Read on for some of the highlights that you can expect—and the genres that you can look forward to devouring.
Genre fiction (especially romance) continues to dominate
First of all, it might help to clarify what genre fiction is. Typically it refers to a category of book that sticks to fairly standardized norms within an established and preset genre. The plot is the driving force, and there’s an adherence to particular tropes.
The most popular genre at the moment seems to be romantasy (romance plus fantasy). Think Leigh Bardugo’s The Familiar or Mai Corland’s Four Ruined Realms. It’s not hard to figure out why these types of books are gaining a resurgence of loyal fans and a legion of brand new ones: They often offer the perfect escape, providing compelling characters and romantic tension with a predictably happy(ish) ending. There is a lot to be said for taking comfort in the familiar, and there don’t appear to be any signs of the genre fiction explosion slowing down any time soon.
Speculative fiction with a twist
A lot of people in the present environment have connected with popular dystopian literature like Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale or George Orwell’s classic 1984. However, prepare yourself for a new wave of speculative fiction that calls itself hopepunk.
This genre has a distinctive dystopian feel in the sense that it chronicles an end of times, a period in which the world as we know it is gone. In a distinct twist, though, hopepunk emphasizes promise, resilience, and the underlying conviction that humanity will rise above the current hardships and deliver itself into a better future—as opposed to the raw gut punches that traditional dystopian literature often offers. Many readers find that this type of reading gives hope in a seemingly hopeless situation, offering an irrepressible and defiant view of the world that will likely resonate for years to come.
Niche subgenres are enjoying their time in the sun
Lest you think romances are enjoying all the fun, rest assured that many different niche subgenres are on the rise. These include categories like climate fiction (cleverly dubbed cli-fi) that speculates about the affects that climate change has on our planet; dark academia, whose characters are focused on elite academic and intellectual goals with a moody undertone that mimics traditional gothic literature; and sad girl literature, revolving around female characters who delve into their own emotional upheaval and vulnerability in an attempt to understand their place in society. As you can see, these niche subgenres focus on a very specific type of storytelling experience—all of which are finding an increasingly large audience.
The demand for more diverse stories is real
The desire for more diversity in literature—whether that comes via the specific lens of race, gender, sexuality, or any other marginalized community—has been made loud and clear in 2025. Readers are looking to read about experiences from a perspective other than their own, as evidenced by the popularity of novels such as Percival Everett’s James and Laila Lalami’s The Other Americans. Such diversity helps shed the confines of a reader’s own narrow perspective and instead glimpse the world in ways that one could never truly experience in reality.
Self-published authors continue to make a name for themselves
Self-publishing is still a force to be reckoned with in the book industry. Independent authors have access to so many new and exciting avenues when it comes to publishing their own content without the oversight of a traditional publishing house, and the appeal is obvious: It’s easy, fast, and allows writers creative control over everything from book cover design to editing to choosing how, when, and where they market. With so many opportunities for aspiring authors, it’s not hard to see the appeal. The rise of self-publishing ultimately results in more narratives being shared with the public and a healthier market full of brilliant, unheard voices.
Multiplatform publishing is in full swing
If you feel like you keep seeing book recommendations on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, or other social media platforms, rest assured: You’re not imagining it. There has been a veritable flood of digital marketing and publicity for both traditionally published and self-published authors.
It’s not just digital advertising that you’ll see—it’s audiobooks, interactive Q and A’s with the author, digital bonuses contingent on signing up for a mailing list, podcasts discussing the author’s past and present works, and more. All of these platforms help new and established authors reach their target audience, so expect more of the same throughout the year.
Andrea Moran lives outside of Nashville with her husband and two kids. She’s a professional copywriter and editor who loves all things books. Find her on LinkedIn.
