Almost every author encounters writer’s block – no matter how hard you try, you can’t get yourself to write a single line. It’s important to keep in mind that this is a temporary state that all authors experience from time to time. Why does this happen? What factors affect it? How do you turn it […]
3 Main Publishing Trends to Know in 2021
March 10, 2021
Printed pieces of writing bound together, otherwise known as Books, are shifting into more modern formats. In 2020, book purchases rose for print, eBooks and audiobooks. The publishing industry is currently in transition, and we’re ready to see what lies ahead.
Let’s take a closer look at the publishing industry trends for 2021!
Paving the Way for Nonfiction
The lockdown had people stuck at home, which encouraged a lot more reading. In fact, print book sales went up 8.2% in 2020 from 2019, the largest gain since 2010! Interestingly, nonfiction outperformed fiction; according to Publishers Weekly, fiction sales went up by 21.4% while nonfiction went up by 38.3%.
With many of the best self-publishing companies available today, more writers have the freedom and accessibility to publish their own books. This opens the door to many subject experts who now have the freedom to write books with more control.
The Growth of Audiobooks
The trend for audiobooks continues to grow for its 12th consecutive year. The way we consume books is evolving and the growth in audiobook sales only proves that, with an increase of 14.3% (reaching $56.9 million in revenue) in October 2020 compared to October 2019.
For authors, it’s worth considering an audiobook along with your print and/or eBook. It’s a great way to expand your reach and engage with readers who prefer a more sensory experience with books.
Google is currently working on a beta publisher tool that converts eBooks to audiobooks. This could potentially reduce the cost of production, which is something to look out for in the months to come. It’s expected to launch this 2021.
Going Digital
This refers to both content consumption and production. Digital publications saw a significant growth in the last year. The Coronavirus pushed people to more digital content over print. Digital book revenues grew to 20.4% in December 2020 accounting for a total of $96.9 million.
As for digital learning, it’s here to stay. The digitalization of educational content has been booming with an 80% surge in eBooks and audiobooks. This comes from a report looking at 38,000 schools in 71 countries.
We will continue to see this trend as publications, institutions, and others expand into more modern formats.
What trends do you see for 2021?
Sources:
The ears have it: The rise of audiobooks and podcasting. (2019, Dec 9). Deloitte. https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry /technology/technology-media-and-telecom-predictions/2020/rise-of-audiobooks-podcast-industry.html
Kozlowski, M. (2020, Dec 14). EBook Sales in the US Were up 20.4% in October. Good E Reader. https://goodereader.com/blog/e-book-news/ebook-sales-in-the-us-were-up-20-4-in-october#:~:text=Digital%20book%20revenues20were%20up,first%20ten% 20months%20of%202020.
What you may want to read next...
5 Factors That Cause Writer’s Block and How to Overcome Them
How to Promote a Book on Social Media?
One of the most exciting moments in every author’s life is the moment his book gets published. However, publishing doesn’t always guarantee a book’s success, especially when talking about online publishing. The next step should be promoting yourself and your book. In order for readers to find your work, you need to get their attention. […]
Books Worth Reading On LiveCarta In 2021
Find the most popular books for every subject in the LiveCarta Catalog. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for study materials for you and your students or trying to learn more on a particular topic. Our collection is made up of mostly open-source and low-cost books, with some having additional offerings for customizable […]