A new year is upon us, my writing friends!

We have the energy of a new year to propel us toward our writing resolutions and new trends in the publishing industry to consider as we achieve our writing goals.

You’ll get the opportunity to dive deeper into these publishing trends, learn more about emerging strategies, and connect with fellow writers at the Chanticleer Authors Conference (CAC25).

Sign up today to join us for a transformative event in Bellingham, WA, in April 3-6 2025!

Staying ahead of trends will put your book in the best position to succeed. We’ve compiled a list of trends that will be guiding the publishing industry in 2025. Buckle up, writers! We’re diving into what could be your best year yet!

AI, Copyright, and Collaboration

We’ve heard the drums beating for years—artificial intelligence (AI) will be used more widely in content creation, editing, and formatting. While we have heard much about the dangers of AI to authors in regard to copyright issues, AI tools can help with grammar, style, and structure and help publishers analyze reader data and predict market trends.

Author supported organizations are also working to create laws around the use of copyrighted material by AI services. Recently, congress introduced a bill called the Generative AI Copyright Disclosure Act in response to the issues unregulated generative AI has created for authors and publishing. The need for these laws were recently underscored by a lawsuit brought against Facebook’s Meta company due to their use of pirated content to build up their AI tool. Time will tell how the AI revolution will evolve, but it is a relief that it is finally being formally addressed by lawmakers.

Beyond issues of copyright, practically AI has shown itself to be a brilliant brainstorming tool for authors, providing fresh perspectives and helping to spark new ideas for content, structure, and marketing strategies. From suggestions for marketing copy, taglines, and promotional marketing schedules, AI has the power to simplify a part of the author experience that many writers struggle with.

Self-Publishing and Print on Demand

Print on Demand (POD) is a game-changer for self-published authors. By allowing authors to print smaller batches of books as orders come in, POD eliminates the need for large upfront investments and the overhead costs associated with keeping inventory in a warehouse. This flexibility means authors can stay liquid while avoiding the financial burden of mass printing. Additionally, POD offers the ability to create specialty editions of books, such as limited runs or custom covers, which can add a unique touch and enhance reader engagement.

This also connects to the higher percentage of royalties per book when self-publishing compared to traditionally published authors, often reaching 60-80% compared to 5-15%. Independent authors also maintain more creative control, but they downside is they pick up the publishing costs and are responsible for all marketing activities. Traditional publishers are also adapting POD to stay competitive in the ever-changing market.

Audiobooks

For years, audiobooks have slowly found their footing in the publishing market. It is predicted the trend will continue to grow in popularity, as people become more comfortable with listening to books online. In 2023, audiobook revenue grew 9% to $2 billion, and each year audiobooks move closer to the sales numbers seen with ebooks and print.

Digital Publishing

Digital publishing will continue to grow in 2025. Authors will be engaging with their readers through online journals, blogs, social media posts, interactive websites, audio and video content, virtual galleries, and interactive exhibitions. By publishing digital content readers get to know the author on a more personal level and their work in many different ways.

Social Media vs. Newsletters

Social media platforms continue to evolve, with major changes unfolding at Meta and X (formerly Twitter), and new players like BlueSky emerging. As the digital landscape shifts, many authors find it increasingly difficult to maintain a consistent connection with their audience through social media alone. Algorithm changes, privacy concerns, and the rise and fall of platforms like TikTok have contributed to what feels like a revolving door of social media strategies.

However, newsletters remain one of the most powerful tools for direct communication with your audience. Unlike social media, where posts can be hidden or lost in the noise of algorithms, newsletters give you control over your message and provide a guaranteed way to reach your readers. Exclusive content, updates, and personal insights, newsletters allow authors to build long-term relationships with their community.

In a time of constant change in the digital space, newsletters stand strong as a reliable, personal, and effective way to stay connected with your most loyal readers.

Subscription Models

Subscription models have evolved, and today they provide an incredible opportunity for authors to build and sustain niche communities around their work. Platforms like Patreon and Kickstarter offer authors the chance to create exclusive content, foster deeper connections with their readers, and secure ongoing financial support. These models allow authors to engage directly with their fans, whether it’s through behind-the-scenes access, early drafts, or even running role-playing games based on their books.

A growing number of authors are finding success by leveraging subscription platforms to finance projects, such as crowdfunding a novel’s next chapter or funding an audiobook production. It’s about more than just direct sales—it’s about building a community that feels personally connected to your creative process.

Chanticleer’s Roost, for example, is an excellent subscription-based model that brings together writers and readers in a private, engaging online space. Subscription models like this foster close-knit communities, where authors can receive real-time feedback, share updates, and involve their audience in the creative journey. Whether you’re offering exclusive content or utilizing platforms like Kickstarter to support a new book launch, these models help authors maintain direct connections with readers and build lasting, engaged fanbases.

Sustainability

More authors and publishers are looking for ways to support efforts to combat climate change than ever before. In the coming year, this trend will continue as everyone, readers, writers, publishers, and booksellers, work to create a more sustainable world.

Blockchain

Blockchain will play a role in publishing. Blockchain is a decentralized database that stores and verifies transactions in a secure, transparent, and immutable ledger. It’s also known as Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT). The appeal of blockchain technology is it reduces risk and cuts cost by cutting out the middle man—the banks—and allowing transactions to be a seamless process between the author and the book’s purchaser.

Direct Sales

Direct sales are becoming an increasingly prominent strategy for authors looking to take control of their business and increase their profits. With the rise of self-publishing and the continued dominance of digital platforms, authors now have more tools than ever to sell their books directly to readers without relying on traditional distribution channels.

In addition to selling books, authors can leverage direct sales to offer additional products and experiences. This could include personalized merchandise, bundled offers, or access to exclusive content. Authors who build a strong brand can turn direct sales into a long-term, sustainable business model.

Genre Fiction

Readers are dedicate to the stories they love! That’s reflected in the 2025 trend that predicts genre fiction will be hot in bookstores again this year. This is true whether they are shopping online for their next book, or if they step into a bookstore and head straight to the shelves containing their favorite genre.

As we look ahead, 2025 promises to be a transformative year for the publishing industry.

The publishing industry in flux, undergoing major changes right now. Readers are increasingly seeking authentic, inclusive stories, and authors are seeking out better business tools and sustainable publishing practices. Whether embracing cutting-edge technology or doubling down on community-building and niche markets, publishers and authors alike must stay adaptable to thrive in this evolving landscape.

Chanticleer predicts the future of publishing lies in balancing tradition with innovation to find the right audience that will make your next book a best seller!

Don’t miss out on these upcoming trends!

Register for the Chanticleer Authors Conference

Stay on top of Publishing as the Hub of Technology

Chanticleer is committed to stay on top of trends and help our authors from Manuscript to Market. Whether embracing cutting-edge technology or doubling down on community-building and niche markets, publishers and authors alike must stay adaptable to thrive in this evolving landscape.