The Biggest Literary Moments of 2025 (So Far): What’s Shaping the Book Industry Today
From major publishing trends to author spotlights in Times Square, here’s what’s making waves in the literary world!
The book industry is evolving faster than ever, with new trends, groundbreaking author recognitions, and heated debates shaping the way we read, publish, and celebrate literature. From rising audiobook dominance to the changing landscape of book endorsements, here’s a look at the latest industry-shaping developments.
📚Franklin Publishers Brings Emerging & Bestselling Authors to Times Square
One of the biggest moments in book promotion this year is the Franklin Publishers’ Times Square Showcase, where a select group of authors are being celebrated in one of the most iconic cultural landmarks in the world.
This campaign isn’t just about visibility—it’s about elevating storytelling. Among the featured authors are:
Philip Brescia - A Path of Sorrows: A profound retelling of Christ’s struggles, weaving faith, purpose, and resilience into a transformative journey of divine grace.
Joseph Ridgway - Ava’s Dreams: A rising name in children’s literature, crafting imaginative and heartwarming stories.
Llambi Qirilla - Alexandria: A bilingual poet who captures heritage, family, and the fleeting beauty of life’s moments.
Doris Meredith - Murder in the moon when the leaves fall: A historical mystery expert, weaving compelling plots with rich, immersive settings.
Kim Turner - Where Little Ones Come From: A storyteller blending faith, culture, and children’s literature with meaningful messages.
Franklin Publishers’ initiative underscores how author promotions are evolving—leveraging large-scale campaigns to bring books to a global audience like never before.
📖Oprah Winfrey Elevates Eric Puchner’s Dream State
Another major industry highlight comes from Oprah’s Book Club. Eric Puchner’s novel Dream State, a multigenerational love story spanning five decades, has been selected for Oprah’s prestigious list. The selection is expected to catapult the book to bestseller status, cementing Puchner’s place as a must-read contemporary author.
🎨 N.D. Stevenson Unveils Scarlet Morning
Beloved graphic novelist N.D. Stevenson (Nimona, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power) has announced his upcoming illustrated novel, Scarlet Morning, set for release in September. The book, which has been in the works for 15 years, tells the story of two orphans joining a pirate crew to save their world. Stevenson describes the project as deeply personal, marking his artistic and personal growth.
🔊 The Rise of Audiobooks & Spotify’s Disruption of the Market
Audiobooks are now a dominant force in publishing. A 17% increase in UK audiobook downloads between 2022 and 2023 is just one indicator of how rapidly the format is growing.
Driving this shift is Spotify’s entry into the audiobook market, offering subscribers 15 hours of listening per month—a direct challenge to Amazon’s Audible. As listening habits shift, authors and publishers are rethinking how they distribute and market books in an increasingly audio-driven world.
💖 “Cosy Kink”: The Unexpected Romance Trend of 2025
One of the most surprising book trends this year is “cosy kink”—a fusion of steamy romance and small-town warmth. Books like The Pumpkin Spice Café are leading the charge, blending sensual narratives with cozy, feel-good atmospheres. The rise of this subgenre highlights how romance readers are craving comfort and connection in a digital age.
📜 The Blurbing Controversy: Are Book Endorsements Losing Credibility?
For years, author blurbs—short endorsements from well-known writers—have been a staple in book marketing. However, the practice is now facing pushback.
Simon & Schuster recently announced they will no longer require authors to secure blurbs.
Authors like Rebecca Makkai have criticized blurbs as a “favor-based system” rather than a genuine recommendation tool.
With this shift, the industry is rethinking how credibility is built in book marketing. Will social media recommendations take over?
📖 Nicola Sturgeon’s Personal Book Review Sparks Debate
Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon penned a review of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Dream Count, drawing parallels between the novel’s themes of betrayal and her own recent divorce.
Her candid critique, published in The New Statesman, is stirring conversations about how personal experiences shape the way we interpret literature—and whether political figures should engage in public literary criticism.
📱 BookTok: Boosting Sales or Oversaturating the Market?
BookTok continues to be a double-edged sword for the industry. While it’s driving millions in book sales, some critics argue that it:
✔️ Revitalizes interest in genres like romantic fantasy
❌ Floods the market with viral titles while leaving other books unnoticed
Australian readers are especially divided, with some celebrating its accessibility and others claiming it skews literary focus toward trend-driven books.
What’s Next for the Industry?
With Times Square promotions, digital disruptions, and viral book trends shaping the landscape, 2025 is proving to be a year of transformation in publishing.
Readers are embracing new formats, authors are gaining exposure in unprecedented ways, and the debate about traditional publishing norms vs. modern marketing strategies is more heated than ever.
One thing is certain: books are evolving, but the power of storytelling remains timeless.
Which of these trends do you find most exciting? Let us know in the comments!