Top Book Publishing Trends for 2024

10/4/2024

With the first quarter of 2024 down, it’s a great time to review how the year has started for the publishing industry, as well as what trends we can expect to see throughout the next 12 months in publishing.

Self-publishing soars
Over the last few years there has been a huge increase in the number of people choosing to self-publish their books. This may be for many reasons, including the ease and availability of platforms such as Amazon’s print-on-demand service, Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, making self-publishing an affordable and accessible option.

This trend towards self-publishing shows no signs of slowing down in 2024, as authors find new ways to overcome the often challenging and competitive traditional publishing routes.

What are the trends in children’s book publishing for 2024?

Diversity and inclusion in publishing
According to the Diversity Baseline Survey (DBS), there continues to be a lack of diversity in publishing especially for underrepresented groups. Though there has been a concerted effort to publish more ethnically and culturally diverse literature, these factors aren’t the only areas which need more diversity and inclusivity.

There is a lack of literature to represent aspects such as disability, gender, and non-traditional families. As a result, in 2024 and beyond there will be a push for greater variety in what is published, and the types of authors that are represented, as publishers acknowledge the need for more diverse voices in books.

Many independent publishers and self-publishers are already riding this trend, leading the way for more inclusion of minority groups and giving these often unheard voices a platform to be seen and heard.

AI is here to stay
The use of AI is one of the biggest topics in the publishing industry. Following the trend of the past 5 years, AI for writing, editing, and producing illustrations is not going anywhere.

The market is currently flooded with AI written and AI illustrated books, especially on platforms such as Amazon. However, AI is not just likely to be used for creation of content, but for many other aspects in the publishing industry too.

Audiobooks attract new reading audiences
An ongoing trend over the past few years, audiobooks are going from strength to strength being one of the fastest growing areas in publishing.

The audiobook market has seen a sharp increase in the number of 18–24 year olds listening to books, which is tapping into new audiences that might otherwise not be accessing these books.

What are the trends in children’s book publishing for 2024?
Children’s book publishing is seeing one of the biggest areas of growth in the wider industry. This is great news for children’s authors, but what will there be a focus in 2024 and beyond?

Diversity and wellbeing
As with the publishing industry as a whole, there is a greater need for diversity in children’s books. It is vital that children are able to see people and families like their own represented in the books they read, to encourage them to read for pleasure and to understand the world around them.

With children’s mental health issues increasing, there is a growing trend for more books that focus on social and emotional development, helping children navigate challenging feelings and situations in life and build resilience.

In an ever increasing tech filled world, supporting children’s mental and physical health is more important than ever and books are one tool that can help children to thrive and reach their full potential.

championing diversity both within our books, toys,

Focus on sustainability
Eco-conscious books which teach children about the environment and how to live sustainably are also trending. Books play an important role in shaping the next generation of eco-warriors to help protect the planet.

Sustainability is a huge issue in the publishing industry, with 32 million trees cut down per year for book production in the United States alone. Ebooks and audiobooks provide an obvious solution to reducing this environmental impact, but they are not the only option.

Using print-on-demand services and only printing new books when they are needed is a cost-effective way to reduce waste and protect the environment. Small indie publishers and self-publishers who use print-on-demand are helping to minimise unnecessary waste and encourage more sustainable practices.

It looks like 2024 is going to remain strong for children’s book publishing, with core societal issues including children’s mental health, promoting sustainability, and diverse voices being important for children and their parents/carers.

Since Green Bean Studios was founded, we have been encouraging children and families to live greener, healthier lifestyles and championing diversity both within our books, toys, and entertainment productions and within our team. We’re pleased to see that with the current publishing industry stats we’re right on trend and giving readers and families what they need to thrive!