Keeping Up with the Latest Publishing Trends

In the fast-paced, constantly-changing world we live in, it makes sense that publishing trends would follow a similar pattern. It also makes staying up-to-date a challenge, trying to balance staying authentic to your story while simultaneously appealing to larger demographics. But in order to set your book up for the most success, it is an important balancing act in your writing journey that should begin as soon as you set forth on your path. 

As writers, we are naturally always engaged in some form of thought process. It starts with the conception of an idea that blossoms into a storyline for a book. That storyline is then fleshed out over time and revisited regularly as it is unfolding so that we maintain dedication to not only ourselves as writers but our visions as well. The same system should be applied to considering current trends for effective marketing because they are great tools in increasing your book’s visibility on the market. 

Self-publishing on its own is trending and continuing to grow in demand. Many authors, yourself included, are seeing the valuable benefits to publishing their books independently, and while this allows for much welcome freedom and flexibility—encompassing a more enjoyable writing experience overall—writers are having to consider the trends that are keeping readers invested. In 2025, some of these include: social media marketing, digitized book formats, diversity and inclusion, and increasing author camaraderie. Here are some brief thoughts on why these could be used to your advantage: 

1. Social media marketing: The beauty of social media is the connections it allows you to make with people worldwide. Traditional marketing will always have a need in most industries, but in today’s digital world, your best chances of visibility and reaching more readers exists online where you are able to connect with readers you may not have done so in a more traditional venue. You need an active, consistent presence to establish an engaged audience that wants to be informed about your books, eagerly awaiting your next update or release information. It takes discipline, but the good news is that there is help out there! Don’t be afraid to ask for it. 

2. Digitized book formats: You know the ones—audiobooks and ebooks. They aren’t new to the publishing scene, of course, but they have gained popularity with each passing year. Some credit the convenience for those always on-the-go who like to read but just don’t have the time or commitment, others attribute its demand due to its accessibility. Whatever the case may be, more readers are seeking modern methods for book consumption. And while you don’t necessarily have to make digital books a priority, it is an avenue worth exploring that has been proven to be effective. 

3. Diversity and inclusion: While your book may not be for everyone, you invite anyone to read it. It can get tricky when you are trying to appease readers who like certain aspects of a genre that your book falls under while at the same time keeping those who prefer other storytelling elements open to your book. Just like you would in your everyday life, you want to ensure that everyone, regardless of book preferences, backgrounds, and life experiences, is welcome at the reading table. Your marketing efforts on a larger scale should focus on your target audience, but you should also look for ways to market your book to other subsets of the population using relevant content that may be attractive. 

4. Increasing author camaraderie: As established previously, connections are crucial–to your readers, your targeted audience, and yes, even your fellow authors. Social media has played a big role in creating a space where authors can come together in support of amplifying each other’s voices and where they can navigate the publishing process together. The internet makes community among writers more accessible than ever, creating opportunities to expand collectively. 

Trends are just that at the end of the day. They are not rules you must follow in order to put your book in the hands of readers, but they can be incredibly useful in increasing your chances of getting your book in more hands. At the end of the day, your book and hard work deserves it.

DG