The global market for Books was valued at US$147.9 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$175.8 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 2.9% from 2024 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions.
The growth of digital platforms has also democratized publishing, allowing aspiring authors to self-publish their works without the need for traditional publishing houses. Self-publishing platforms such as Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and Smashwords enable writers to publish their books in digital formats and reach a global audience with minimal upfront costs. This has led to a proliferation of new authors and diverse content in the market. While digital books are gaining traction, the demand for physical books remains strong, particularly for certain genres like fiction, children’s books, and coffee table books. However, the shift toward digital consumption is undoubtedly reshaping the landscape of the global books market.
The collectability and giftability of print books also contribute to their continued relevance. Limited editions, signed copies, and beautifully designed hardcovers are highly sought after by collectors and make for cherished gifts. Bookstores, both independent and chain retailers, play a key role in maintaining the presence of print books in the market, offering readers a curated selection of titles and fostering a sense of community around reading. Bookstores often host events, book signings, and discussions that contribute to the cultural significance of print books. While the convenience of digital formats is undeniable, print books continue to thrive alongside their digital counterparts, catering to a diverse range of reader preferences.
Self-publishing allows authors to retain more control over their intellectual property, including rights, pricing, and royalties. Many independent authors are finding success by targeting specific audiences and using digital marketing strategies to promote their work. Additionally, the shorter lead times and lower costs associated with self-publishing allow authors to publish books more quickly and respond to reader demand in real-time. While self-published authors face challenges in terms of marketing, distribution, and gaining recognition, the rise of digital platforms has leveled the playing field, enabling more authors to achieve commercial success and reach a global audience.
The rise of self-publishing has also expanded the diversity of content available in the market, with independent authors producing books in a wide range of genres, from romance and fantasy to non-fiction and niche topics. This democratization of publishing is giving readers access to more varied and personalized content. Additionally, the continued popularity of print books, particularly in certain genres, is sustaining the demand for physical books and supporting traditional bookstores. The global books market is further supported by educational institutions, which drive demand for textbooks and academic publications. Finally, the increasing focus on literacy and reading culture, supported by government initiatives and non-profit organizations, is fostering a growing readership worldwide, contributing to the overall expansion of the books market.
Global Books Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized
How Are Digital Platforms Changing the Book Industry?
The books market is undergoing a significant transformation due to the rise of digital platforms, which are reshaping how consumers access, purchase, and read books. E-books and audiobooks have gained popularity, offering readers the convenience of accessing vast libraries on their digital devices without the need for physical storage. Online marketplaces such as Amazon, Apple Books, and Google Play Books have made it easier for consumers to discover and purchase books from around the world, expanding the reach of both mainstream and independent authors. Additionally, subscription-based platforms like Kindle Unlimited and Audible are providing readers with affordable access to a wide range of books, further boosting the adoption of digital formats.The growth of digital platforms has also democratized publishing, allowing aspiring authors to self-publish their works without the need for traditional publishing houses. Self-publishing platforms such as Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and Smashwords enable writers to publish their books in digital formats and reach a global audience with minimal upfront costs. This has led to a proliferation of new authors and diverse content in the market. While digital books are gaining traction, the demand for physical books remains strong, particularly for certain genres like fiction, children’s books, and coffee table books. However, the shift toward digital consumption is undoubtedly reshaping the landscape of the global books market.
What Role Do Print Books Still Play in the Modern Book Market?
Despite the rise of digital reading, print books continue to play a vital role in the modern book market, driven by readers’ attachment to the tactile experience and the enduring appeal of physical ownership. Many readers prefer the tangible experience of holding a printed book, flipping through its pages, and displaying it on their bookshelves. Print books are particularly popular in certain genres, such as fiction, cookbooks, and art books, where the physical format enhances the reading experience. Moreover, children’s books and educational materials are often favored in print due to their interactive and visual nature.The collectability and giftability of print books also contribute to their continued relevance. Limited editions, signed copies, and beautifully designed hardcovers are highly sought after by collectors and make for cherished gifts. Bookstores, both independent and chain retailers, play a key role in maintaining the presence of print books in the market, offering readers a curated selection of titles and fostering a sense of community around reading. Bookstores often host events, book signings, and discussions that contribute to the cultural significance of print books. While the convenience of digital formats is undeniable, print books continue to thrive alongside their digital counterparts, catering to a diverse range of reader preferences.
How is Self-Publishing Impacting the Global Books Market?
Self-publishing is having a profound impact on the global books market by democratizing the publishing process and giving authors greater control over their work. Traditional publishing has long been dominated by large publishing houses that acted as gatekeepers, determining which books reached the market. However, with the advent of self-publishing platforms like Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), authors can now publish their books independently, bypassing the traditional barriers of the publishing industry. This has led to a surge in the number of new books being published each year, offering readers a wider variety of content and giving niche genres and independent voices more visibility.Self-publishing allows authors to retain more control over their intellectual property, including rights, pricing, and royalties. Many independent authors are finding success by targeting specific audiences and using digital marketing strategies to promote their work. Additionally, the shorter lead times and lower costs associated with self-publishing allow authors to publish books more quickly and respond to reader demand in real-time. While self-published authors face challenges in terms of marketing, distribution, and gaining recognition, the rise of digital platforms has leveled the playing field, enabling more authors to achieve commercial success and reach a global audience.
What Factors Are Driving the Growth of the Books Market?
The growth of the global books market is driven by several factors, including the increasing accessibility of digital reading formats, the rise of self-publishing, and the enduring demand for print books. The widespread availability of e-books and audiobooks, facilitated by the proliferation of smartphones, tablets, and e-readers, has made reading more accessible and convenient than ever before. Subscription-based services such as Kindle Unlimited and Audible have further encouraged readers to consume more content, offering unlimited access to vast libraries of books for a flat fee. The affordability and convenience of digital formats are attracting a younger, tech-savvy audience, contributing to the market’s growth.The rise of self-publishing has also expanded the diversity of content available in the market, with independent authors producing books in a wide range of genres, from romance and fantasy to non-fiction and niche topics. This democratization of publishing is giving readers access to more varied and personalized content. Additionally, the continued popularity of print books, particularly in certain genres, is sustaining the demand for physical books and supporting traditional bookstores. The global books market is further supported by educational institutions, which drive demand for textbooks and academic publications. Finally, the increasing focus on literacy and reading culture, supported by government initiatives and non-profit organizations, is fostering a growing readership worldwide, contributing to the overall expansion of the books market.
Report Scope
The report analyzes the Books market, presented in terms of market value (US$ Thousand). The analysis covers the key segments and geographic regions outlined below.Segments
Type (Mystery, Romance, Fantasy, Educational, Science, Historical, Other Types); Format (Hard Copy, E-Book, Audiobooks); Distribution Channel (Local Book Shops, Online, Specialty Stores, Retail Shops).Geographic Regions/Countries
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.Key Insights:
- Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Mystery Books segment, which is expected to reach US$35.4 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of a 3.7%. The Romance Books segment is also set to grow at 2.6% CAGR over the analysis period.
- Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, valued at $39.4 Billion in 2024, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 4.7% CAGR to reach $35.4 Billion by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific.
Report Features:
- Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2024 to 2030.
- In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa.
- Company Profiles: Coverage of major players such as Akar Kirtasiye Sanayi Ve Ticaret Ltd. STI, Aleph Book Company, American Girl, LLC., Animate Co., Ltd., Aroma Borealis Herb Shop and more.
- Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments.
Why You Should Buy This Report:
- Detailed Market Analysis: Access a thorough analysis of the Global Books Market, covering all major geographic regions and market segments.
- Competitive Insights: Get an overview of the competitive landscape, including the market presence of major players across different geographies.
- Future Trends and Drivers: Understand the key trends and drivers shaping the future of the Global Books Market.
- Actionable Insights: Benefit from actionable insights that can help you identify new revenue opportunities and make strategic business decisions.
Key Questions Answered:
- How is the Global Books Market expected to evolve by 2030?
- What are the main drivers and restraints affecting the market?
- Which market segments will grow the most over the forecast period?
- How will market shares for different regions and segments change by 2030?
- Who are the leading players in the market, and what are their prospects?
Some of the 36 major companies featured in this Books market report include:
- Akar Kirtasiye Sanayi Ve Ticaret Ltd. STI
- Aleph Book Company
- American Girl, LLC.
- Animate Co., Ltd.
- Aroma Borealis Herb Shop
- Athena Futures Inc.
- B.D. Jeffries, Limited
- Baseballism, Inc.
- Berli Jucker Public Company
- Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA
Table of Contents
I. METHODOLOGYII. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY2. FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERSIII. MARKET ANALYSISCANADAITALYSPAINRUSSIAREST OF EUROPESOUTH KOREAREST OF ASIA-PACIFICARGENTINABRAZILMEXICOREST OF LATIN AMERICAIRANISRAELSAUDI ARABIAUNITED ARAB EMIRATESREST OF MIDDLE EASTIV. COMPETITION
1. MARKET OVERVIEW
3. MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS
4. GLOBAL MARKET PERSPECTIVE
UNITED STATES
JAPAN
CHINA
EUROPE
FRANCE
GERMANY
UNITED KINGDOM
ASIA-PACIFIC
AUSTRALIA
INDIA
LATIN AMERICA
MIDDLE EAST
AFRICA
Companies Mentioned (Partial List)
A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes, but is not limited to:
- Akar Kirtasiye Sanayi Ve Ticaret Ltd. STI
- Aleph Book Company
- American Girl, LLC.
- Animate Co., Ltd.
- Aroma Borealis Herb Shop
- Athena Futures Inc.
- B.D. Jeffries, Limited
- Baseballism, Inc.
- Berli Jucker Public Company
- Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA
Table Information
| Report Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| No. of Pages | 92 |
| Published | February 2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2024 - 2030 |
| Estimated Market Value ( USD | $ 147.9 Billion |
| Forecasted Market Value ( USD | $ 175.8 Billion |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate | 2.9% |
| Regions Covered | Global |
