Non-Fiction Books Market Report 2026

The non-fiction books market size has grown steadily in recent years. It will grow from $15.41 billion in 2025 to $15.85 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.9%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to rise of literacy rates, expansion of publishing houses, growth of global libraries, popularity of print media, increasing consumer interest in factual content.

The non-fiction books market size is expected to see steady growth in the next few years. It will grow to $17.98 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.2%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growth of digital platforms, rising e-learning adoption, expansion of audiobook and streaming services, demand for interactive content, integration of AI-powered content curation. Major trends in the forecast period include growth of self-help and educational non-fiction, rise of personalized learning and niche topics, increasing popularity of audiobooks and podcasts, expansion of online subscription models, demand for verified and fact-checked content.

The rising interest in specialized non-fiction content in fields such as health and wellness is expected to drive the expansion of the non-fiction books market in the coming years. Non-fiction content in areas like health and wellness encompasses factual, evidence-based information and guidance centered on physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This increasing demand for specialized non-fiction content is largely fueled by growing health awareness, as more individuals seek trustworthy information to make informed lifestyle and healthcare decisions. Non-fiction books contribute to this content by offering evidence-based knowledge, expert perspectives, and practical advice that educate and empower readers to make well-informed lifestyle choices. For example, in May 2024, according to the Publishers Association, a UK-based trade body, the UK publishing industry generated £7.1 billion in total revenue in 2023, marking a 3% rise compared to 2022 and the highest level ever recorded for the sector. Non-fiction publishing accounted for $1.47 billion, reflecting a 5% year-on-year growth. Therefore, the rising interest in specialized non-fiction content in fields like health and wellness is expected to continue driving the growth of the non-fiction books market.

Major companies in the non-fiction books market are focusing on launching innovative products, such as e-book apps and platforms, to improve accessibility and offer readers a more convenient and interactive way to engage with non-fiction content. E-book apps and platforms are digital tools or online services that enable users to access, read, and sometimes purchase electronic books (e-books) on devices like smartphones, tablets, and e-readers. For example, in November 2023, Rokomari, a Bangladesh-based digital commerce company, launched its eBook library. Integrated with Rokomari's existing e-book platforms, both web and mobile, the library allows users to seamlessly access and read a wide range of digital books. The eBook library is designed to offer an exceptional reading experience, with features tailored to digital readers. It offers books across various categories, including fiction, non-fiction, Islamic literature, children's and adolescent books, academic resources, and career-focused materials.

In May 2024, Pushkin Press, a UK-based publisher, acquired Steerforth Press and Hanover Publisher Services for an undisclosed sum. Through this acquisition, Pushkin Press aims to strengthen its presence in the American publishing market and broaden its range of offerings for U.S. readers. Hanover Publisher Services operates as a U.S.-based small press distribution arm managed by Steerforth Press, a U.S.-based publisher specializing in non-fiction books.

Major companies operating in the non-fiction books market are HarperCollins Publishers LLC, Bloomsbury Publishing plc, Scholastic Corporation, Pearson plc, McGraw Hill LLC, Penguin Random House LLC, Hachette Livre S.A., Thomson Reuters Corporation, Elsevier B.V., Andrews McMeel Publishing LLC, The Experiment LLC, Storey Publishing LLC, Diversion Books LLC, Chronicle Books LLC, Simon & Schuster Inc., Macmillan Publishers Limited, W. W. Norton & Company Inc., Yale University Press, The University of Chicago Press, Oxford University Press, Cambridge University Press, Princeton University Press, University of California Press, Beacon Press, Basic Books Inc., Da Capo Press Inc., PublicAffairs LLC, St. Martin's Press LLC, The University of Michigan Press, University of Minnesota Press, The University of North Carolina Press, University of Pennsylvania Press, University of Texas Press, University of Virginia Press, University Press of Florida, University Press of Kansas, University Press of Kentucky, University Press of Mississippi, University Press of New England.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the non-fiction books market in 2025. Middle East is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the non-fiction books market during the forecast period. The regions covered in the non-fiction books market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the non-fiction books market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The non-fiction books market consists of revenues earned by entities by carrying out design, editing, and marketing activities necessary for producing and distributing non-fiction books for adults. These establishments may publish books in print, electronic, or audio form. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Values in this market are factory gate values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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