The Book Publishing industry has undergone significant shifts driven by the digitization wave, changing consumer preferences and economic disruptions. As industry enterprises resumed production in 2021 following the adverse influence of the pandemic, sales have rebounded, temporarily buoying the industry. However, the industry remains pressured, with pent-up demand for books having largely been satisfied as of 2021, while continued rising prices of paper, a major input, have made production costs for books more expensive, resulting in higher prices hurting industry demand. Publishers have pivoted towards digital platforms, employing innovative strategies to monetize content, such as subscription-based models and leveraging social media for marketing. Industry revenue is expected to climb at a CAGR of 0.6% to $45.7 billion through the end of 2025, including an estimated 1.2% jump in 2025 alone, as profit shrinks to 5.6% of revenue. The industry has witnessed fluctuating fortunes. While print sales initially suffered during the pandemic, they rebounded strongly in 2021 as consumers returned to bookstores. Notably, the independent bookstore scene has thrived, driven by a renewed consumer preference for tactile book-buying experiences. The emergence of industry alternatives, such as audiobooks and self-publishing models, has driven publishers to explore direct-to-consumer sales, social media marketing opportunities and investments in online and education retail market presences. Larger publishers have resorted to strategic consolidations to maintain their market positions, yet these moves have raised alarm bells about market concentration and its impact on smaller players. Layoffs and restructurings at major companies, such as Penguin Random House and HarperCollins, underscore the broader challenges and adjustments within the industry. Moving forward, the industry is expected to show signs of stabilization despite turbulence experienced by the rise of e-books. While digital consumption continues to trend, traditional publishers must contend with the complexities of content monetization in an evolving market landscape. The resurgence of self-publishing and the blurring lines between traditional and hybrid publishing models offer authors multiple avenues but erode traditional publishing houses' control. With the price of paper, an essential input, continuing to swell, industry profitability will be pressured. Through the end of 2030, industry revenue is poised to modestly rise, exhibiting growth of 0.8% to $47.7 billion.

In 2025, the global book publisher’s market size is estimated to be approximately USD 103,741.97 million. By 2035, it is projected to reach USD 149,190.80 million, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7%. This growth is fueled by the steady rise in educational publishing, expansion of niche genres, and increasing penetration of mobile reading applications.

Metric	Value
Market Size in 2025	USD 103,741.97 million
Projected Market Size in 2035	USD 149,190.80 million
CAGR (2025 to 2035)	3.7%

Country-wise Outlook- Book Publishers Market

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
USA	3.8%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
UK	3.6%

Region	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
European Union (EU)	3.7%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
Japan	3.5%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
South Korea	3.9%

Segmentation Outlook- Book Publishers Market

Books Type	Market Share (2025)
Fiction	28%

Sales Channel	Market Share (2025)
Online Retailer	54%

Competitive Outlook

Company Name	Estimated Market Share (%)
Penguin Random House	20-25%
Hachette Livre	10-15%
HarperCollins Publishers	10-12%
Macmillan Publishers	8-10%
Simon & Schuster	5-8%
Other Companies (combined)	30-40%

Global book publishers have had their fair share of ups and downs stemming from volatile economic conditions and changing consumer preferences. The pandemic slowed physical print releases as supply chains were disrupted and publishers were forced to operate at a limited capacity. While physical bookstores were closed, online retailers could still deliver books directly to consumers' doorsteps, preventing publishers from facing a significant drop-off. Even so, smaller publishers that couldn't keep up were forced to exit because of low profitability. As the effects of the pandemic waned, book publishers faced higher paper prices, causing an uptick in the prices they charged consumers. Still, rising reading activity carried over and consumers were out and about in physical bookstores. Revenue has pushed up at a CAGR of 0.3% through the end of 2024, reaching $151.9 billion, including a 1.1% uptick in 2024 alone. The transition to digital media will continue to impact the way consumers read. The rise of e-books is forcing publishers to adapt and make their books more accessible digitally. While digital books are more condiment, smaller print runs will cause publishers to pay more for each printing, eating into profit and offsetting the costs they would save by going digital. Even so, many publishers are leveraging technology to make physical books more accessible than ever. Publisher websites can provide links to retailers, release dates and prices for anything a customer wants. This has helped stave off some digital penetration as shopping at brick-and-mortar locations has rebounded since the pandemic. Emerging markets are set to push new publishers into the industry as countries worldwide expand their literacy rates. The push for education alongside local government funding will pave the way for new publishers to release books that cater to these countries, facilitating academic book sales. Overall, global book publishing revenue is set to expand at a CAGR of 2.2% to $169.4 billion through the end of 2029.

The companies in this sector publish both printed books and books in the form of e-books and audiobooks. In the period from 2019 to 2024, industry sales fell by an average of 0.3% per year. The reason for this only slightly negative trend despite the pandemic is the growing range of e-books and audiobooks on offer from publishers, which have been increasingly in demand from consumers in recent years. At the same time, increasing digitalisation has contributed to more and more consumers using services from providers such as Netflix or Amazon, which allow them to watch series and films on demand. In the current year, turnover for book publishers is expected to fall by 0.2% to 6.3 billion euros.Increasing internet use not only means that more and more consumers are spending their free time online instead of reading books, but also opens up new sales channels for book publishers through online retail. Online retailers and the online shops of book retailers account for an ever-increasing share of book sales, which means that online retail is becoming more and more important as a customer for industry players. As digitalisation progresses, demand for e-books and audiobooks is increasing. The easiest way to buy and download these is via the internet, which is why the new book formats are also having a significant impact on the shift in book sales from bricks-and-mortar retail to online retail. In addition, declining customer footfall in city centres is leading to lower customer numbers in bookshops and further reducing the importance of the book retail market. Competition from streaming services and other entertainment media will continue in the coming years, but will grow less strongly than in the last five years. IBISWorld is therefore forecasting only a slight decline in revenue of 0.4% per year on average to EUR 6.2 billion for the period from 2024 to 2029.

The sales value of the publishing industry in Japan was estimated at **** trillion Japanese yen in 2024. This constituted a decrease of about ** billion yen compared to the previous year. The Japanese publishing industry The Japanese publishing industry produces books, magazines, and comics. A breakdown of the industry by segment shows that printed books constitute the largest part of the market. While the sales value of printed publications has been decreasing in recent years, digital publishing has shown a strong growth trajectory. Manga account for by far the biggest share of the digital publishing market. As a large number of manga apps were introduced throughout the 2010s, such as LINE Manga in 2013, Shonen Jump+ in 2014, and Piccoma in 2016, there has been a fierce competition for audiences. At the same time, the high popularity of digital media has resulted in a decline of advertising spending allocated to traditional media, such as printed magazines. Preferences among book readers Due to the demographic makeup of Japan’s society, older consumers exert a tremendous influence on many industries, including the publishing industry. As one survey shows, people of older generations are much more likely to exclusively use printed books, while younger generations are much more likely to combine both printed books and e-books. Readers of printed books, which also includes those who read both printed books and e-books, most commonly cite being used to printed books as one reason to read them. By contrast, readers of e-books, which also includes those who read both types of books, most commonly mention the lack of storage troubles as one reason to read e-books.

Snapshot img

Publishing Market Size 2025-2029

The publishing market size is forecast to increase by USD 18.9 million, at a CAGR of 1.2% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant shifts, driven by the increasing demand for diverse content and the surge in self-publishing. Traditional publishing houses face a decreasing market share as more authors opt for self-publishing, empowered by digital content platforms and technological advancements like AR and VR. Tools such as content management systems, e-book distribution channels, and flexible subscription models have made it easier for independent authors and publishers to reach readers globally.
This trend challenges established publishing businesses to adapt and innovate, focusing on niche markets and value-added services such as author platform services and editorial workflow management. Simultaneously, the demand for diverse content continues to grow, fueled by evolving reader preferences and societal trends. Publishers must respond by expanding their content offerings and fostering inclusivity, supported by content syndication networks and optimized metadata strategies that enhance discoverability.
As the digital landscape grows, investments in SEO for publishers, open access publishing, and streamlined peer review processes are becoming crucial. Additionally, production workflows benefit from modern book formatting services and professional typesetting software, which ensure high-quality output across formats.

What will be the Size of the Publishing Market during the forecast period?

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The digital publishing services market is evolving rapidly with the integration of advanced content creation tools and publishing software that empower creators to seamlessly produce and distribute written and multimedia content. Platforms offering self publishing services and ebook conversion services enable authors to access global distribution networks while retaining control over their work.

Key services such as book marketing services, audiobook production, and interactive ebooks have expanded creative and commercial possibilities. Publishers are exploring enhanced ebooks with immersive media features, aligning with the rise in multimedia publishing trends. Efficient online publishing platforms offer authors direct access to readership while streamlining royalty accounting, rights management, and digital rights management functions.

Operational excellence is supported by editorial calendar management, print quality control, and supply chain efficiency, which ensure timely releases and consistent quality. Strategic functions like marketing campaign management, subscription management, and advertising management are increasingly data-driven, informed by tools like reader analytics, revenue tracking, and cost optimization dashboards. Additionally, publishers now rely on content discovery mechanisms, customer journey mapping, and social listening insights to refine their targeting strategies. The future of publishing is shaped by dynamic feedback loops, real-time data visualization, and smart automation that keep creators connected with audiences across every touchpoint in the content lifecycle.

How is this Publishing Industry segmented?

The publishing industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Platform

  Traditional
  Digital


Type

  Book publishing
  Magazine publishing
  Newspaper publishing


Distribution Channel

  Retail
  Online
  Subscription
  Libraries/Institutional


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    UK


  Middle East and Africa

    UAE


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Platform Insights

The traditional segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

In the publishing industry, traditional methods continue to thrive in specific niches where consumers value the tactile experience of printed books. These sectors include cookbooks, art books, and children's literature. Traditional publishing encompasses various formats, with print newspapers being a significant revenue generator for news publishers. In 2024, print newspapers accounted for a substantial portion of the traditional segment's earnings. However, the digital platform's rise has led to a significant decrease in print newspaper revenue, a trend expected to persist. Publishing agreements are crucial in the industry, ensuring fair compensation for authors while maintaining control over content.

Author services provide essential assistance to writers, from editing to marketing. Subscription publishing offers readers continuous access to content

Books Market is Segmented by Format (Hard Copy, E-Books, Audiobook), Genre (Fiction, Non-Fiction, Educational and Academic, and More), Distribution Channel (Online, Bookstores, and More), and Geography. The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

Snapshot img

Europe Traditional Book Publishing Market Size 2024-2028

The Europe Traditional Book Publishing Market size is forecast to increase by USD2.71 billion at a CAGR of 2.15% between 2023 and 2028. In Europe, the traditional book publishing market is experiencing significant shifts driven by advancements in digital technology. The increasing usage of e-books and audiobooks during commuting hours is fueling market growth. Notably, the audiobook business is witnessing a surge in demand, with subscription services like Audible leading the charge. Digital content platforms, including free online content, are also gaining popularity, particularly among younger generations. Moreover, the widespread use of e-book readers and tablets is making digital books increasingly accessible. However, the market faces challenges from the unorganized sector, which offers lower prices and fewer regulations.

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The European book publishing industry plays a significant role in the dissemination of knowledge and entertainment to readers. This market encompasses various types of publications, including consumer books, educational books, religious books, novels, cookery books, children's books, biographies, literature, and fiction books, available in both print and digital versions. Traditional book publishers in Europe are responsible for the production, editorial refinement, and distribution of manuscripts in various publication formats. These formats include print books, digital content, audiobooks, and specialized content catering to adults and children.

Communication and information exchange are at the core of the European book publishing industry. Publishers collaborate with writers to develop high-quality content that resonates with readers. The publishing process involves rigorous editorial refinement to ensure the final product meets the highest standards. Offline and online channels are utilized to reach readers. Print versions are distributed through bookstores, libraries, and other retail outlets, while digital versions are made available through digital content distributors and self-publishing platforms. Independent publishers also play a crucial role in this market, contributing to the diverse range of content offerings. The European book publishing market is segmented into various categories based on the type of books.

Consumer books cater to the general public's interest in various subjects, including fiction, non-fiction, and self-help. Educational books are designed to support learning and knowledge acquisition, while religious books cater to the spiritual needs of readers. Specialized content, such as cookery books and biographies, provide niche audiences with unique and valuable information. Novels and literature offer entertainment and escape, while children's books play a crucial role in shaping young minds. The European book publishing market continues to evolve, with digital versions gaining popularity alongside print versions. Audiobooks have also emerged as a significant format, providing an accessible and convenient alternative for readers on the go.

In conclusion, the European book publishing market plays a vital role in the communication and dissemination of information and amusement. Publishers continue to adapt to the changing landscape, offering high-quality content in various formats to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of readers.

Market Segmentation

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Application

  Adults book
  Children book


Distribution Channel

  Offline
  Online


Geography

  Europe

    Germany
    UK
    France
    Italy

By Application Insights

The Adults book segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The European traditional book publishing market encompasses a substantial segment for adult books, catering to the varied tastes and preferences of this demographic. Despite the growing popularity of e-books and digital devices, many adults continue to value the tactile experience offered by printed books. The sense of touch and the aesthetic appeal of hardcovers and paperbacks remain appealing to this audience. Adult readers appreciate the unique sensory experience that comes with holding a physical book and turning its pages. In contrast, children's books also hold a significant position in the market, with parents and educators often opting for traditional books for their young learners.

Foreign language books are another niche segment, catering to the multilingual population in Europe. Overall, the market continues to thrive, offering a diverse range of options for readers across various segments.

Get a glance at the market share of various segments Request F

The traditional book publishing market, valued at $24,159.94 million in 2025, exhibits a steady growth trajectory, projected to expand at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 2.15% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is driven by several factors. The enduring appeal of physical books, particularly among adult and children's literature segments, continues to fuel demand. Furthermore, the diversification of distribution channels, encompassing both robust offline retail networks and rapidly expanding online platforms, ensures accessibility for a broad consumer base. While the market faces challenges like increasing production costs and competition from digital formats, the inherent value of physical books as collector's items, gifts, and tools for learning and leisure remains a significant advantage. The market's segmentation by application (adult and children's books) and distribution channel (offline and online) offers strategic opportunities for publishers to tailor their offerings and marketing efforts to specific consumer preferences. Strong performances in major European markets like Germany, the UK, France, and Italy contribute substantially to overall market size. Leading publishers such as Allen & Unwin, Mondadori, Bertelsmann, and Scholastic continue to play a vital role in shaping the market landscape through their established brands and extensive distribution networks. The forecast period reflects a continuation of these trends, indicating a healthy, albeit moderately paced, growth in the years to come. The geographical concentration in Europe, with significant contributions from Germany, the UK, France, and Italy, highlights regional variations in market dynamics. Differences in reading habits, consumer spending power, and the prevalence of established publishing houses influence market performance across regions. Future growth will likely be influenced by trends such as the increasing popularity of audiobooks, the rise of independent publishers, and the ongoing evolution of marketing and distribution strategies within the industry. Furthermore, the market’s response to economic fluctuations and changing consumer preferences will play a pivotal role in determining the trajectory of growth within the projected period. Understanding these nuances will be crucial for publishers seeking to optimize their market positioning and achieve sustainable growth in the years ahead.

In 2022, the market value of the book industry in Finland stood at *** million euros, increasing *** million euros from the previous year. The market value fluctuated between *** and *** million euros in the shown period.

Companies in the E-Book Publishing industry design books that are already in print for a digital format, and discover, edit and design books that are published exclusively in digital formats. The industry does not include authors who self-publish; for information on this see the Performers and Creative Artists industry report (IBISWorld report 71151).

The children's book publishing market is a dynamic and growing sector, exhibiting significant potential for expansion over the next decade. While precise figures for market size and CAGR were not provided, industry analysis suggests a substantial market value, likely in the billions, given the widespread consumption of children's books globally. The market is segmented by age group (0-3, 4-8, 8-12, and others) and book type (picture books, board books, chapter books), reflecting diverse reading preferences and developmental stages. Key drivers include rising literacy rates, increasing parental emphasis on early childhood education, and the growing popularity of digital reading formats alongside traditional print. Trends point towards an increased demand for diverse and inclusive storytelling, interactive books incorporating technology, and personalized learning experiences through children's literature. However, challenges persist, including rising printing costs, competition from free digital content, and the need for effective marketing strategies to reach target audiences. The market's robust growth is fueled by consistent innovation in formats and content, as publishers continuously adapt to evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements. The listed publishers, ranging from independent presses to major publishing houses, represent the diverse landscape of this competitive market, constantly vying for market share through creative content and strategic distribution networks. The geographical distribution of the market is broad, with North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific representing key regions. While precise regional market share data is unavailable, it's reasonable to assume that North America and Europe hold significant shares due to established publishing infrastructure and high per capita income. However, emerging markets in Asia-Pacific, driven by population growth and increasing disposable incomes, are showing rapid expansion, providing significant opportunities for publishers to expand their reach and diversify their offerings. The forecast period (2025-2033) promises continued growth, fueled by ongoing technological advancements, evolving reading habits, and the enduring appeal of children's literature as a vital tool for education and entertainment. Successful publishers will need to remain agile, adapting their strategies to cater to diverse consumer needs and harness the potential of emerging technologies to maintain market competitiveness.

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The sales value of printed books in Japan amounted to ***** billion Japanese yen in 2024. Printed books were the largest segment of the publishing market during that year, followed by digital comics. The total sales value of the publishing industry stood at **** trillion yen during that year.

Discover Market Research Intellect's Book Publishing Paper Market Report, worth USD 18.5 billion in 2024 and projected to hit USD 23.4 billion by 2033, registering a CAGR of 5.0% between 2026 and 2033.Gain in-depth knowledge of emerging trends, growth drivers, and leading companies.

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Industry: Books Printing: General Book (Trade, etc.) Printing and Binding (PCU3231173231177) from Jun 1993 to Aug 2025 about book, printing, trade, PPI, industry, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Industry: Book Publishers: General Reference Book Publishing (PCU5131305131301014) from Dec 1980 to Jun 2025 about book, general, printing, PPI, industry, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

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