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For decades, the mass-market paperback was one of publishing’s most recognizable formats.Compact, affordable, and widely distributed, these books appeared everywhere from airports and grocery stores to drugstores and supermarkets. They brought reading into everyday life and helped create generations of habitual readers.But as publishing evolved...
At first glance, the US and European publishing industries appear to be moving in similar directions. Both markets are adapting to digital growth, social media-driven discovery, rising production costs, and shifting retail habits. But beneath the surface, important differences are emerging. As 2026 approaches, the United States...
The publishing industry is no longer driven by a single dominant format. Readers today move fluidly between print, digital, audio, and collectible editions depending on how, where, and why they consume content. As 2026 approaches, some formats are growing far faster than others, reshaping how...
Sustainability is no longer a marketing slogan in publishing. It’s a strategic and financial reality. Paper sourcing, printing location, freight emissions, warehousing practices, and packaging decisions all contribute to the environmental footprint of every book produced. Readers increasingly expect publishers to act responsibly. Governments are...
Sustainability is no longer a marketing slogan in publishing. It’s a strategic and financial reality. Paper sourcing, printing location, freight emissions, warehousing practices, and packaging decisions all contribute to the environmental footprint of every book produced. Readers increasingly expect publishers to act responsibly. Governments are...
For more than a decade, the narrative seemed settled. E-commerce would dominate. Brick-and-mortar bookstores would decline. Digital discovery would replace physical browsing. But the story has become more complicated. As 2026 approaches, book consumers are not choosing one channel over the other. They are blending...
In 2026, books are competing with everything. Streaming services, gaming subscriptions, short-form video, podcasts, live events, and an endless flow of digital content all vie for consumer attention and discretionary income. The publishing industry cannot assume loyalty. It must earn it. The Value Proposition of a...
For years, the $800 de minimis tariff threshold quietly shaped how books moved into the United States. It wasn’t a headline issue, and most readers never heard of it. But for publishers, wholesalers, and retailers, it mattered. A lot.The rule allowed goods valued under $800...
For decades, sustainability in publishing was largely voluntary. Publishers made environmental commitments, printers offered certified paper options, and progress often depended on budgets, brand values, or consumer pressure. That era is ending.With the introduction of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), sustainability has shifted from aspiration to...
Public libraries rarely dominate industry headlines, yet they remain one of the most stable and influential markets for physical books worldwide. While consumer retail rises and falls with trends, algorithms, and social media cycles, libraries continue to serve a different role. They are long-term stewards...
