Are we falling out of love with nonfiction?
In the early 2020s, readers flocked to books to explain political turbulence. But is the world now too grim to read about – and are podcasters taking the place of authors?
TL;DR
- Nonfiction book sales have decreased significantly in volume and value in the past year.
- Readers are seeking escapism due to global exhaustion and disillusionment with the impact of past reading trends.
- Momentum in sales of books by writers of colour, which surged post-BLM, has stalled.
- Some authors and critics suggest the industry has become risk-averse, publishing uninspired or niche content, or prioritizing social media followings over ideas.
- Podcasts and online video essays are competing with nonfiction books by offering free, easily digestible content.
- Audiobook sales are growing, with nonfiction purchases in audio nearly doubling in five years.
- Biography, autobiography, health, pop psychology, and self-help titles remain strong performers.
- The success of individual blockbuster books can heavily influence overall nonfiction sales, creating a 'feast and famine' cycle.
- There are concerns about the long-term defense of rigorous, long-form nonfiction amid book bans and political pressures.