In this episode, we highlight the top publishing trends for 2025 and 2026. We discuss the rise of new romance subgenres, the impact of artificial intelligence on editing and marketing, and the nostalgic comeback of 90s and early 2000s-inspired fiction. We also explore the evolution of audiobooks into immersive experiences, the bookstore renaissance with a surge in new openings, and the growing trend of “readaways,” where readers merge travel with literature

SHOW NOTES:

The Enduring Allure of Romance

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Publishing

Nostalgia as Cultural Capital

The Evolution of Audiobooks

Bookstore Renaissance

Transforming the Reading Experience

SOURCES & LINKS:

Lumina Datamatics. (2026). Top 10 Publishing Trends to Watch Out For in 2026. Retrieved from Lumina Datamatics

Booksshelf. (2026). What’s Going to Be Hot in 2026: Predictions for Fiction. Retrieved from Booksshelf

New York Times. (2025). Book Sales Trends 2025. Retrieved from NY Times

VRBO. (2026). Readaways: Trends in Literary Travel. Retrieved from VRBO

“2026 Author Trends You need to Know,” Written Word Media (2026)

Next Episode: Marketing Scams Every Author Should Know

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

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