Nonfiction Book Market Faces Decade-Long Collapse as Fiction Sales Surge
In the last ten years, the nonfiction book sector has seen a downturn, while fiction has flourished. In 2015, fiction accounted for six of the top 25 bestselling hardcover titles; by 2025, this figure increased to 18, leaving just seven nonfiction books. This trend raises questions about the perceived stability of nonfiction. A notable reason is the falling demand across all nonfiction categories. Recent statistics reveal that the hardcover nonfiction bestseller list sold 42,000 copies, whereas the top two fiction hardcovers reached 52,000 copies. Contributing factors include a historic low in media trust—28% in the US, down from 40% five years ago—and growing skepticism toward expertise. Currently, political books and novelty items dominate the nonfiction list, indicating a challenging market with a shift towards fiction.
Key facts
- In 2015, 6 of the top 25 bestselling hardcover books were fiction; in 2025, 18 were fiction.
- Two weeks ago, the entire hardcover nonfiction bestseller list sold 42,000 copies, while the top two fiction hardcovers sold 52,000 copies.
- Trust in media in the US is at an all-time low of 28%, down from 40% five years ago.
- 80% of the fiction market is made up of women, while nonfiction readership is roughly 50-50.
- 8 of the top 25 bestselling nonfiction books in 2025 were authored by women, 2 by organizations, and 15 by men.
- The Big 5 publishers are all led by men.
- Fiction writers often have little to no social media platform, unlike nonfiction authors.
- The nonfiction bestseller list in 2025 included the Guinness World Records and New York Times Puzzle Mania!.
Entities
Artists
- Bunnie Xo
- Patrick Radden Keefe
- David Sedaris
- Ryan Gosling
- Bill O'Reilly
Institutions
- Guinness World Records
- New York Times
- Gallup
- Dear Head of Mine
- The Atlantic
Locations
- United States