Quiz Books and Bibles Lead Publishing Resilience Amid Non-Fiction Decline
In a surprising twist for the publishing industry, quiz books and Bibles emerged as standout performers in 2025, bucking a broader trend of declining non-fiction sales. According to data from NielsenIQ BookData, spending on quiz titles increased by nearly a quarter, marking the best year for the genre since records began in 1998. Simultaneously, Bible sales saw a sharp rise of 19% compared to the previous year, with total UK sales reaching £6.3 million, a significant increase of £3.6 million from 2019 levels.
Spin-Offs and Popular Titles Drive Quiz Book Boom
The surge in quiz book popularity was largely fueled by spin-offs from popular television shows. Notably, The 1% Club gameshow, hosted by Lee Mack on ITV, inspired bestselling quiz books at major retailers like Waterstones and Amazon. These titles are published by Transworld, a division of Penguin Random House, highlighting how media crossovers can revitalize book sales. Industry experts attribute this growth to a sustained demand for escapism and trivia, which provided a bright spot in an otherwise challenging market.
Non-Fiction Faces Significant Pressure
While quiz books and Bibles thrived, the broader non-fiction sector experienced a notable slump. Spending on non-fiction fell to its lowest level since 2014, totaling £791 million, a 5% decrease year-on-year. The number of non-fiction books sold also dropped by 6%, with 59 million copies purchased in 2025. In contrast, adult fiction saw an increase in spending, although the volume of print fiction books sold declined slightly by 0.5%. Combined print book sales for the year were valued at £1.81 billion, reflecting a mixed performance across genres.
Key Insights from Industry Leaders
Philip Stone, head of publisher account management at NielsenIQ BookData, commented on the findings, stating, "NielsenIQ BookData's 2025 findings reveal a resilient book market, with readers continuing to invest in stories despite a softer year overall. Fiction remained the standout performer, fuelled by strong growth in sci‑fi and fantasy, horror and graphic novels, while children's and young adult books also saw encouraging gains in key areas. Non‑fiction faced greater pressure, though the popularity of trivia, quiz books and religious titles highlights sustained demand for escapism and insight."
Rising Costs and Bestselling Authors
The average cost of a book reached a record high of £9.52 in 2025, a 2% increase from 2024, driven by inflation and rising production expenses. Despite these challenges, certain authors achieved remarkable success. Richard Osman, known for his transition from quizshow host to fiction writer, topped the bestsellers list with The Impossible Fortune, the latest instalment in the Thursday Murder Club series, selling 478,000 copies. Other top performers included Charlie Mackesy's Always Remember and Freida McFadden's The Housemaid, the latter of which was adapted into a film starring Sydney Sweeney.
Children's Authors Dominate Sales Charts
Children's literature also showed strength, with Julia Donaldson, famed for The Gruffalo, leading as the UK's bestselling author with 3.3 million copies sold. Freida McFadden followed with 2.6 million copies, while Dav Pilkey, author of the Captain Underpants series, secured third place with 1.5 million copies sold. Stone added, "With bestselling authors such as Richard Osman, Freida McFadden, Julia Donaldson and Dav Pilkey leading another solid year, publishers, booksellers and authors continue to keep the market energised, innovative and full of opportunity. The momentum feels especially fitting as we enter the National Year Of Reading and work to inspire more people across the UK to make reading a regular part of their lives."
Audiobooks and Graphic Novels Show Growth
Beyond print, the publishing landscape saw positive trends in other formats. Audiobook sales increased, alongside a rise in comic strips and graphic novels, indicating a diversifying market that caters to varied reader preferences. These developments were highlighted ahead of the London Book Fair, the publishers' trade fair starting on Tuesday, where industry stakeholders gathered to discuss future strategies.
Overall, the 2025 data underscores a publishing industry in flux, with quiz books and Bibles providing unexpected boosts amid broader challenges. As readers seek both entertainment and insight, these genres demonstrate the enduring appeal of books in an evolving media environment.
