The global book market size is estimated at USD 150.99 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2025 to 2030. Rising incomes and growing interest in reading, along with format innovations that enhance the reading experience, are the key factors fuelling market growth. While the market is largely dominated by academic publishers, non-academic or trade publishing holds a relatively smaller share. Academic publishers have a close, symbiotic relationship with the education system, primarily serving schools, colleges, universities and research institutions focused on technical, medical and vocational education.
Format Insights
Print copy sales held an 84.12% revenue share in 2024, driven by consumers’ demand to reduce screen time — including younger and millennial readers, as well as parents wanting to limit their children’s time in front of screens. Despite the onslaught of new technologies, books have proven remarkably durable. The printed word has many compelling advantages over reading on screen. It’s easier on the eyes, easy to skim, and has a certain permanence that relatively transient, easily edited digital text lacks. While many other technologies have quickly become obsolete and been replaced by newer developments, books have persisted as a medium that has changed almost not at all for centuries, despite ample competition.
E-book sales are projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2025 to 2030, supported by the shift to digital reading and the growing availability of e-books across genres. Major players such as Amazon (via Kindle), Apple Books and Google Play Books are driving growth by offering extensive libraries, subscription services and user-friendly platforms. The rise of self-publishing has also contributed to this expansion, enabling independent authors to reach a global audience at minimal cost. For example, Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform has enabled thousands of authors to publish and distribute e-books directly, increasing content diversity and accessibility.
Distribution Channel Insights
Local bookshop sales held over a 48% share in 2024. A local bookshop offers a home for both authors and readers, and is an inviting place where they can gather to feel comfortable and at ease. It’s a place where like-minded people can come together and exchange ideas. Many such shops run their own book clubs and themed reading groups, and host regular author events, talks and other activities that encourage people to think new thoughts and generate new ideas.
Online sales are projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% from 2025 to 2030. One innovative idea used by online retailers is selling secondhand or used books to customers in readable condition at a lower price. This has proven to be quite a successful venture among students and young book lovers.
Source: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/books-market