Books Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis by Type (Science, Historical, Fantasy, Literary, Educational, Comic, and Others), By Format (Hard Copy, E-Book, and Audio Book)), By Distribution Channel (Hypermarket, Book Store, Online/E-Commerce, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2026-2034

The global books market size was valued at USD 159. billion in 2025. The market is projected to grow from USD 165.6 billion in 2026 to USD 229.38 billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.16% during the forecast period.

The global books market is expanding owing to rising literacy rates, educational institutes, and consumer disposable income. Books are utilized for educational, learning, and entertainment purposes. They are a preferred source of information and creativity. The product is available in various genres, including comics, fantasy, history, and others for consumers worldwide.

The closures of physical retail stores due to COVID-19 pandemic hampered product sales. However, the demand for e-books and audiobooks increased during increased during the pandemic. After COVID-19, as physical stores and educational institutions reopened, print book sales increased, and digital formats continued to rise, helping overall market expansion.

Books Market Driver

Rising Consumer Income and Increasing Number of Readers to Drive Market Growth

Soaring consumer income and an increased emphasis on self-development are significant drivers of the global book market. Consumers are more likely to invest in hobbies and personal interests. Furthermore, the increased emphasis on leisure activities has increased the number of readers, accelerating market growth.

Additionally, as disposable incomes rise, individuals spend on more products and services of their interests, such as books. This trend, paired with a developing culture of self-improvement and information gain, has fuelled the global book market growth. In addition, the availability of books in multiple media, such as print, digital, and audiobooks, appeals to numerous consumers and drives market growth.

Books Market Restraint

High Production Costs and Online Piracy May Hamper Market Growth

High production costs can have a negative impact on book demand since manufacturers may struggle to price their products competitively. Increased production costs increase book prices, limiting demand. Additionally, another concern is the rise of online piracy, which declines product sales as readers can obtain pirated copies. Furthermore, advances in digital media and changing reading habits, including the usage of tablets and e-readers, have negatively influenced the traditional book business.

Books Market Opportunity

Re-commerce to Provide Growth Opportunities

The rising trend of reverse supply chains, or re-commerce, opens opportunities to sell used books. Numerous platforms, such as reBuy, provide consumers with affordable options while also promoting sustainability. Opportunities in the re-commerce sector include growing into new regions and increasing the availability of niche books. Furthermore, connecting re-commerce platforms with social media can appeal to more consumers and increase the resale of used books.

Segmentation

Analysis by Type 

Based on type, the books market is categorized into science, historical, fantasy, literary, educational, comic, and others.

The educational segment dominates the book industry due to high demand from students, academic institutions, and professionals.

The comic segment is predicted to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period, driven by rising global interest in graphic novels and superhero franchises. This increase is fuelled by the growth of digital channels, which make comic books more accessible to youth and tech-savvy consumers.

Analysis by Format

Based on format, the books market is segmented into hard copy, e-book, and audiobook.

The hard copy segment holds the largest market share due to their high demand among collectors and increasing use of the product as a gift item. Unlike digital books, the product also does not cause eye strain, which further increases its adoption.

The audiobook segment is predicted to grow at the fastest CAGR over the analysis period, driven by its easy availability and high demand from tech-savvy consumers.

Analysis by Distribution Channel

Based on distribution channel, the book market is classified into hypermarkets, bookstores, online/e-commerce, and others.

The bookstores segment dominates the market. Factors such as in-person browsing experience, quick purchasing, and customized service increase consumer inclination toward bookstores.

The online/e-commerce segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the analysis period. This is owing to the convenience of online shopping, increased product availability, competitive pricing, and the rise of digital forms such as e-books and audiobooks.

Key Insights

The report covers the following key insights

• Overview of the Parent Market
• Supply Chain Analysis
• Industry SWOT Analysis
• Porter's Five Forces Analysis
• Recent Technological Advancements 

Regional Analysis

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Based on region, the market has been studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East and Africa.

North America dominates the global book market, owing to its high literacy rates, rising reading culture, and the presence of prominent publishers. The rising demand for e-books and audiobooks throughout the region among tech-savvy consumers further supports regional expansion.

Europe holds the second-largest share of the book market, backed by a high emphasis on sustainable publishing techniques and the expansion of independent bookstores and digital platforms.

Key Market Players

• Penguin Random House (U.S.)
• Hachette Livre (France)
• HarperCollins (U.S.)
• Macmillan Publishers (U.S.)
• Simon & Schuster (U.S.)
• Pearson (U.K.)
• Scholastic Corporation (U.S.)
• Reed Elsevier (U.K./Netherlands)
• Wiley (John Wiley & Sons) (U.S.)
• Kodansha Ltd. (Japan)

Key Industry Developments

• In August 2024, Simon & Schuster Australia, a publishing company, acquired Affirm Press, an Australia-based independent publisher, to expand its geographical reach.
• In March 2024, Scholastic, a U.S.-based multinational children's publishing, announced plans to acquire a full economic stake in 9 Story Media Group, a Canada-based animation content company, for USD 186 million.