5 Things Every Aspiring Author Must Know About Publishing in 2025
Explore the top publishing trends of 2025 from the rise of self-publishing and non-fiction demand to AI content policies and the decline of traditional publishing
In this article, Porsché Mysticque Steele—a renowned book coach and independent publishing expert reveals a new set of rules and realities that every aspiring author must understand to thrive
The publishing world is evolving rapidly—and 2025 brings a new set of rules and realities that every aspiring author must understand to thrive. Whether you're a first-time writer or looking to relaunch your author brand, here are the five most important trends reshaping the publishing industry right now.
1. Non-Fiction Is in High Demand
Readers are hungry for books that solve real problems and deliver practical value. From personal development to business strategy and health, non-fiction continues to dominate sales charts. If your book offers readers a clear return on investment (ROI) in their personal or professional lives, you’re on the right path.
Tip: Be specific about the problem your book solves—and who it solves it for.
2. Self-Publishing Has Gained Respect (and Power)
Gone are the days when self-publishing meant vanity projects or lower quality. Today’s self-published authors enjoy:
Full creative control
Higher royalty rates
Faster publishing timelines
While the competition is fierce, the rewards are real—especially if you pair a great book with a clear marketing strategy.
Tip: Professional editing, design, and positioning are non-negotiable for success.
3. AI Content Is Under the Microscope
Artificial intelligence has made content creation easier, but copyright offices and publishing platforms now demand full transparency. AI-assisted work may be denied full copyright protection, and many platforms require authors to declare whether AI tools were used in writing.
Tip: Use AI responsibly—consider it a support tool, not a substitute for your voice and originality.
4. Traditional Publishing Is Losing Its Appeal
More authors are realizing that signing with a big publisher doesn't guarantee success. In fact, many are left with:
Marketing burdens
Less creative freedom
Long wait times
Potential financial loss
In contrast, self-publishing puts the author in the driver's seat. You build your brand, own your rights, and keep your profits.
Tip: Even traditional publishers scout top-performing self-published authors—success on your own terms can still open doors.
5. Marketing is Everything
Readers today are highly selective. They choose books that resonate with their needs and aspirations. If your book doesn’t clearly communicate its value, it’s unlikely to stand out.
Tip: Start building your audience early. Clarify your niche, your promise, and how you’ll reach readers—before you launch.
Final Thought: Authorship in 2025 Requires Strategy, Not Just Skill
Being a great writer is just one part of the equation. To succeed in 2025, authors must think like entrepreneurs, brand builders, and change-makers. The good news? You have more tools, platforms, and freedom than ever before.
Frequently Asked Questions about Publishing a Book in 2025:
Here are some comprehensive insights:
• Non-Fiction Books and Solutions are Key:
◦ The source emphasizes that non-fiction books are at an all-time high in 2025, particularly those offering solutions to people's problems. This aligns with the concept of thought leadership, where a thought leader is defined as someone with an innovative way of thinking, doing, or being, who shares that innovation to effectively change others' lives.
◦ The world's most impactful books are described as "simply solutions to the problems that people have". While it's crucial to include your personal story to connect with readers and make information powerful, this story must be combined with wisdom and a solution to a problem. This combination creates an "emotional connection" necessary for influence and allows readers to relate and apply the insights to their own lives. A book should provide a "gem wrapped in a story that is packaged in a framework" that is easy to understand, replicable, and shareable.
• The Rise of Self-Publishing and Its Challenges:
◦ Credibility Shift: Self-publishing has undergone a significant transformation; what was once seen negatively now confers credibility, positioning the author as an expert. This is a "beautiful thing" as it allows coaches, service providers, consultants, and business owners to gain recognition by self-publishing.
◦ Stiff Competition: While self-publishing offers greater control and ownership, the competition in independent publishing is now steeper than in hybrid or traditional publishing, with more people writing books than ever before. This means authors must ensure their books "wow readers" to stand out in a flooded market.
◦ Urgency to Publish: Due to this increasing competition, authors are encouraged to get their books done "now," as there's a high chance someone else might write a similar book by 2026-2028. The industry has sped up, and the average time authors spend sitting on an idea (six years) is no longer viable.
• Traditional Publishing's Decline:
◦ Traditional publishing is facing an "uphill climb" and has been in decline for the last five years, partly due to the realization that authors can publish themselves and instances of gatekeeping against authors of color and female authors.
◦ Financial Burden and Lack of Marketing: Contrary to popular belief, traditional publishing often involves authors being "indebted" to the publishing house through advances that must be repaid through book sales. Many traditional publishers no longer provide substantial marketing budgets, placing the burden of selling the book on the author.
◦ Red Tape and Slow Process: The process of securing a traditional publishing deal is described as "long" and "annoying," often taking years to navigate through literary agents and multiple rounds of editorial approvals.
◦ Strategic Traditional Deals: However, if a self-published book is highly successful and a traditional publisher proactively approaches the author to buy the rights, it can be a beneficial opportunity, as seen with authors like Brené Brown, Robert Kiyosaki (Rich Dad Poor Dad), and E.L. James (Fifty Shades of Grey). This bypasses many of the typical drawbacks of traditional publishing.
• Increasing Scrutiny on AI-Generated Content:
◦ Publishing platforms, particularly Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), are "cracking down" on AI use, requiring authors to disclose if and how AI was used in their book's creation.
◦ Copyright Limitations: The US Copyright Office attempted to prohibit excessive AI use in 2018 and, in 2023, implemented a prerequisite forcing disclosure of AI use. Their current policy states that AI-generated content cannot be copyrighted because copyright protects works of authorship by human authors. This means if AI creates images or text, it is considered to be in the public domain, and authors cannot claim ownership or protection for those portions.
◦ Recommendations: While using AI for brainstorming, outlining, or editing ideas is generally acceptable, it's strongly suggested not to let AI write the entire book. Authors should use human editors and writers to avoid future complications, as laws regarding AI use are expected to evolve significantly by 2026.
◦ Templates and AI Imagery: The issue extends to using templates from platforms like Canva if they include AI-generated images or if the author lacks the necessary license (e.g., Canva Pro) to commercialize content based on those templates.
◦ Audiobooks and AI Voice: While AI-generated voices for audiobooks are currently allowed, their long-term regulatory status is uncertain. Quality is also a factor, as platforms may reject audiobooks if the AI voice lacks appropriate emotion or sounds "terrible".
• Readers' Increased Selectivity and ROI:
◦ Readers are becoming "much more selective" about the books they purchase. In the current economy, people are less likely to buy books impulsively or for FOMO (fear of missing out).
◦ Focus on Return on Investment (ROI): Readers, including those with 9-to-5 jobs, are adopting an "entrepreneurial mindset" and are looking for a return on their investment when purchasing books. They want to know, "What will I walk away with?" and if the book will help them improve their business, relationships, life, or finances.
◦ For new authors publishing in 2025, this presents an opportunity to create books that can "change the world" by intentionally focusing on solving problems and providing clear value.
• Funding Your Book (Beyond the Query, but Highly Relevant):
◦ Self-published authors are responsible for investing in their book's success, typically between $5,000 and $10,000 for a professionally produced book.
◦ Crowdfunding has emerged as a popular and effective method for financing self-published books, offering an alternative to personal savings or credit cards.
◦ Crowdfunding Mechanics: It involves "backers" (people who believe in the project) contributing money in exchange for "perks" or rewards offered by the author (e.g., signed copies, merchandise).
◦ Benefits of Crowdfunding: It provides financial support, validates the book idea (if people fund it, it's a good sign), and offers built-in marketing and audience building, as backers become part of the author's community. Some platforms also have "angel investors" who browse projects to support.
◦ Platforms for Crowdfunding:
▪ Kickstarter: The "granddaddy" of crowdfunding, it uses an "all or nothing" funding model (you only get the money if you hit your goal) and a reward-based system. It also offers a "projects we love" badge for visibility.
▪ Indiegogo: Similar to Kickstarter, it offers both the "all or nothing" model and flexible funding options, allowing authors to keep raised funds even if the goal isn't met. Campaigns can also continue raising funds after the official end.
▪ Publishizer: Specifically designed for authors, it connects them with traditional publishers and literary agents, though it's less popular than Kickstarter or Indiegogo, meaning authors still need to drive traffic to their campaigns.
▪ Patreon: A subscription-based model often used by podcasters, it can fund books by allowing authors to release chapters or content regularly to paying subscribers. This can be particularly useful for fiction authors but can be adapted for non-fiction.
◦ Due Diligence: Authors are advised to thoroughly read the terms and conditions of any crowdfunding platform to understand fees, withdrawal processes, and project requirements.
• The Power of Books as Legacy:
◦ A book, particularly one that captures an author's "gem" of innovation and frames it as a solution, creates a lasting legacy. The "written word is more powerful than anything else" and can effectively make an author "immortal," ensuring their story and innovation endure.
In essence, the publishing landscape in 2025 favors intentional, solution-oriented non-fiction books, especially those independently published. Authors are encouraged to embrace self-publishing for control and credibility, strategize to stand out amidst fierce competition, be transparent about AI use, and consider crowdfunding as a viable funding mechanism.