Fall 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting and innovative season in publishing, with new trends and bold industry moves offering fresh material for both authors and readers. From the rise of metamodernism to Taylor Swift’s daring self-publishing venture, the publishing world is buzzing with activity. A surge in book bans is reigniting debates on free expression, while TikTok is driving major literary awards, and new imprints like Cosmo Reads are emerging. Whether you’re drawn to thought-provoking literature or lighthearted reads, this fall promises something for everyone in the ever-evolving literary landscape.

Fall 2024’s Book Trends

Publishing trends change with the seasons, and Penguin Random House has used consumer insights to predict fall 2024’s direction. Key themes include metamodernism, influenced by the ongoing election, as well as parental advice and the growing role of AI-driven connections. While Genres such as romance, cozy mysteries, horror, are all essential to fall reading, cookbooks, and humor are also on the rise due to Gen Z’s idealistic views and a general need for humor in chaotic times. With these exciting trends, this fall’s reading list promises to offer a perfect mix of thought-provoking ideas, comfort, and fun for everyone.

Taylor Swift’s ‘Fearless’ Publishing Move

Taylor Swift is making waves in the publishing world by releasing The Eras Tour Book through her imprint, Taylor Swift Publications. Set to launch on Black Friday exclusively at Target, the book gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at her tour. Unlike most celebrities who rely on major publishers, Swift’s self-publishing approach allows her to retain creative control and maximize revenue, thanks to her dedicated Swiftie fanbase. Though a bold move, her strategy could inspire other authors to self-publish, potentially disrupting the traditional publishing industry.

Surge in Book Bans Ignites Free Expression Debate

Book censorship has been an ongoing issue for centuries, but the recent uptick in bans is sparking new conversations about the necessity for diversity in school libraries. PEN America reports that there have been over 10,000 school book bans during the 2023-2024 school year, nearly triple the previous year. They attribute the rise to new state laws, especially in Florida and Iowa, targeting books with sexual content. The bans disproportionately affect stories featuring diverse perspectives, including those of people of color, LGBTQ+ identities, and women. This raises concerns about free expression, as it limits students’ opportunities to explore different social issues through literature.

TikTok’s Top Book Awards

TikTok has revolutionized the reading world with #BookTok, where readers share top book recommendations. This community led to the creation of the TikTok Book Awards, held this year in London. Rebecca Yarros’s fantasy novel Fourth Wing won International Book of the Year, while Lisa Jewell’s thriller None of This is True was named Book of the Year. These awards, as well as others, are a testament to TikTok’s growing influence in the literary world.

BookTok Drives Print Expansion

Speaking of TikTok’s literary influence, ByteDance, TikTok’s owner, is expanding from digital to print with its imprint, 8th Note Press. In partnership with independent publishing company Zando, they’ve set an ambitious goal of releasing 10-15 books a year with the first titles set to arrive in early 2025. The focus will be on popular genres like romance, romantasy, and young adult fiction, driven by BookTok trends. By entering physical bookstores, 8th Note aims to expand its influence and compete with established players in the publishing industry.

Sourcebooks and Cosmo Launch New Imprint

Sourcebooks and Hearst have teamed up with Cosmopolitan to launch Cosmo Reads, a new imprint focusing on inclusive, romantic pop fiction. Geared toward millennials and Gen Z, Cosmo Reads will debut in 2025 with plans to release four to six trendsetting books each year. Combining Sourcebooks’ experience in bestselling fiction with Cosmopolitan‘s massive global following, this collaboration promises to deliver fresh, engaging stories that capture modern love and life. Get ready for some seriously binge-worthy reads!

Nobel Prize Winner Honors Indie Publishers

2024 Nobel Prize winner Han Kang is spotlighting the influence of small-press publishing. While her recent work was published by Hamish Hamilton, an imprint of Penguin Random House, her breakthrough novel, The Vegetarian, was released by the independent press Portobello Books. Han’s collaboration with translator Deborah Smith led to the creation of Tilted Axis Press, which focuses on literature translation from East Asian authors. Her work showcases the vital role that smaller publishers play in bringing diverse and unique voices to global audiences who may not otherwise gain the recognition they deserve.