Book publishing statistics

Book publishing by the numbers, 2026

Last updated: November 2026

Is the book publishing market growing in 2026?

Yes, according to the Association of American Publishers: total US publishing revenue for May 2026 was up 6.8% over May 2025, at $931.1 million, and year-to-date revenue was up 2.6%, at $4.7 billion. For attorneys and business owners, the takeaway from Attorney Author Guide is that readers are still buying books.

Back to the complete guide to book publishing for attorneys

The published statistics, with their sources

Each figure below is quoted from its published source as of the date shown. None of these are Big Impact Books figures.

$931.1 million
Total revenue across all categories for May 2026 was up 6.8% as compared to May 2025, coming in at $931.1 million.
Source: Association of American Publishers, May 2026 StatShot Report
$4.7 billion
Year-to-date revenues were up 2.6%, at $4.7 billion.
Source: Association of American Publishers, May 2026 StatShot Report
+7.6%
Trade (consumer book) revenues were up 7.6% for the month of May, and up 2.3% year-to-date.
Source: Association of American Publishers, May 2026 StatShot Report
80%
Peter McKay of Publishing Ireland, the national publishers’ association, noted that 80% of annual sales now come from backlist titles, calling it a significant shift in consumer purchasing and discovery.
Source: Publishing Perspectives, Around the Book World, February 23, 2026

What do these numbers mean for a professional author?

Backlist matters, so plan for the long term

If 80% of annual sales in one national market come from backlist titles, as Publishing Ireland’s Peter McKay noted, then a book’s life does not end at launch week. That figure is for Ireland, but it supports a principle Big Impact Books has written about for years: keep your book relevant after launch.

For an attorney or CEO, the bigger return is rarely royalties. It is the steady stream of conversations, interviews, and introductions an authority book keeps creating. See book marketing for attorneys.

Readers are buying, but attention is competitive

Rising trade revenue, up 7.6% in May 2026 and 2.3% year-to-date per the AAP, shows consumers are still buying books. It does not mean any given book will be found. That is why marketing is part of the plan from the start.

For a clear overview of the main ways authors publish today, Jane Friedman’s The Key Book Publishing Paths: 2025 to 2026 is a widely used reference. Our own comparison of publishing paths focuses on attorneys and business owners.

Common questions

Short answers here. Every question is also answered on the full book publishing FAQ.

Is publishing a book worth the investment for an attorney?: It can be, when the book is tied to a clear business goal such as attracting better-fit clients, earning speaking invitations, or gaining media attention. Big Impact Books client Sarah Hubbard called the program "the best investment." Value depends on how actively the book is promoted after launch, which is why marketing is built into the process.See this answer in the FAQ
How much does it cost to publish a law book with Big Impact Books?: This site does not list Big Impact Books prices, because they were not part of the information provided for it. Costs for done-for-you publishing generally depend on manuscript development, editing, design, and how much marketing is included. To confirm current pricing, visit yourbigimpactbook.com and review the publishing and promotion details there.See this answer in the FAQ
What if my book is already published but not selling?: A book published without a marketing plan often misses opportunities. Big Impact Books has written about books published without marketing and about keeping a book relevant after launch through ongoing content, podcasts, speaking, and updates. Ask Big Impact Books whether its promotional support fits a book that is already on the market.See this answer in the FAQ
Are there ongoing costs after the book is published?: That depends on your goals. Many authors keep promoting after launch through podcasts, speaking, and content drawn from the book. Big Impact Books writes often about long-term authority after launch, because a book can keep working for years. Peter McKay of Publishing Ireland noted that 80% of annual sales now come from backlist titles (Publishing Perspectives, February 2026).See this answer in the FAQ
Where will my book be sold?: Melanie Herschorn’s own book, Lasting Legal Impact, is available on Amazon. Distribution for any specific client book depends on the publishing plan, formats, and goals. Many authority books are sold through online retailers and also given directly to clients, prospects, and event audiences. Confirm distribution details for your project through yourbigimpactbook.com.See this answer in the FAQ