Bible and Quiz Book Sales Reach Highest Point in Nearly Three Decades
In a remarkable trend for the publishing industry, sales of Bibles and quiz books surged dramatically in 2025, achieving their highest levels since the 1990s. According to data from NielsenIQ BookData, the firm responsible for managing ISBN and SAN agencies across the UK and Ireland, spending on quiz books increased by an impressive 24 per cent, while Bible purchases rose by 19 per cent. These figures represent the peak recorded for both categories since tracking commenced in 1998, highlighting a significant shift in consumer reading habits.
Contrasting Trends in the Broader Book Market
This notable uplift in specific genres stood in stark contrast to a broader decline observed in non-fiction titles. Spending within the non-fiction segment fell to its lowest point since 2014, totalling £791 million, which marks a five per cent decrease compared to the previous year. Volume sales also experienced a downturn, dropping by six per cent over the past year to reach 59 million units. Conversely, adult fiction demonstrated resilience with a five per cent increase in spending, even as overall print book sales across the UK saw a marginal 0.5 per cent dip, settling at £1.81 billion.
Philip Stone, head of publisher account management at NielsenIQ BookData, commented on the findings, stating, "NielsenIQ BookData’s 2025 findings reveal a resilient book market, with readers continuing to invest in stories despite a softer year overall. Fiction remained the standout performer, fuelled by strong growth in sci‑fi and fantasy, horror and graphic novels, while children’s and young adult books also saw encouraging gains in key areas. Non‑Fiction faced greater pressure, though the popularity of trivia, quiz books and religious titles highlights sustained demand for escapism and insight."
Record Average Book Price and Additional Market Insights
The average cost of a book reached record levels in 2025, according to the company, which reported a two per cent increase to £9.52. This rise was attributed to "rising costs of book production and inflation," reflecting broader economic pressures. Additionally, audiobook sales saw a six per cent increase during the period, while comic strips and graphic novels also gained in popularity, indicating a diverse and evolving market landscape.
Top Sellers and Bestselling Authors of 2025
Richard Osman led NielsenIQ’s 2025 bestseller list with The Impossible Fortune, the latest instalment in the Thursday Murder Club series, which sold 478,000 copies following its release in September last year. He was followed by Charlie Mackesy’s Always Remember and Freida McFadden’s The Housemaid. Julia Donaldson, renowned for The Gruffalo, ended the year as the UK’s bestselling author, with sales totalling 3.3 million copies, ahead of Freida McFadden (2.6 million) and Dav Pilkey (1.5 million).
Mr Stone added, "With bestselling authors such as Richard Osman, Freida McFadden, Julia Donaldson and Dav Pilkey leading another solid year, publishers, booksellers and authors continue to keep the market energised, innovative and full of opportunity. Momentum that feels especially fitting as we enter the National Year Of Reading and work to inspire more people across the UK to make reading a regular part of their lives."
The statistics were unveiled ahead of The London Book Fair, scheduled to run from March 10 to 12 at Olympia London, providing a timely snapshot of the industry's current dynamics and future prospects.
