Quiz Books and Bibles See Unprecedented Sales Surge, Outpacing Broader Market Trends
In a surprising turn of events, the Australian book market has witnessed a remarkable surge in sales for quiz books and Bibles, reaching levels not seen since the 1990s. This unexpected boom, according to NielsenIQ BookData, paints a picture of a resilient and evolving reading landscape, even as other segments of the market experienced a downturn.
NielsenIQ BookData, the authoritative firm responsible for managing ISBN and SAN agencies across the UK and Ireland, has reported significant growth in these niche categories. Spending on quiz books climbed by a substantial 24 per cent, while purchases of Bibles saw a robust 19 per cent increase. These figures are particularly noteworthy as they represent the highest recorded sales for both quiz books and Bibles since NielsenIQ BookData began its comprehensive tracking in 1998.
This strong performance in quiz books and religious texts stands in stark contrast to the broader non-fiction segment. Spending within this traditionally popular category experienced a notable decline, falling to its lowest point since 2014. The non-fiction segment saw its expenditure drop by five per cent year-on-year, reaching a total of £791 million. Volume sales also reflected this downward trend, with a six per cent decrease over the past year, amounting to 59 million units sold.
Fiction Holds Steady Amidst Market Fluctuations
While non-fiction faced headwinds, the adult fiction market demonstrated a different story. Spending in this area saw a healthy five per cent increase. This positive momentum in fiction helped to partially offset a marginal overall dip in print book sales across the UK, which experienced a slight 0.5 per cent decline, settling at £1.81 billion.
Philip Stone, Head of Publisher Account Management at NielsenIQ BookData, commented on these findings, highlighting the market’s resilience. “NielsenIQ BookData’s 2025 findings reveal a resilient book market, with readers continuing to invest in stories despite a softer year overall,” Stone stated. He further elaborated on the driving forces behind these trends.
- Fiction as a Standout Performer:
Fiction emerged as the strongest segment, propelled by significant growth in popular genres such as science fiction and fantasy, horror, and graphic novels. - Encouraging Gains in Children’s and YA:
The children’s and young adult book categories also reported encouraging gains in key areas, indicating sustained interest from younger readers. - Non-Fiction’s Pressures and Demands:
Stone acknowledged that non-fiction faced greater pressure. However, he pointed to the enduring popularity of trivia, quiz books, and religious titles as evidence of a sustained demand for escapism and insight among readers.
Rising Costs and Evolving Formats
The data also revealed that the average cost of a book reached record levels in 2025. According to NielsenIQ, this increase of 2 per cent to £9.52 can be attributed to rising book production costs and broader inflation.
Beyond print, the audiobook market continued its upward trajectory, with sales increasing by 6 per cent during the reporting period. Comic strips and graphic novels also saw a notable uptick in popularity, reflecting a diversifying reading landscape and a willingness among consumers to explore various formats.
Bestseller Lists Showcase Popular Authors and Titles
The year 2025 saw established authors continue to dominate the bestseller lists. Richard Osman’s The Impossible Fortune, the latest instalment in his popular Thursday Murder Club series, secured the top spot on NielsenIQ’s 2025 bestseller list. Released in September, the book sold an impressive 478,000 copies, outperforming other strong contenders.
Other notable bestsellers included Charlie Mackesy’s Always Remember and Freida McFadden’s gripping thriller, The Housemaid.
When it came to overall author sales for the year, Julia Donaldson, the beloved writer behind The Gruffalo, was crowned the UK’s bestselling author. Her books collectively sold a staggering 3.3 million copies. She was closely followed by Freida McFadden, who achieved sales of 2.6 million copies, and Dav Pilkey, with 1.5 million copies sold.
Mr. Stone concluded with an optimistic outlook for the book market, emphasizing the role of key industry players. “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,” he remarked. This momentum, he added, is particularly fitting as the nation enters the National Year Of Reading, aiming to inspire more people across the UK to make reading a regular part of their lives.
These significant statistics were unveiled in anticipation of The London Book Fair, a prominent industry event scheduled to run from March 10 to 12 at Olympia London. The insights provide a valuable snapshot of reader behaviour and market dynamics, underscoring the enduring appeal of books in various forms and genres.
