I’ve loved books, all kinds of books, from an early age. I love the feel of them, the weight of them, the promises and secrets they hold. I’ve seen a myriad of changes to books in my 20+ years of editing, newspaper writing and paste-up, and especially reading for my own enjoyment. I’ve read the classics and the quirky, the long and short, the profound and ridiculous. I’ve also seen trends change and writing evolve with each new generation.
Books and subjects tend to come in droves with similar information or fictional storylines. We went through formulated plotlines in romance where the author filled in a template, not deviating from the script. Now, it’s almost anything goes, and rules and formulas have fallen by the wayside. Here’s some recent trends that are taking over the industry:
- Imaginative, unique cover designs, even on textbooks and nonfiction biographies, motivational/inspirational, and business books. Full-color covers with eye-catching designs.
- Chapters no longer have chapter titles for fiction. Used to be a creative struggle to come up with catchy phrases that didn’t give away the next twist or turn in the plot, but not be vague either.
- Short sentences; short paragraphs, and short, quick-to-read chapters or sections. The average reader wants to hurry through action-packed stories in the time it takes to ride the subway, bus, or carpool to work. Large books are daunting, heavy to carry, and overwhelming. eReaders have helped with the weight problem, but quick-reads are probably here to stay.
- Series books are very popular, in short installments.
- Dystopian futuristic disasters and fantasy books are in demand.
- Erotica is not only out in the open, but explicit and HOT!
- Confession nonfiction stories of lifestyle is available from celebrities and notorious villains.
- Different point of views are assigned to each character in fiction with experimentation in 1st person present or narrated 1st person past tense instead of 3rd person past tense, where the author has access to all the characters’ feelings and thoughts simultaneously.
- Political and historical nonfiction is written in dramatized novel-type language and flair.
The world has changed and so has our reading material.
Writers are filling shelves and tablets with new creative ideas. Something for everyone. We have turned a page in books and media.
Deborah A. Bowman
BowmanAuthor and Writer/Editor 
Good stuff.
Where can one donate used books other than Non Profit used book sales?
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An interesting read.
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Some Libraries, schools, colleges–check them individually. Senior Centers, Nursings Homes, or sell on eBay or Amazon.
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Nice way of summarizing some changes in our reading tastes. I was nodding along as I read them, but it’s normally hard for me to sit down and think of such things myself. I will come back and reference this!
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Be my guest. I will continue to post editing/writing/publishing trends as well as many other conversational and poetic subjects. Thanks for stopping by.
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Concise list Deb. I’ve always been partial to shorter chapters as a reader; hence, I tend to write like my preference. 🙂
Happy Birthday girlfriend! ❤
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You’re right in style then, which is a big plus. I’ve certainly changed everything about my style since “Living in a Shadow.” Amazing how a few updates can help promote a book.
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So true. We have to keep up with those little tweaks to keep up with the times. This is something I’m way behind in right now as my life has been on hold this past month. But hey, I’m glad I’m ‘in style’ lol. I do try to keep up with the latest fashions. LOL 🙂
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Well, of course, darling, we have our daring redheaded image to uphold. On a serious note, you and yours are in my prayers.
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Thank you my friend. 🙂
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Astute observations on current trends. I keep trying to bring my fellow writer’s group members up to date on this sort of change, but they are resisting in the conviction that this is not relevant when trying to sell to major publishers. Sadly I think they are missing the point that styles change, and change rapidly these days, and publishers know it.
Hope you had a great birthday 😀
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Deborah, you are so right. These trends show publishers you’re serious about your craft. In the U.K., however, maybe things haven’t changed as much as quickly. I’m a traditional editor with a twist … I keep my ear to the ground.
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I guess that’s possible, but we all want to write books that will sell in the US as well, because that’s where the biggest number of book buyers live!
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I kinda noticed this changes when i did read through books published in the 80’s. Little did i know that it wasn’t just chapters and ISBN that changed. hmm
That’s why change as they say, sure is constant.
Much love, George
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Thank you, George. As an editor, formatter, designer I have to stay current on the rapidly changing industry of writing. New or recycled words appear daily, if not hourly. An avid reader and book reviewer helps me, as well young, fresh talent which I mentor.Thanks so much for your thoughts.
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