Bible sales at their highest in almost three decades
Exam books and Bibles experienced a surprising surge in popularity last year, with sales reaching their highest levels since the 1990s.
Spending on exam books rose 24 percent, while Bible purchases rose 19 percent, according to NielsenIQ BookData, which manages ISBN and SAN agencies for the United Kingdom and Ireland.
These figures represent the highest figures recorded for both categories since monitoring began in 1998.
But this notable increase contrasts with a broader decline in nonfiction books.
Spending in this segment fell to its lowest point since 2014, reaching £791 million; This means an annual decrease of 5%. Sales units also decreased by six percent last year, reaching 59 million units.
By contrast, spending on adult fiction rose by 5 per cent, despite a marginal 0.5 per cent decline in print book sales across the UK to settle at £1.81bn.
Philip Stone, head of publisher account management at NielsenIQ BookData, said: “NielsenIQ BookData’s 2025 findings reveal a resilient book market where readers continue to invest in stories despite a softer year overall.
“Fiction continues to be a standout performer, fueled by strong growth in science fiction and fantasy, horror and comics, while books for children and young adults also made encouraging gains in key areas.
“While the popularity of trivia, quizzes, and religious titles underscores the constant demand for escapism and insight, Nonfiction has faced greater pressure.”
The average cost of a book reached record levels in 2025, with the cost rising by 2 per cent to £9.52 due to “the rising costs of book production and inflation”, according to the company.
During this period, audiobook sales increased by 6 percent, while comic books and graphic novels also increased in popularity.
Richard Osman topped NielsenIQ’s 2025 bestseller list. Impossible Chance, latest book Thursday Murder Club Released in September last year, the series sold 478,000 copies ahead of Charlie Mackesy. Always Remember and Freida McFadden Servant.
gruffalo author Julia Donaldson ended 2025 as the UK’s best-selling author with total sales of 3.3 million copies, ahead of Freida McFadden (2.6 million) and Dav Pilkey (1.5 million).
Mr Stone added: “With best-selling authors such as Richard Osman, Freida McFadden, Julia Donaldson and Dav Pilkey coming off another solid year, publishers, booksellers and authors continue to keep the market energetic, innovative and full of opportunity.
“This momentum feels particularly appropriate 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 released ahead of the London Book Fair, which will be held at Olympia London from 10-12 March.
