The publishing industry and book community continue to promote more intentional ways to support publishers and bookshops. Readerly, a book-discovery platform offering personalized reviews and community groups, is a reader-supported alternative to Amazon-owned Goodreads.

Gen Zers are propelling BookTok, a trend that sees TikTokkers share their love of books. Charming millions of viewers, they're effectively conducting grassroots marketing campaigns, helping to build awareness of young adult fiction and connect their audiences through storytelling.

Social media is transforming the way we read and buy books, with trending topics and viral posts guiding discovery and disrupting the traditional sales cycles. So, how can publishers harness these channels in their commissioning strategies? And how exactly are people talking about books online?

UK book sales were higher in 2021 than they’ve been for a decade, a feat attributed to demand for fiction. Despite lockdowns ending, mobility continues to be restricted by testing obligations and travel costs. In the absence of holidays, books are satisfying the UK’s appetite for escapism.