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Quiz books and Bibles experienced a surprising surge in popularity last year, with sales reaching their highest levels since the 1990s.
According to NielsenIQ BookData, the firm managing ISBN and SAN agencies for the UK and Ireland, spending on quiz books rose by 24 per cent, while Bible purchases increased by 19 per cent.
These figures represent the highest recorded for both categories since tracking began in 1998.
This notable uplift, however, contrasted with a broader decline in non-fiction titles.
Spending in this segment fell to its lowest point since 2014, reaching £791 million – a five per cent decrease year-on-year. Volume sales also dropped by six per cent over the past year, totalling 59 million units.
Conversely, adult fiction saw a five per cent increase in spending, even as overall print book sales across the UK experienced a marginal 0.5 per cent dip, settling at £1.81 billion.
Philip Stone, head of publisher account management at NielsenIQ BookData, said: “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.”
The average cost of a book reached record levels in 2025 according to the company, which said it increased by 2 per cent to £9.52 due to “rising costs of book production and inflation”.
Audiobook sales also increased by 6 per cent during the period, while comic strips and graphic novels saw an increase in popularity as well.
Richard Osman topped NielsenIQ’s 2025 bestseller list with The Impossible Fortune, the latest book in the Thursday Murder Club series, released in September last year, selling 478,000 copies, ahead of Charlie Mackesy’s Always Remember and Freida McFadden’s The Housemaid.
The Gruffalo writer Julia Donaldson ended 2025 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 revealed ahead of The London Book Fair, which runs from March 10 to 12 at Olympia London.
