According to Backlinko, in the U.S., an estimated 158 million consumers listened to a podcast in the last month (as of 2025)—with the most popular podcast platforms being YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. That's an increase from 135 million monthly listeners in the U.S. in 2024. Obviously, people's interest in podcasts isn't slowing down.

So, what does that mean to you as a self-published author?

Self-publishing is evolving fast—and it's now more exciting than ever. From printed edges and interactive formats to game-changing tools like AI editing and augmented reality (AR), indie authors have more ways than ever to stand out. Those who embrace these trends are not only keeping up with what readers really want, but they're also helping shape the future of publishing. 

Let's take a look at some of the biggest trends making waves now, along with some of those set to grow in the coming years. 

In a world overflowing with travel apps and blog posts, a thoughtfully crafted travel guide still stands out. It’s tangible, trustworthy, and easy to use on the go—no batteries or signal required. Whether you're passionate about a local destination or want to share your global adventures, creating your own guidebook can be incredibly rewarding. Once it’s written, the next big step is getting your guide into travelers’ hands.

In today’s crowded book market, attention is everything. For self-published authors, standing out isn’t just an option—it's absolutely essential. One powerful promotional tool that you might not have considered yet is the book trailer. Maybe hiring a professional to create one isn't in your budget, and/or maybe you don't feel like you have the technical skills necessary to make your own… but, did you know that producing a professional quality book trailer is now faster, easier, and more affordable than ever?

Reddit isn’t like other platforms. It’s not a marketplace, a feed, or a digital stage—it’s more like a friendly chat. And if you’re a self-published author trying to promote and sell your book on Reddit without first understanding the culture, you’ll be ignored at best—banned at worst.

But that doesn’t mean Reddit isn’t a valuable tool for you. In fact, when approached genuinely and with patience, it can become a terrific way for you to build trust, credibility, and yes—eventually gain readers.

Here’s how to use Reddit as a self-published author the right way…

Launching a book is exciting, but it can also get expensive quickly. Between editing, design, printing, and marketing, the costs can pile up before your first copy even hits the shelves. The good news? You don’t have to foot the bill all on your own. There are tons of creative, community-driven ways to fund your book launch without draining your savings.

Your guide to some of the most prestigious and indie-friendly opportunities this year and next.

For self-published authors, book awards and contests offer recognition, credibility, and new readers. Winning or being a finalist can boost sales, attract media, and open new opportunities. While self-published books were once excluded from such competitions, the industry now offers many more opportunities. 

Writing humor is a skill that can be learned. This is good news for those who've never been designated the funny one in any group. But we all have a sense of humor; we love to laugh and make people laugh and, with the advice here, you’ll have the framework for writing a book that does just that.

If you’ve spent any time reading through our blog posts or learning about the self-publishing industry, you know how important it is to get reviews for your book. Reviews increase credibility, improve discoverability, and influence potential readers to pick up your book. In light of these many benefits, you should consider running a book review campaign, which involves strategically gathering and promoting reviews for your book. Follow the steps below to create an effective campaign that'll get your book in front of readers and increase book sales.

When growing your book’s visibility, engagement, and ultimately, sales, accessing the right audience is a must. There are over 5 billion internet users in the world today with an average of almost half a million new users every 24 hours.