Genres Experiencing the Most Activity

Fiction dominates the market, especially in the thriller, mystery, and romance categories. These genres are consistently popular and represent a significant portion of the overall deals.
- Thriller and Mystery: These genres often secure higher deal sizes, particularly when tied to ongoing series or established authors. However, even debut authors in these genres are seeing steady demand, often leading to "good" or "significant" deal sizes.
- Romance: While romance deals might not always reach "major" deal size levels, they are abundant, reflecting a solid and active market.

Non-fiction: Categories such as self-help, business, lifestyle, and memoir are seeing considerable activity. Business and self-help titles, particularly those tied to well-known figures or unique expertise, often secure multi-territory deals or significant deals. Memoirs tied to personal journeys or public figures are also in demand, particularly those offering a fresh perspective or tapping into current social issues.
Children's literature, especially middle-grade fiction and young adult, continues to see steady demand, although deals here are often more modest compared to high-profile adult fiction. Middle-grade series with adventure or fantasy elements show potential for multi-book deals.

Agencies and Agents Frequently Securing Major or Significant Deals

Certain agencies are consistently involved in securing larger deals:
- Curtis Brown and ICM Partners are frequently linked to high-profile deals, especially for fiction, including thrillers and mystery genres.
- Trident Media Group and WME (William Morris Endeavor) show strong involvement in both fiction and non-fiction, often handling deals tied to well-known figures or experts in the field.
- In the children’s market, The Bent Agency is active in securing notable deals, particularly in middle-grade and young adult fiction.
Agents at these top agencies are often involved in higher-tier deals, especially those with series potential or projects by authors with established track records. However, it’s important to note that even debut authors can land significant deals if their work taps into current market trends.

The North American market (primarily the U.S. and Canada) remains the dominant player for initial rights sales, especially for English-language books. However, international rights are frequently being sold to European markets, with Germany, France, and the UK being top buyers.
Asia (particularly Japan and China) is also increasingly active in acquiring international rights, especially for non-fiction and children’s literature. These regions are showing interest in motivational non-fiction and educational content.
Multi-territory deals are common for books with broad international appeal, especially those in non-fiction genres like business, lifestyle, and memoir, as well as thrillers.

Audiobooks: Many deals now include audiobook rights, particularly in non-fiction and genre fiction. The audiobook market continues to grow, driven by the increasing popularity of platforms like Audible. If you’re writing in business, self-help, or genre fiction, ensure your agent discusses audiobook rights during negotiations.
Non-Fiction: The business, self-help, and lifestyle categories remain strong, with deal sizes ranging from "good" to "significant." Non-fiction works tied to public figures or those offering fresh insights into current societal or business challenges are in high demand. Many of these deals also include multi-format releases (hardcover, ebook, and audiobook).
Children’s Literature: In the middle-grade and young adult space, fantasy and adventure series continue to attract publishers. Series potential is a big selling point here, with many authors securing multi-book deals. Additionally, there’s rising interest in diverse voices and stories with themes around identity, resilience, and social justice.

Multi-book deals are common in fiction, particularly in thriller and fantasy genres where series potential is high. Middle-grade adventure series also see multi-book offers, as publishers are more willing to invest in long-term projects with recurring characters or expanding worlds.
Multi-territory deals are often seen in non-fiction, especially business and self-help titles, which tend to have broad appeal across different markets. European and Asian markets are keen buyers, and securing a multi-territory deal can significantly boost an author’s international exposure.

Themes of identity and personal struggle are common, such as in stories about facing challenges in one’s career or life’s direction.
Romance and self-discovery also emerge as recurring motifs, often with contemporary settings and characters facing emotional turmoil or transformation.

Fantasy and adventure dominate the children's fiction space, with a strong emphasis on magic, mythical creatures, and heroic journeys.
There is a focus on body positivity and empowerment in some stories, indicating a growing trend toward promoting positive self-image among younger readers.

A key theme in non-fiction revolves around self-help, wellness, and mindfulness, with books that aim to improve daily life practices.
Another trend involves aging and personal finance, suggesting a focus on addressing the needs and challenges of older audiences in modern society.