As the leaves turn and the air crisps in the Northern Hemisphere, autumn has long been a golden season for the global publishing world. From the bustling halls of Europe to the sun-soaked pavilions of the Middle East and the vibrant markets of Latin America, book fairs in September through November serve as crucibles for literary innovation, cultural exchange, and deal-making.
In 2025, with the industry navigating amid global political and economy disruptions, and a surge in diverse voices, these events are not just marketplaces but mirrors of societal shifts. Let’s explore the major international book fairs of autumn 2025, spotlighting emerging trends like author’s self-publishing, romantasy’s dominance, sustainability in print, and the rise of discussion on rivalry between cultural traditions.
We see a bullish outlook: publishers anticipate robust growth, with audiobooks and digital formats leading the charge amid a renewed emphasis on “reading for pleasure.”
Autumn 2025 kicks off with a flurry of events that blend tradition with timeliness.
Europe counters with festivals over fairs. Italy’s Festivaletteratura in Mantua, Italy (September 3-7) mixes readings, tours, and concerts with global authors, emphasizing performative literature – a nod to multimedia trends.
The UK’s York National Book Fair (September 12-13) caters to collectors with rare manuscripts and maps, while Sweden’s Goteborg Book Fair (September 25-28) – Europe’s second-largest – hosts 900 exhibitors and 100,000 visitors, focusing on Nordic noir and sustainable publishing. Across the Atlantic, the U.S.’s Brooklyn Book Festival (September 14-22) fosters “creative dialogue” with diverse voices, highlighting Latinx and international debuts.
September 12-16, the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) pulses with Southeast Asian energy at the SMX Convention Center. Ongoing as of September 14, it features Filipino indies like UST Publishing House launching “Vilma Santos: Icon,” a star-studded essay collection on cinema and politics, complete with signings by the “Star for All Seasons” herself. Trends here lean toward bold, local narratives: from memoirs on selling virginity and talking toys to on-the-ground war reporting, the fair spotlights “stories in every form.” Indie publishers like those at the event are wildcard voices, championing fresh debuts in romance and speculative fiction, aligning with global surges in self-published YA and thrillers.
October crowns with the Frankfurt Book Fair (Frankfurter Buchmesse) (October 15-19), the world’s largest trade event, expecting 7,000+ exhibitors and 300,000 visitors. Restricted to professionals for the first three days, it’s a deal-making frenzy where rights sales hit billions annually. Slovenia serves as Guest of Honour, spotlighting Balkan literature and eco-themes in a “fragile world.”
Previews buzz with optimism: industry leaders predict a “bullish” 2025, driven by romantasy (romance-fantasy hybrids) and AI tools for editing and personalization. The Frankfurt Kids Conference on October 15 delves into children’s books amid global instability, while emerging tech like audiobooks and XR (extended reality) adaptations gain traction—think immersive “Journey to the West” experiences from earlier fairs influencing here.
Filipino author Jonaxx’s “Against the Heart” gets a spotlight, signaling Asia’s rising clout in global romance. Sustainability trends shine too: expect panels on eco-friendly paper and carbon-neutral printing, as publishers align with 2025’s green mandates.
Elsewhere, Finland’s Turku International Book Fair (early October) emphasizes Baltic exchanges, while Thailand’s National Book Fair (October 9-19) under the theme “Melody of Books” blends lit with music, drawing millions for hybrid events.
November bridges East and West with the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) (November 5-16) in the UAE, the Arab world’s premier event and third-largest globally. With 2 million+ visitors in past years, it launches hundreds of titles and hosts its fourth Booksellers Conference on international trends like digital distribution and youth readership. TRENDS Research & Advisory’s pavilion, featuring 350+ academic works, highlights Middle East-China ties, with new releases on global transformations. Expect emphasis on translated knowledge and women’s voices.
Closing the season, Mexico’s Guadalajara International Book Fair (FIL) (November 29-December 7) reigns as Ibero-America’s powerhouse, with 20,000+ professionals and 800,000 attendees. Focused on Spanish-language content, it features book presentations, workshops, and performances, with Barcelona as a co-bloom partner for 2025 – foreshadowing Italy’s 2026 Guest of Honour slot. Trends lean toward Latin American speculative fiction and cultural heritage, with NielsenIQ tracking sales spikes in diverse genres. Self-publishers thrive via exhibits like Combined Book, emphasizing direct-to-reader models.
| Fair | Dates | Location | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manila International Book Fair | Sep 12-16 | Manila, Philippines | Local narratives, indie debuts |
| Goteborg Book Fair | Sep 25-28 | Gothenburg, Sweden | Nordic literature, sustainability |
| Frankfurt Book Fair | Oct 15-19 | Frankfurt, Germany | Global rights, AI & kids’ lit |
| Sharjah International Book Fair | Nov 5-16 | Sharjah, UAE | Arab-Asian exchanges, academic launches |
| Guadalajara International Book Fair | Nov 29-Dec 7 | Guadalajara, Mexico | Ibero-American voices, performances |
Across these fairs, 2025’s publishing landscape pulses with interconnected themes, informed by industry reports and on-the-ground buzz.
Romantasy – think Jane Austen meets dragons – continues its reign, with covers evolving to cartoonish, illustrated styles for romance and contemporary titles. YA, fantasy, thrillers, and dark academia lead demands, as seen in Manila’s bold debuts and Frankfurt’s previews. June Hur’s “Behind Five Willows,” a Korean historical romance with forbidden books, exemplifies this at Frankfurt. Guadalajara amplifies Latinx speculative tales, while Sharjah spotlights thrillers in translation.
AI isn’t just hype – it’s reshaping workflows, from predictive editing to personalized recommendations, debated at Frankfurt and Sharjah’s conferences. Audiobooks surge 25% year-over-year, with immersive formats like XR story IPs (e.g., “Ne Zha” adaptations) bridging print and screen. Goteborg and Moscow emphasize big data for reader analytics, while trade paperbacks eclipse mass market editions for their premium feel.
Eco-conscious printing and carbon tracking are non-negotiable, with Frankfurt’s “fragile world” theme tying into climate lit. Fairs like Sharjah and Guadalajara prioritize Global South voices, countering Western dominance – India’s Moscow push and Filipino spotlights exemplify this equity drive. Subscription models and newsletters boost direct sales, empowering indies.
Fairs evolve beyond books: Manila’s panels on “talking toys,” Goteborg’s concerts, and Guadalajara’s chef demos fuse lit with life. Social media amplifies reach, with TikTok-driven “BookTok” trends fueling romantasy sales. Events like Brooklyn’s dialogues foster inclusive communities, vital in a fragmented world.
Autumn’s book fairs aren’t mere transactions; they’re forecasts. With 2025’s trends – romantasy’s allure, AI’s edge, and equitable storytelling – publishers eye a resilient future. As Zadie Smith’s essays and Ian McEwan’s dystopias hit shelves, these gatherings remind us: books bridge divides, spark joy, and, yes, sell. Whether you’re a deal-hungry agent or a wide-eyed reader, autumn 2025 offers a literary feast. Mark your calendars – the world’s stories await.