The publishing industry is dynamic—shaped by cultural shifts, technological advancements, and evolving reader preferences. While the heart of publishing remains unchanged—discovering compelling stories and voices—what sells and what stands out is always changing. If you’re a writer looking to get published, understanding what kinds of manuscripts publishing houses are currently seeking can increase your chances of success and guide your creative focus.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the current landscape of the publishing industry and examine the genres, themes, and manuscript qualities that editors and agents are actively looking for in 2025.

1. Diverse Voices and Underrepresented Perspectives

Inclusivity is no longer a trend—it’s a necessity. Publishing houses across the globe are actively seeking manuscripts that reflect the diverse world we live in. This includes voices from underrepresented racial, cultural, linguistic, religious, LGBTQIA+, and neurodiverse communities.

Why the shift? Readers want stories that reflect a broader spectrum of experiences. The global success of authors like Angie Thomas (The Hate U Give), Ocean Vuong (On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous), and R.F. Kuang (The Poppy War) demonstrates the appetite for fresh, authentic perspectives.

What Editors Are Looking For:

  • #OwnVoices narratives that speak from lived experience

  • Culturally specific but universally resonant stories

  • Exploration of intersectional identities

  • Multilingual and code-switching storytelling techniques (used meaningfully)

Manuscript Tip:

Don’t write a “diverse” story because the market wants it—write it because it’s yours to tell. Authenticity resonates more than trend-chasing.

2. Literary Fiction with a Strong Voice and Deep Themes

While commercial fiction often dominates bestseller lists, literary fiction remains a staple for many publishers, especially those with strong editorial reputations. What’s shifting is the style: publishers want literary fiction that is intellectually rich but emotionally gripping, not aloof or abstract.

Current themes gaining traction include:

  • Climate change and eco-anxiety

  • Artificial intelligence and its emotional ramifications

  • Intergenerational trauma

  • Existential loneliness in hyperconnected times

What Editors Are Looking For:

  • A distinctive, compelling narrative voice

  • Psychological depth

  • Ambitious structure or narrative experimentation (if done well)

  • Global or transnational perspectives

Manuscript Tip:

A great literary manuscript often balances artistic prose with a compelling plot arc. Don’t sacrifice readability for style.

3. Upmarket Fiction: The Best of Both Worlds

Upmarket fiction bridges the gap between commercial and literary. Think of authors like Celeste Ng, Kristin Hannah, or Matt Haig. This category is highly sought-after because it appeals to both book club readers and literary critics.

Popular Themes Right Now:

  • Family secrets and moral dilemmas

  • Alternate histories or speculative twists grounded in realism

  • Feminist reimaginings of history or mythology

  • Pandemic aftermath and healing

What Editors Are Looking For:

  • Accessible prose with literary depth

  • Strong character arcs

  • Broad reader appeal but intelligent storytelling

Manuscript Tip:

If your manuscript blends a compelling, page-turning plot with serious themes, it might be upmarket fiction. Lean into that hybrid quality in your pitch.

4. Genre Fiction: Thrillers, Fantasy, and Romantasy

Genre fiction is booming, especially in digital and audio formats. Readers are turning to books for escapism, tension, and satisfying resolutions. Some genres, like cozy mysteries and romantasy (romance + fantasy), have exploded on platforms like TikTok and Bookstagram.

What’s Hot in Genre Fiction:

Thrillers & Mysteries:

  • Domestic thrillers with unreliable narrators

  • Psychological thrillers set in unique environments (e.g., remote islands, cults, social media echo chambers)

  • True crime-inspired narratives

Fantasy:

  • Romantasy with rich world-building and high emotional stakes

  • Epic fantasy with diverse casts and non-Western mythologies

  • Gaslamp fantasy and historical mashups

Romance:

  • Contemporary romance with fresh settings (e.g., small towns, niche workplaces)

  • LGBTQIA+ love stories with rom-com vibes

  • Second-chance and enemies-to-lovers tropes

What Editors Are Looking For:

  • A unique twist on familiar tropes

  • High concept but character-driven stories

  • Series potential (especially for fantasy and thrillers)

Manuscript Tip:

Know your genre well—read widely in it, understand its structure and reader expectations, and innovate within those bounds.

5. Young Adult (YA) and Middle Grade (MG)

Although the YA market has become more competitive, it remains vibrant and influential. Today’s teens and tweens are savvy, socially conscious, and emotionally intelligent—and they want stories that reflect that.

YA Trends:

  • Queer coming-of-age narratives

  • Eco-fiction and dystopias reimagined

  • Mental health and resilience

  • Historical YA with relevance to today’s world

MG Trends:

  • Adventure and humor with emotional depth

  • Magical realism and folklore-based fantasy

  • Diverse protagonists in relatable, contemporary settings

What Editors Are Looking For:

  • Voice-driven storytelling

  • Strong moral or emotional core

  • Original premises that speak to young readers’ realities

Manuscript Tip:

Avoid talking down to younger readers. Instead, show them the world through a lens of curiosity, complexity, and hope.

6. Nonfiction: Personal, Political, and Practical

The appetite for nonfiction remains robust—especially for books that offer clarity, empowerment, or meaningful reflection in a chaotic world. In 2025, publishing houses are especially keen on narrative nonfiction and prescriptive nonfiction.

Narrative Nonfiction:

  • Memoirs by people with unique life experiences or cultural insights

  • Investigative journalism that reads like a thriller

  • Nature writing with a personal dimension

  • Diaspora stories and immigrant narratives

Prescriptive Nonfiction:

  • Mental health and trauma-informed wellness

  • Career and productivity for creatives and freelancers

  • Parenting, education, and youth development in the digital age

  • Environmental sustainability and climate action

What Editors Are Looking For:

  • Author platform (especially for prescriptive nonfiction)

  • Unique insights backed by research or lived experience

  • Narrative drive and readability

Manuscript Tip:

A nonfiction book proposal is essential—include a clear audience analysis, chapter outline, and marketing plan, especially if you’re not a household name.

7. Experimental and Hybrid Work

While this won’t apply to the mainstream market, small presses and niche literary houses are embracing hybrid and experimental work more than ever. Think novels in verse, genre-bending forms, or cross-media storytelling.

These works often:

  • Mix fiction and nonfiction

  • Incorporate visual elements or multimedia formats

  • Challenge narrative norms and linearity

What Editors Are Looking For:

  • Bold, original storytelling

  • Cross-disciplinary innovation (e.g., poetic memoirs, graphic-novel essays)

  • Deep artistic intentionality

Manuscript Tip:

Have a clear vision of what your form achieves. If you’re breaking rules, know why.

Final Thoughts: Beyond Genre and Trend

Trends come and go, but great storytelling is eternal. Editors may have wishlists, but they’re always on the lookout for the manuscript that surprises them, the voice that breaks through the noise, or the story they didn’t know they needed. While staying current with the market is wise, don’t let trends dictate your creativity.

Write what compels you—then position it smartly. Learn how to pitch your work effectively. Understand the difference between small, independent publishers and the Big Five. And above all, keep refining your craft.

The publishing world is full of gatekeepers, yes—but it’s also full of passionate people who love books and want to champion new talent. Your manuscript might be exactly what they’ve been waiting for.