| By Tamara Butler |
Inspirational books give readers a sense of hope, encouragement, and empowerment in the face of uncertainty. As individuals grapple with ongoing change and watch global challenges unfold, the demand for inspirational nonfiction is surging. Get details about the latest trends showcasing this genre’s wide appeal and why you should make inspirational reads more accessible in your library.
1. Readers Crave Inspirational Nonfiction
The inspirational nonfiction genre has gained immense popularity over the last few years. Religious nonfiction sales have well outpaced the growth of general print sales—during the first half of 2024, revenue for religious books in print grew by over 12%.1
The genre’s appeal is also evident in the success of authors like Beth Moore, John Burke, Sheila Walsh, and Francis S. Collins. Works by these writers and more are topping bestseller lists and captivating millions of readers worldwide.
2. Inspirational Titles Have Wide Appeal
Inspirational nonfiction titles spark meaningful discussions about faith, personal experiences, and shared values. The genre has found dedicated readership in Christian communities, church groups, and book clubs.
What’s particularly interesting about the genre’s popularity is that readers across various age groups are drawn to inspirational titles. While seasoned authors offer wisdom and insights that resonate with older readers, younger readers embrace the authors’ relevancy, relatability, and desire for spiritual fulfillment.
3. A Range of Topics Caters to Varied Reader Needs
Readers describe inspirational nonfiction titles as transformative and life changing. The genre provides hope, encouragement, and practical guidance for readers to navigate challenges, discover their purpose, and strengthen their faith.
With stories focused on personal testimonies, spiritual growth, relationships, leadership, prayer, forgiveness, and more, inspirational nonfiction offers a wide range of topics. This variety helps readers find titles that resonate with their specific interests and challenges, fueling the genre’s popularity.
Make Inspiration More Accessible with Large Print
Empower patrons to navigate life’s challenges and find the comfort they crave by expanding your library’s inspirational nonfiction collection. By adding titles in large print, you can make in-demand inspirational reads more accessible for everyone in your library. With fewer words per page, large print allows for quicker, motivating page turns that support reading stamina.
Start with our Inspirational Nonfiction collection to bring your readers six of today’s most popular titles in the large print format. Read this blog to get more details about the collection, including author information and title summaries.
For ongoing support to meet reader demand, subscribe to our new Inspirational Nonfiction standing order plan. This flexible option helps you save collection development time and budget to bring readers the latest bestselling titles in the inspirational nonfiction genre. Sign up to get two titles chosen by our experienced editorial team every month with 25% off list price, guaranteed fulfillment, and free shipping.
Interested to learn more about standing order plan options? Connect with your rep now.
Notes:
1 Milliot, Jim. “Religion Print Sales Up 12% in First Half of 2024,” Publishers Weekly, July 2024.
Meet the Author
Tamara Butler is an acquisitions editor with over 20 years prior experience in public and academic libraries. She has a master’s degree in library science from the University of Buffalo and a master of fine arts in writing from Lindenwood University. When not checking out the latest Southern gothic novels, Tamara loves to spend time on New England beaches and hang out with her two energetic beagles.