The Bookseller's 'alternative' predictions for 2019

A major publisher opening a regional office in the north of England; closer collaboration between indie publishers and indie bookshops; thriving book trends including feminism, vegan cookery, publishing around mental health, and feelgood fiction; and continued growth for audio.

These are among the predictions for 2019 offered by an “alternative” panel of seers, a collection of new and upcoming influencers in the industry, and pundits who haven’t contributed regularly in the past to The Bookseller’s annual crystal ball-gazing. Heads of key trade associations and the major publishers’ c.e.o.s will offer their thoughts on the year ahead in The Bookseller in January.

That 2019 will be no walkover is only too clear. "Whatever happens within the industry next year, Brexit will dominate." says Little Toller’s Jon Woolcott, and other challenges predicted for 2019 include a squeeze on book production costs, the perennial bugbear of business rates and high rents for booksellers, and declining author incomes, while academic publishers face something of a perfect storm of challenges from policy-makers, as Liverpool University Press’ Anthony Cond points out - whether it's Plan S, the mandating of open access monographs or changes to tuition fees.

But against that, are predictions of a strengthening and deepening of the trade’s initiatives on inclusion and diversity, in both its workforce and its publishing; we must work all the harder to achieve the change we want in the industry, argues Knights Of’s Aimée Felone; and Hachette's Saskia Bewley thinks 2019 will see the industry really focus on embedding diversity sustainably and for the long-term.  Meanwhile agent Jenny Brown looks to a less London-focused industry, with editors willing to travel more around the country, rather than expecting everything to centre on the capital; 404ink's Heather McDaid thinks creative routes of funding will play a vital part in the rise of small presses; and editor Mariam Khan looks towards a new space in publishing for Muslim women. There’s widespread enthusiasm for the new voices starting to be heard, new stories being told, and fresh approaches to the book business in uncertain times.

For the full 2019 predictions, see here.