by Sandy Smith, CEO, Smith Publicity

As we wrap another high-energy year in book publicity, one thing is clear: 2025 reshaped how nonfiction, business, lifestyle, and thought-leadership authors build visibility. We saw new patterns emerge, long-standing truths reinforced, and exciting shifts in how authors can reach—and influence—the audiences that matter most.

I talked with three of Smith Publicity’s most seasoned book publicists, Erin Birnbaum, Sophia Moriarity, and Madison Scheuer to discuss book publicity trends we saw in 2025 and what we expect to see in 2026.

At Smith Publicity, we have a front-row seat to what’s working, what’s fading, and what’s coming next. Based on thousands of media pitches, conversations with journalists and producers, collaborations with publishers, and campaigns across every nonfiction category, here’s our look at the trends shaping author success in 2026—and how you can use them to grow your impact.

1. Lead Times Shrank for Expert Commentary—And Agility Became a Superpower

Newsrooms and the stories of the day moved faster than ever in 2025. Same-day commentary requests were common, and booking windows tightened across the board.

The authors who captured the most opportunities were the ones who:

• Responded within hours
• Offered quick talking points
• Were willing to jump on Zoom segments last-minute

Going into 2026, speed = visibility. A slow response means a missed placement. Plan for agility by keeping updated talking points, recent examples, and a bio easily accessible—for yourself and your publicist.

2. Lead Times Grew for Article Placements

In 2025, we saw a clear shift in how byline articles move from approval to publication. Even when media outlets enthusiastically said “yes,” the time from initial agreement to actual placement often stretched to four to six months—or longer.

These longer lead times created both challenges and opportunities:

• Encouraged authors and publicists to plan far ahead
• Required consistent follow-up to stay top-of-mind with editors
• Allowed for more strategic alignment of content with broader or evergreen style messaging rather than breaking news stories
• Increased the importance of building a steady pipeline of contributed articles

2026 outlook: Lead times for article placements are expected to remain extended. Authors and publicity teams who plan early, track submissions closely, and have strong relationships with media contacts will maximize exposure and maintain momentum across media channels. 

3. The Rise of Micro-Authority Media

In 2025, hyper-targeted podcasts, niche trade publications, vertical newsletters, and industry podcasts became some of the most valuable placements for nonfiction authors—especially for business, leadership, entrepreneurship, health, and workplace topics.

These outlets often delivered:

• Better audience alignment
• Higher conversion
• Stronger long-term relationships
• Deeper subject matter credibility

2026 outlook: Micro-Authority Media will continue growing in influence, and authors who embrace these outlets early will build lasting authority and a more engaged audience.

4. Lifestyle Publicity Entered Its “Expert-Influencer” Era

For lifestyle authors—wellness, food, career, home, relationships—2025 confirmed that visibility now lives at the intersection of traditional media credibility and platform personality.

What worked best:

• Service-forward stories
• Practical, usable tips
• A mix of TV lifestyle segments + short-form video
• Personal stories that reveal the “why” behind the expertise

In 2026, lifestyle authors need both: A polished media presence and authentic, relatable content on social platforms where their readers live.

5. Business Books Remain the Engine of Thought Leadership

2025 reaffirmed that the most successful business books are those tied to a broader ecosystem—speaking, consulting, training, workshops, and signature intellectual property (IP).

Publicity works best when a business book is part of a larger ecosystem and has a clear outcome beyond sales:

• Lead generation
• Keynote bookings
• Corporate trainings
• Strategic introductions, building fan, followers, newsletter sign ups
• Brand credibility at the highest levels

2026 will bring even more emphasis on ROI-driven publicity, where publishers and authors work closely with publicity teams to align messaging, media strategy, and business goals.

6. AI Noise Increased the Demand for Human Expertise

With AI-generated content everywhere, journalists and producers told us repeatedly in 2025: They want real experts with original ideas.

Media prioritized authors who offered:

• Proprietary data or research
• Distinctive frameworks
• Lived experience
• Counterintuitive insights
• A clear point of view

In 2026, authenticity beats automation. Your expertise—and how you articulate it—matters more than ever.

7. Relationship-Driven Media Is Back in Style

One of the most encouraging trends of 2025 was the resurgence of relationships. Reporters and producers repeatedly leaned on the sources they know will deliver—quickly, professionally, and with substance.

Your ability to “play well with others” matters. And it shows: authors who are reliable, responsive, and generous get invited back again and again.

In 2026, the long game will continue to outperform the “launch-only” mindset.

Looking Ahead

2025 confirmed that author visibility is no longer about one moment—it’s about building a sustained, strategic presence across channels where your readers, clients, and communities live.

• As we move into 2026, success belongs to the authors who:
• Think like thought leaders
• Stay agile
• Embrace niche opportunities
• Deliver value in every interaction
• And understand that publicity is both a sprint and a long game

Smith Publicity will continue doing what we do best: partnering with authors to amplify meaningful ideas, support long-term success, and help expert voices rise above the noise.

 

For more insights about book publicity and book marketing, visit Smith Publicity and subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on upcoming podcast episodes.