John Dean – Crime Writer

Some interesting findings from Writers of the West, a firm specialising in publishing and ghostwriting services in the USA, Canada, and Europe.

Looking at what readers are buying in 2026, using data including that from Circana and NielsenIQ, Amazon, Kobo, Apple Books, Audible, BookTok, Kindle Unlimited and indie sales figures, they say that the leading genres are:

Romance and Romantasy

“Romance has always been a giant in publishing, but in 2026 it is not just strong, it is unstoppable. Readers are hungry for happily-ever-afters, enemies-to-lovers arcs, slow burns, and epic declarations. Add fantasy to the mix and you get romantasy, a hybrid genre that has exploded into the spotlight. The formula is irresistible. Readers get lush magical worlds, high-stakes conflict, and relationships that keep them turning pages late into the night. Romantasy is not just a trend, it is a cultural wave. If you are looking at the most profitable book genres, romance and romantasy sit right at the top.”

Fantasy

“Closely tied to the rise of romantasy is the resurgence of fantasy itself. Epic sagas, crossover young adult titles, and sprawling multi-book worlds are thriving. Readers are not content with a single adventure. They want series that span years, characters they can grow with, and worlds they can disappear into again and again.”

Thrillers, Suspense, and Crime

“While romance and fantasy grab headlines, thrillers and crime novels remain the reliable backbone of the industry. They may not always go viral on TikTok, but they never leave the charts. Readers crave tension, mystery, and the adrenaline rush of a good twist. Domestic suspense has seen fresh growth, borrowing energy from the true-crime boom. The strength of thrillers lies in their dependability. Readers know they will get a fast pace, a puzzle to solve, and a resolution that leaves them satisfied. For authors, that translates into a stable, evergreen market.”

Science Fiction

“Science fiction holds its ground in 2026, particularly in space opera and near-future dystopias. The genre thrives on series economics. Once readers invest in book one, they often commit to the full journey. Sci-fi also excels in audio formats, with narration and production quality immersing listeners in worlds far beyond Earth.”

The Runners-Up Horror continues to find fresh energy, especially when fused with romance or mystery. Graphic novels and manga remain powerful contenders, boosted by younger readers and strong crossover appeal across print and digital platforms.

It’s not just interesting, it could help emerging writers who are not sure what to write to make up their minds, a point I make in my book on writing fiction, which can be purchased on Amazon.

You can find out more at http://www.writersofthewest.net