Quiz books have seen a significant surge in sales amidst a decline in overall non-fiction book sales in the UK, marking their best year since records began.
Data from NielsenIQ BookData has revealed that quiz books are experiencing a remarkable resurgence, with spending on these titles increasing by nearly 25% in 2025, marking the best performance for this genre since records began in 1998. The rise in popularity of quiz books follows a significant decline in the sales of non-fiction books, which dropped to £791 million, the lowest level since 2014. While the market grapples with decreased interest in non-fiction categories, quiz books have emerged as an unexpected success story.
Additionally, spending on Bibles has also seen a notable rise, with sales increased by 19% from the previous year, reaching £6.3 million. This trend reflects a broader engagement with specific genres as consumers shift their preferences amidst a crowded market. The bestselling quiz titles come from spin-offs of The 1% Club gameshow, illustrating the impact of popular media on book sales and consumer interest.
Despite the success of quiz books, the overall non-fiction market faces challenges highlighted by the 6% decrease in the number of books sold year-on-year. As the publishing industry adapts to changing consumer demands, the rise of quiz books might signify a new genre trend that could influence future publishing strategies, emphasizing the need for innovation amidst declining sales in traditional non-fiction categories.
