PRICKLE FORREST BOOKS

by Christina Benchoff

December 2025

As 2025 comes to a close, one thing is crystal clear: indie authors didn’t just survive this year — they thrived.

Between new technology, stronger community support, expanding formats, and more ways than ever to reach readers directly, independent publishing continued to prove that creativity and adaptability are its greatest strengths. Here at Prickle Forrest Books, we’ve been watching these shifts closely, and we couldn’t be more excited about what this year delivered.

Let’s take a look at the biggest indie-author wins and publishing trends of 2025 — and why they matter going forward.

Audiobooks Took the Lead in 2025

One of the most talked-about publishing trends this year was the continued rise of audiobooks. Industry reporting confirmed that some audiobooks are now outselling hardcover editions, driven by listener demand, busy lifestyles, and the popularity of subscription audio platforms (Wall Street Journal, 2025).

For indie authors, this growth opened doors:

New income streams
Expanded accessibility for readers
Opportunities to experiment with narration styles and serialized audio

Audio is no longer an “extra.” In 2025, it became a core format — and indies are leading the charge.

Source: Wall Street Journal, audiobook sales coverage (2025)

AI Tools Expanded Global Reach for Indie Authors

Technology made major headlines this year, especially with the introduction of AI-powered translation tools designed specifically for authors. Amazon’s rollout of AI translation for indie books marked a significant step toward making global readership more accessible (The Bookseller, 2025).

Used responsibly, these tools:

Help authors explore new language markets
Reduce barriers to international publishing
Support wider discovery without sacrificing author control

Importantly, industry voices emphasized that AI works best as a support tool, not a replacement for creativity — a message indie authors embraced wholeheartedly.

Source: The Bookseller, AI translation reporting (2025)

Libraries Strengthened Their Support of Indie Authors

Libraries continued to champion independent voices in 2025 through initiatives like the Indie Author Project, which connects self-published books with librarians and readers nationwide (Publishers Weekly, 2025).

This growing partnership means:

Greater credibility and discoverability
Increased access for readers seeking indie titles
New pathways beyond traditional retail platforms

For many indie authors, library placement became a meaningful milestone this year.

Source: Publishers Weekly, Indie Author Project coverage (2025)

Recognition and Awards Spotlighted Indie Excellence

Indie and small-press books received increased recognition in 2025 through curated lists, contests, and librarian-driven awards. Publications like Lit Hub highlighted notable small-press books, reinforcing that outstanding storytelling thrives outside traditional publishing houses (Lit Hub, 2025).

This recognition reinforces a powerful truth:

Quality storytelling isn’t defined by who publishes it — but by how it connects with readers.

Source: Lit Hub, Notable Small Press Books (2025)

Direct-to-Reader Strategies Became Even Stronger

Indie authors doubled down on direct-to-reader connections this year. Email newsletters, personal websites, crowdfunding, events, and social media storytelling helped authors build loyal communities — not just audiences.

Industry trend reports showed that readers increasingly value:

Authentic author voices
Behind-the-scenes access
Community over algorithms

In 2025, indie authors proved that relationships matter as much as reach.

Source: Biba Pearce, self-publishing trends (2025)

What 2025 Proved About Indie Publishing

This year reinforced something we’ve always believed at Prickle Forrest Books:

✔ Indie authors are innovative
✔ Indie authors are resilient
✔ Indie authors are shaping the future of publishing

From audio success to global reach, library partnerships to reader-driven marketing, 2025 was a year of momentum — and that momentum is carrying us straight into 2026.

Here’s to more stories, more opportunities, and more indie wins ahead.