Today's Read Contributor Publishing expert and author-education leader Jane Friedman closed out 2025 by offering a wide-ranging assessment of the U.S. book industry, speaking to members of the Northern Virginia Writers Club during a holiday gathering that blended professional insight with community celebration. Friedman, a longtime observer of publishing economics and career development, used the occasion to reflect on the year’s most significant shifts and to outline what writers and publishers should be preparing for in 2026.
Friedman’s appearance came at a moment of continued change across the publishing landscape. After several years marked by disruption from digital platforms, market consolidation, and technological experimentation, 2025 emerged as a year of recalibration rather than upheaval. In her remarks, Friedman emphasized that while the industry continues to evolve, many foundational elements of publishing remain intact, particularly the enduring value of books as cultural and commercial products.
One of the central themes of Friedman’s talk was the resilience of print publishing. Despite repeated predictions of decline over the past decade, print books have maintained a strong foothold in the U.S. market. Friedman noted that physical books continue to perform especially well in certain genres, including fiction, children’s literature, and nonfiction categories tied to personal development and education. She attributed this staying power to readers’ emotional connection to printed books, as well as to the role bookstores and libraries play as community hubs.
At the same time, Friedman acknowledged that the way books are discovered and marketed has shifted dramatically. She described 2025 as a year in which publishers and authors increasingly accepted that traditional promotional methods alone are no longer sufficient. Instead, success often depends on sustained engagement with readers across digital channels, including newsletters, social media platforms, and direct-to-consumer strategies. Friedman stressed that this does not require authors to become constant online personalities, but it does demand clarity about audience and purpose.
Artificial intelligence was another major focus of Friedman’s remarks. Rather than framing AI as a threat to creative work, she positioned it as a tool whose influence is most strongly felt in marketing, distribution, and data analysis. Friedman observed that AI-assisted advertising, audience targeting, and metadata optimization are becoming commonplace in publishing operations. For authors, she suggested that understanding how these systems shape visibility and sales will be increasingly important, even for those who choose not to use AI tools directly in their creative process.
Friedman also addressed concerns about authenticity and trust, particularly as AI-generated content becomes more prevalent online. She argued that in a crowded and automated digital environment, genuine expertise and human perspective are becoming more valuable, not less. Writers who can clearly articulate their voice, values, and areas of authority are likely to stand out, especially in nonfiction markets where credibility remains essential.
Another key topic was the evolving relationship between authors and readers. Friedman noted that many writers now operate within what she described as “long-term ecosystems” rather than single book launches. Readers may encounter an author through essays, podcasts, teaching, or community engagement long before purchasing a book. In this context, Friedman encouraged writers to think of their careers as cumulative rather than transactional, focusing on sustained relevance over time.
The discussion also touched on economic realities facing authors. Friedman acknowledged that earning a living from writing alone remains challenging for most, even as publishing opportunities expand. She emphasized the importance of diversified income streams, such as speaking, teaching, freelance work, and intellectual property licensing. According to Friedman, the most resilient creative careers are those built with flexibility and realistic expectations about income volatility.
Looking ahead to 2026, Friedman suggested that the industry is likely to see continued experimentation rather than radical transformation. Hybrid publishing models, direct sales, and subscription-based reader communities are expected to grow incrementally. Traditional publishers, she said, are increasingly selective but remain influential, particularly in areas such as distribution, foreign rights, and media exposure. For writers, understanding where their goals align within this ecosystem will be crucial.
The setting of the talk—a holiday social gathering—added a collegial tone to the evening. Following Friedman’s remarks, attendees participated in a book exchange and raffle, reinforcing the sense of shared purpose that defines many local writing organizations. The event highlighted the role such groups play in providing education, networking, and moral support at a time when the publishing world can feel fragmented and competitive.
Friedman’s career lends weight to her perspective. With more than two decades of experience covering the publishing industry, she has become a trusted voice for authors navigating complex professional decisions. Her book, The Business of Being a Writer, now in its second edition, is widely regarded as a practical guide to building sustainable writing careers in a rapidly changing market. Through her writing, teaching, and public speaking, Friedman has consistently emphasized informed decision-making and long-term thinking.
As 2025 draws to a close, Friedman’s reflections offered both reassurance and challenge. While the publishing industry continues to face uncertainty, her message underscored that adaptability, clarity, and community remain powerful assets. For the writers gathered in Northern Virginia, the evening served not only as a look ahead to 2026, but also as a reminder that even in a shifting landscape, thoughtful strategy and shared knowledge can provide a steady foundation.
