Ten Takeaways from the 2025 Publishers Weekly U.S. Book Show
By Kim Childress
We’re excited to kick off our new series sharing insights from the 2025 U.S. Book Show, held June 3, 2025, at the College of Medicine in New York City.
I had the opportunity to attend with my team of young and emerging professionals, and the show offered an excellent representation of the publishing industry--in all its complexity and vibrancy.
Kim Childress with Joshua Pastoria at the 2025 #USBookShow
It’s all about passion
The biggest takeaway from this year’s #USBookShow was the unmistakable shared passion for books. Everyone in attendance—from publishers and editors to authors and creatives—was united by a deep love of reading and storytelling. That passion is what binds us in the publishing industry and propels our work forward.
Passing the Torch ~ Industry professionals discuss the next generation of publishing professionals.
Ten Takeaways from the 2025 U.S. Book Show
1. Our shared love of reading unites us.
The energy and enthusiasm at the show made it clear: we’re all here because books matter deeply to us.
2. Books remain powerful, life-saving, and transformative.
They continue to be sources of inspiration, information, and emotional connection.
3. Publishers are now competing with screen time.
Engaging readers in today’s digital world is a creative challenge, one that publishers are actively meeting.
4. Uncertainty is part of the process.
A sentiment I strongly agree with. Historical context reminded us that turmoil between the press and leadership isn’t new—yet we persevere.
5. Leaders are navigating change with resilience.
In the highly anticipated “CEOs in Conversation” session, Jonathan Karp (Simon & Schuster) and David Shelley (Hachette Book Group) discussed the challenges—and opportunities—of publishing leadership in uncertain times.
6. Freedom of the Press remains essential.
As someone who studied political science, I appreciated the reminder that the press acts as a vital fourth branch of government, ensuring accountability. For more on this topic, see related article, Responsibility in Children’s Publishing and Media.
7. AI is a tool of the future.
AI was a central theme across sessions. As Dan Simon of Seven Stories Press put it, “How we act at this pivotal moment in history will shape the future.” As I have shared previously in The Role of the Editor, to stay relevant and informed, editors need to be aware of emerging treneds and new technologies. And publishers must remain adaptable, informed, and open-minded as technology continues to evolve.
8. 360-degree thinking-Publishers are thinking beyond the printed page.
Publishers are thinking beyond the printed page—integrating trends, marketing strategies, and multimedia engagement. Scholastic has a lead in this area, with their interactive books and gaming series such as The 39 Clues, Zombie Season, and its upcoming release of The Last Resort, by Erin Entrada Kelly, offering a next-level, interactive experience, releasing September 2, 2025.
9. The story comes first.
No matter the format or technology involved, every panelist agreed: the story is always the heart of publishing decisions.
10. Print is here to stay.
Despite the rise of digital platforms, the printed book remains essential and irreplaceable. There’s simply no substitute for holding a physical book in your hands.
The 2025 U.S. Book Show reminded us not only of the strength and adaptability of the publishing industry but also of its heart: our shared love of stories. Whether facing new technologies, market shifts, or cultural change, the industry remains resilient because it is rooted in something timeless—the passion for storytelling. As we look ahead, we’ll continue to share insights, spotlight innovation, and celebrate the people and ideas shaping the future of books.
I’d love to hear your questions—comment below.
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ABOUT:
U.S. Book Show: A Conference on Publishing and the Business of Books
June 3, 2025 | New York City
#USBOOKSHOW
Now in its fifth year, the U.S. Book Show brings the publishing world together for a day of insightful conversations, expert panels, and invaluable networking. From the direct-to-reader revolution to AI, digital marketing, streaming, Hollywood, audiobooks, career growth, and more, the program tackles issues shaping the industry’s future.
Kim Childress is an award-winning editor and author of hundreds of books for children and adults, including Find Your Future in Art. She is a product developer in children’s publishing, book editor for Girls’ Life magazine since its 1994 debut, and former middle-grade acquisitions editor for HarperCollins (Zondervan). She has maintained a successful career while raising a personal focus group of four children through diapers, doctors, broken bones, college, and plagues. Learn more about Kim and follow her adventures at ChildressInk.com and Ink-a-Dink.com. You can purchase her workshops at penconeditors.com, including, Editing Middle-grade and YA Fiction and Nonfiction, Creating Books of Excellence for Young Readers, How a Book is Made from Start to Finish, and Trends and Opportunities in Fiction and Nonfiction Picture Books.