What's Happening?
Percival Everett emerged as the bestselling Black author in 2025, according to a list compiled by the African American Literature Book Club (AALBC) using Circana BookScan data. Everett's 2024 novel, 'James,' which won both a National Book Award and a Pulitzer
Prize, led the list, surpassing other notable authors such as Kamala Harris, Kimberly D. Moore, Octavia Butler, and Rachel Renee Russell. The list was curated by Troy Johnson, head of the AALBC. Despite Everett's success, the overall print unit sales of books by Black authors saw a 14% decline in 2025 compared to the previous year. This data was derived from BookScan's database, which includes titles identified by BISAC codes related to African American and Black authorship, as well as additional titles identified by Johnson.
Why It's Important?
The recognition of Percival Everett as the bestselling Black author highlights the significant impact of Black authors in the literary world, despite a noted decline in sales. This trend could reflect broader challenges within the publishing industry, such as market saturation or shifts in consumer preferences. The decline in sales may also indicate a need for increased visibility and support for Black authors to sustain their presence in the market. The success of authors like Everett and Russell, who had multiple bestsellers in the children's category, underscores the potential for diverse narratives to resonate with a wide audience. However, the overall decrease in sales suggests that more efforts may be needed to promote and support Black literature.
What's Next?
The publishing industry may need to explore strategies to reverse the decline in sales of books by Black authors. This could involve targeted marketing campaigns, partnerships with educational institutions, and increased representation in media to boost visibility. Additionally, the success of specific authors and titles, such as Cebo Campbell's 'Sky Full of Elephants,' suggests that there is still a strong appetite for diverse stories. Publishers might focus on identifying and promoting emerging Black authors to capture new audiences and revitalize interest in Black literature.
Beyond the Headlines
The decline in sales of books by Black authors raises questions about the broader cultural and economic factors influencing the publishing industry. It may reflect systemic issues such as limited access to resources for Black authors or biases in marketing and distribution channels. Addressing these challenges could involve industry-wide initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion, ensuring that Black voices are not only heard but also celebrated. The success of authors like Everett and Russell demonstrates the potential for Black literature to thrive, provided there is adequate support and recognition.
