It is fair to say that the last few years have not been kind to creative writing. The field has seen a steady stream of layoffs from magazines and newspapers due to declining ad revenue and the ‘simplification’ of content by online platforms.
But while the industry has dipped, the audience has not. In fact, the demand for content such as fiction and non-fiction has increased, even as publishing houses have slashed budgets.
Why Are People Still Reading Creative Writing?
According to a 2019 report from Literary Analytics, people are still turning to creative writing because:
- They want to explore the human condition,
- They want to educate themselves,
- They want to indulge in a hobby,
- They want to relax,
- They want to forget about their problems,
- They want to make friends,
- and much more!
The Demand for Fiction Has Increased
Despite the challenges the field faces, the demand for fiction has increased. Here are some interesting stats:
In 2019, the number of people buying novels stayed relatively stable compared to other genres, while the number of people reading MFA (Master of Fiction) graduates rose by 14% year-on-year.
The rise of e-books has undoubtedly helped to stoke the demand for fiction. The number of books purchased via digital channels grew by 13% in 2019.
While overall demand for books has stayed relatively stable, the market for e-books has taken off. The number of people downloading e-books rose by 49% in 2019.
This trend is likely to continue, with 76% of American adults saying they plan to read more e-books in the next six months.
With the spread of e-readers and tablets, it’s easy to see why people are choosing to read digital content rather than paper copies. The convenience and flexibility of an e-reader allows readers to explore a variety of content, wherever they want.
This trend is likely to continue, with 76% of American adults saying they plan to read more e-books in the next six months. (Statista)
Demand for Non-Fiction Is Also On The Rise
While people are still turning to fiction for entertainment and pleasure, the demand for non-fiction is also increasing. Here are some interesting stats:
In 2019, people spent 3.5 hours per day on average reading books, which is down from the 4–5 hours per day spent in 2017. Still, the decline is likely to plateau as time-poor adults prioritize their reading over games and movies.
The rise of TikTok has undoubtedly played a role in boosting the demand for non-fiction, with the app reportedly seeing a 40% increase in monthly active users between April and June 2019 compared to the same period in 2018.
Whether you prefer fiction or non-fiction, these stats should give you some encouragement! If you’re looking to enter the field or are already in the industry, you might consider looking for opportunities within the sector, perhaps working for a digital content company that can offer you the chance to gain valuable experience.