Publishers and booksellers increasingly justify high book prices by citing trends like BookTok and growing demand for collector editions. However, industry data shows publishing prices have already risen about 24% since 2020, while overall industry revenue continues to grow. At the same time, publishers are reducing paperback releases by over 40%, forcing readers into $30+ hardcover editions as the primary way to access many new titles.

When a book goes viral on BookTok, sales often increase several hundred percent within weeks, and some titles sell millions of additional copies years after their original release. This trend has revitalized the publishing industry and driven massive sales growth. During the height of the BookTok boom, U.S. print book sales exceeded 825 million units in a single year, one of the highest totals ever recorded.

Instead of passing the benefits of this surge in demand to readers through more affordable formats, publishers increasingly promote $30–$40 premium hardcover editions and collector versions. At the same time, the production of mass-market paperbacks, which is the most affordable format for many readers, is rapidly declining, making low-cost access to books increasingly difficult.

Over the past ten years, book prices have risen across nearly every format:

Hardcover: 15–25%
Trade paperback: 18–22%
E-book: 25–35%
Audiobook: 5–8%

Readers deserve affordable formats and fair pricing. BookTok increased sales volume dramatically. This is something that should reduce costs through economies of scale, not justify higher prices.

We call on publishers and booksellers to stop:

• Using BookTok or other trends as justification for price gouging
• Phasing out mass-market paperback formats
• Delaying paperback releases solely to prioritize expensive hardcover editions

Books should remain accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford premium editions.

Books are one of the most powerful tools for education, creativity, and personal growth. Rising prices and the disappearance of affordable formats threaten access to reading for students, families, and communities everywhere.

If you believe books should remain accessible and affordable, add your name to this petition and help protect the future of reading.