2026 Publishing Prediction: Artists Leading Bookish Trends

Have you been on Bookstagram or BookTok lately? If so, I’m sure you’ve noticed the wave of artists sweeping through the algorithm. I spoke about this briefly when I commissioned an artist for my dark rural romantasy Minutes Before Sunset. But after the Knight x Princess illustration trend popped off late last year, I wanted to dive a little deeper. 

Whether artists are creating gorgeous artwork for already famous pieces, book boxes, or as commissions, we’re seeing an influx of bookish related art everywhere: as pre-order incentives, Kickstarter rewards, newsletter subscribers, and hype pieces. Artists are not only at the center of fandoms, they’re also inking their way into fame for themselves. Granted, it could be because I work in Art Rights, so my For You is filled with fantastic artists, but I definitely feel like we’re leaning toward a new publishing movement, if not fully immersed in it already. 

In short, I think publishing is heading toward catering–not to the reader who loves stories–but to the high-end collector who loves a bookish product, which is why the market might lean toward more artwork involvement. (This is no way saying that these consuming collectors don’t also enjoy a good story, but rather discussing the hierarchical needs of who is spending more money–and publishing is a business.)

Anyway, this is why I wouldn’t be surprised if we soon see a popular Instagram artist get a book deal from concept alone. Granted, one emotionally intense scene doesn’t makeith a graphic novel (and graphic novels are insanely expensive to print). But we’ve already seen how a series of TikTok shorts can fuel a book concept with Assistant to the Villain (and that’s only one of many examples). We’re also watching Webtoon succeed at printing through Inkscroll. (And it could be argued that the app is kinda eating itself alive.) Considering all these factors, I truly wouldn’t be surprised if the next wave of internet-viral book deals go to illustrators getting graphic novels (and novelizations) in one sweep. Think of the success of Under the Oak Tree…only faster. I think this will most likely happen in the romantasy sector. Or, perhaps, it’s a mixed-media project. 

I’m not alone in this sentiment either. Recently, I enjoyed reading What is next for kids’ book publishing in 2026?, in which literary agent Vicki Willden-Lebrecht discussed visual shifts sparked by anti-AI sentiments and the popularity of K-Pop Demon Hunters. Hand-drawn, human-made artwork is definitely surging in its importance. (And I’m happy to see that!)

Personally, I’d love to see more mixed media books. As a millennial who grew up with the W.I.T.C.H series starting and ending with comic inserts but the rest of the story was prose, I would love to see something similar with fantasy books in general. Even if it were only a special edition version. (Though I admit that the sheer volume of special editions are starting to feel a little…less meaningful and oversaturated? Maybe that’s a post for another day.)  

One aspect I definitely see happening? Authors paying more and more money for more and more artwork. What once started as 1-2 pieces to boost a book’s visibility has now turned into small animated trailers to advertise a book. I love seeing it as a reader. But as an author? The pressure to invest has never felt higher. (Not to mention pure FOMO.) I admit I have a spreadsheet full of artists I’d love to hire, and I loved working with the artist who drew the Timely Death trilogy artwork. (I’m currently working with another artist on another project, too! Sneak peek coming soon…)

What do you think? Do you think we’ll see artists be elevated into the book deal space themselves? If so, what will that look like?

No matter what, I am always cheering on original artwork! 

As someone who can barely draw stick figures, I am in total awe. (And there are a few that would be an insta-buy for me already.) 

~SAT

P.S. I’ll be doing a deep dive on more 2026 publishing trends as an agented author who also works at a Big Five in my next quarterly newsletter. It goes out in early February! As per tradition, my first newsletter of the year also gives insight on what it’s truly like to go out on submission to editors.

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