Frankfurt remains the global hub for books this week, as the fair draws to a close on a high note. Buchmesse brings together Spain and its literature in a sprawling exchange of ideas, conversations, and trade talks among professionals from around the world across five packed days. Delegates, publishers, translators, agents, and editors all converge in a whirlwind of activity. The question for publishers and readers alike is clear: what will the shelves look like in the coming months? And what audio experiences will accompany those new releases in podcasts and audiobooks? In recent years the fair has become a marketplace for stories told in every possible format, and the appetite for original storytelling is stronger than ever before.
An arcade for the series
“This is where the big players show up. Amazon, Netflix, Disney, Apple TV, HBO all have a presence, sometimes traveling overnight for a few days despite jet lag. Independent producers also drop by discreetly,” notes Anna Soler-Pont, a specialist in managing audiovisual rights at Pontas Agency. Pontas has attended the fair for more than three decades, and Soler-Pont reflects on a shift she sees this year: projects are scaling differently. Contemporary stories are in demand, and they don’t need to be lavish to attract attention. After a period dominated by mega-productions such as a certain dragon-driven saga and a sprawling fantasy universe, the trend now favors tighter, more intimate narratives.
Second life
In Spain, cooperation between major publishing houses and audiovisual platforms has long been mutual. Planeta and Penguin Random House, along with broadcast networks and production outfits, collaborate to extend a book’s reach beyond printed pages. Both publishers maintain teams devoted to selling rights, not just abroad but also for screen adaptation, ensuring these stories enjoy a second life across platforms and captivate millions of viewers worldwide.
One notable example is Luz Gabás, who won a major prize with a bestselling title released in early November. A successful adaptation from a prior year became part of Netflix’s catalog, introducing Gabés’s narrative to an international audience. The industry expects those cross-media adaptations to continue expanding, with novel-to-audio packages becoming a common order of business.
In search of trends
Francisco Javier Sanzes, head of Book and Film Rights at Planeta, explains that the film and TV sector has always leaned toward literary adaptations. Platforms participate in major fairs because they want early insight into emerging trends and to spot potential bestsellers before others. Direct conversations with editors yield valuable information about upcoming directions in storytelling. The Frankfurt fair coincides with other industry gatherings, underscoring the momentum across events.
When looking for trends, Sanz notes strong interest in non-fiction that can morph into fiction, opening doors for documentary-style storytelling. Examples from his group include personal narratives that transcend their first-person roots, such as a comedian’s candid recollection of a difficult period and an Olympic athlete’s account of addiction. These kinds of stories are increasingly favored for documentary work and for productions that blur lines between genres. There is also a growing appetite for stories featuring young protagonists, often blending romance, dystopia, and crime to capture contemporary tastes.
Planeta’s representatives emphasize a taste for stories that move beyond simple memoirs, aiming for projects that resonate with broader audiences while still offering fresh perspectives. Contemporary narratives that mix elements in innovative ways are particularly sought after, reflecting a broad desire for stories that feel relevant and original.
A Spanish trans story
Identity and personal journeys are prominent at the fair. A transgender author, a Madrid native, presents a coming-of-age tale set in the 1980s. Rights were secured in multiple languages, underscoring the global demand for inclusive storytelling. The book already circulates widely, with translations in the United States and several European markets. The Anglo-Saxon market is especially attentive to this title, as English-language publication expands its reach.
The author’s narrative centers on a contemporary queer experience, following a trans protagonist through a world that mixes social tension with humor and resilience. The publisher reports a strong international interest, with six-figure advances and involvement from major houses for translation and publication around the world.
Penguin Random House has positioned itself to ensure that such titles find a broader audiovisual audience. The publisher’s Author’s Office has been active in selling rights for recent releases, with upcoming series and adaptations planned with production partners to bring these stories to screens as well as pages.
The Frankfurt meeting is fast-paced, with new developments every twenty minutes. While each platform has its own timing and goals, a few common threads emerge: a modern thriller with bold heroines and a fresh voice, plus a keen interest in distinctive storytelling that stands out from traditional catalogs. The search favors unique narratives with strong female leads and compelling, contemporary settings.
Local interest
Industry veteran Amaiur Fernández notes another trend: a retreat from translations across many languages. With translation costs high and multilingual print runs less common than in the past, publishers are focusing more on national audiences while still exploring select global opportunities. The market is seeing sharper labeling of genres, from comfortable crime to modern romantic comedies and non-fiction narratives, reflecting evolving reader tastes.
Officials observe that the lure of audiovisual adaptations has shifted. A decade ago, turning a book into a movie was a reliable way to boost sales. Today, the page-to-screen pipeline is more nuanced, with potential success tied to what audiences want now rather than past formulas. The emphasis is on stories that feel timely and relevant, with cross-border appeal and clear cultural resonance.
Industry figures highlight the excitement around projects that speak to younger generations and mirror their lives and concerns. It is a moment when production companies show interest across a wide range of genres, with several titles lined up for potential collaboration with major platforms. The objective remains to spark conversations and captivate audiences in new and dynamic ways.