A book’s cover is the first thing a reader notices, yet they only spend an average of seven seconds looking at the cover, and spend even less time if browsing online. So it’s vital for a book cover to not just “pop,” but also convey the genre, tone, and subject matter. With an average of about eleven thousand books being published daily (yes, daily), book cover designers everywhere must push themselves to discover new ways to catch the eyes of busy readers. Four book cover design trends have emerged in 2026 to do just this.

Between the rise of artificial intelligence and the growing popularity of hybrid publishing, authors now have more opportunity than ever before. In this new era, it's not just about getting a book out into the world, it's about shaping your narrative, retaining creative control, and leveraging technology to amplify your voice.

These shifts have prompted a spike in author questions about the future of publishing. What does AI mean for authors? For copyright? For the quality of books entering the market? And how will publishers respond?

Below, we break down the most searched questions about AI and publishing and what authors need to know as we enter a new era driven by both technology and author power.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a great tool when used correctly. It can do some amazing things, like help you brainstorm ideas, get you unstuck when the dreaded writer’s block hits, or create new ways for you to word things. AI can also be a terrific support when you need a bit of a jump-start to get those creative juices flowing.

But what AI can’t do is share your voice, your story, and your creativity. And those are the things that make your book unique.

Both the memoir and self-help genres draw on personal experiences to teach lessons, but memoir emphasizes the story while self-help emphasizes the lesson. Memoir is used to inspire readers and perhaps help them out of a difficult time, while self-help is an expansive genre combining professional advice and personal vignettes to teach self-development, productivity, career planning, wellness, and anything in between. However, in all self-help books, the author explicitly tells the reader what they can take away from the author’s lessons and personal experiences in a certain area.

Submitting your manuscript to a publisher for consideration can feel incredibly daunting, and many authors agonize over whether they’ve prepared enough before sending it in. But doing too much to your book on your own before reaching out to a publisher can lead to authors creating even more work for themselves and their publisher. We’re hoping this article puts your nerves at ease, and will help you work with your publisher, rather than unknowingly work against them, as you prepare to submit your draft.

The children’s book market is a complex, crowded beast filled with nuance and lingo that can be intimidating for authors looking to break into this space. But the first thing that any debut or established children’s book author should understand when developing their manuscript is the difference between the main book categories that make up children’s literature.

As an author, you likely know how challenging it can be to navigate the publishing landscape, especially at the start of your journey. Relying on the expertise, insights, and skills of seasoned publishing professionals can significantly enhance the quality and success of your book.

At Greenleaf, we collaborate with authors at every stage of their journey to help them determine their publishing path. We assist with book development—whether through editing, ghostwriting, or coaching—and guide the entire process.

Behind every great author is a great editor — and behind every brilliant author might be several. The quality of editorial work that goes into a manuscript can be what makes or breaks a book’s success.