Welcome back to Industry Shifters.

Today we are exploring the fascinating world of fiction.

Will serialised crime fiction continue to disrupt the crime novel market?

Let’s find out!

Brought to you by Dead Pig Publishing

As an investor, you’ll spend at least 700 hours of your life looking at your portfolio.

Spend 4 learning how to do it well.

• Permanently change how you view investing and stock portfolios, and learn how to approach the stock market with true confidence.

• Learn how investment professionals build a portfolio, understand its direction, and evaluate how it has performed.

Check out now!

Serialised Crime Fiction

Australia's literary landscape has recently witnessed a significant shift towards serialised crime fiction. 

This shift reflects the growing appetite for suspenseful, episodic storytelling that allows for in-depth character development and complex plotlines, engaging audiences over time. 

Australian crime fiction authors are increasingly embracing this format, with stories delivered in bite-sized installments that build suspense and encourage sustained engagement. 

This approach aligns with the global popularity of serialised true crime podcasts and television shows, adapting the mystery genre for modern, on-the-go audiences. 

Potential Impact

The written crime fiction market in Australia is a significant segment of the overall book market, which reached A$1.3 billion in sales in 2022. Within this market, adult fiction, which includes crime novels, accounted for approximately 27% of total sales.

Combining these figures one could estimate the crime novel market to be worth approximately $351 million AUD.

Therefore, if serialised crime fiction continues to grow in popularity:

In a low growth scenario, where serialised crime fiction only comes to account for 10% of this industry over the next 5 years, the market for serialised crime fiction would be worth about $35.1 million AUD by 2030.

In a high growth scenario, where serialised crime fiction comes to account for 30% of this industry over the next 5 years, the market for serialised crime fiction could potentially be worth as much as $105.3 million AUD by 2030.

Why this WILL be disruptive:

• Increased Engagement and Loyalty: Serialised content appeals to audiences who prefer shorter, episodic formats, capturing both casual readers and busy individuals who might avoid lengthy novels. The suspense in serialised crime stories fosters anticipation and reader loyalty, leading to repeat purchases and sustained engagement.

• Expansion into Digital and Audio Platforms: Serialisation is well-suited for digital platforms, integrating seamlessly with audio formats and offering new revenue opportunities, such as subscriptions or micro-payments. This shift enables publishers to reach beyond traditional print audiences and tap into the growing demand for episodic storytelling.

• Diverse Storytelling Opportunities: The serialised format allows for complex narratives and character development, enhancing storytelling quality. Genres like "bush noir" and "outback noir" have gained popularity locally and internationally, increasing the genre's appeal..

Why this WON’T be disruptive:

• Fragmentation of the Reading Experience: Some readers prefer the traditional novel format, finding that serialisation can disrupt story flow and reduce immersion.

• Potential for Diminished Quality: The demand for frequent installments may lead to rushed content and a decline in quality, as authors face pressure to meet deadlines and prioritise quantity over depth.

• Changing Reader Preferences: While serials attract dedicated fans, other readers may prefer complete standalone novels that require less commitment, limiting serialisation's appeal across broader audiences.