The 1980s was a decade of continued change and evolution in the publishing industry. Here are a few key developments:

1. The Rise of Paperback Originals: During the 1980s, there was a significant shift towards publishing books in paperback format instead of hardcover. This was driven in part by the success of paperback originals, which were books published directly in paperback without ever being released in hardcover. This format allowed publishers to reach a wider audience with lower production costs.
2. The Introduction of Electronic Publishing: The 1980s saw the beginning of electronic publishing, with the first e-books and e-readers being developed during this time. However, these technologies were still in their infancy and did not yet have a significant impact on the industry.
3. The Growth of Genre Fiction: The 1980s was a time of significant growth in genre fiction, particularly in the areas of science fiction, romance, and mystery/thriller. This was driven in part by the rise of specialty imprints that focused exclusively on these genres, as well as by the success of blockbuster authors like Stephen King, Danielle Steel, and Tom Clancy.
4. The Impact of Bestseller Lists: Bestseller lists continued to play an important role in the publishing industry during the 1980s, with books that made it onto the New York Times Best Seller list or other similar lists enjoying significant boosts in sales.