You have a book idea (or a completed manuscript) but you don’t know where it fits.
You could research the market beforehand, or you could do like Stephen King says in his memoir, “On Writing,” and write whatever you feel needs to be said and find a place for it later. Granted, the latter requires a lot of faith that it’ll take off (or a large fan base that trusts you).
There are two routes I see: passion and research.
Passion
Write what you feel like writing, the genre you like to read, or the situations that intrigue you.
In his memoir, King says writing “boils down to two things: paying attention the how the real people around you behave and then telling the truth about what you see.”
Being an introvert has definitely helped me learn what I like to listen to and read about because every Starbucks run is a chance for new material.
When you write what you’re passionate about and know about, the book will come to life.
Love what you create and create what you love.
Research
Research the market: What’s selling and where do you see an opportunity for a book like yours?
Consider marketing: It’s easier to target one audience and sell to them than it is to hop around and have multiple target audiences. Building a fanbase will also draw in publishers, who are looking for authors with a following. It builds credibility and makes you look professional as you understand the need to (at least somewhat) cater to the market.
So, how to pick a genre?
Here’s the answer you don’t want: It’s up to you!!!
It’s your personal art, and it’s your choice.
Consider what you’re passionate about, what you read for fun, and what would sell. If none of these clearly stand out, try the old pros and cons list.
If that fails, listen to your gut.
And if that fails… I mean, I have no clue. Good luck I guess?
Here are some questions to prompt your thought process and selection:
- Who would you want to read it?
- Why would readers read it?
- Think of books like yours, or book that you like: How are they classified? Could yours fit in that genre?
If you can’t decide on a genre, it’s not the end of the world. It may make landing an agent difficult, and it will make marketing harder, but the world will not end.
If you’re happy with what comes out of it, who cares anyway?
Well… probably you, an author who would ideally like to make a little money and connect with readers.
Bottom line: If what you have to say is worth it, make the effort to get it in front of the right people. Your readers and potential publishers will thank you.
