You have written this great story. What do you do with it now? You are now charged with finding a market that will accept your work. As a writer, you need some idea of a genre for your work to begin the search. Here are four steps that will assist you in the endeavor.
Harry Potter is a popular book series. Who wouldn’t want to be the next big thing? In the real world, coming up with such a book doesn’t happen on a regular basis, but each writing work has the makings of a bestseller. More than that, your work will fulfill its purpose when you satisfy yourself and your inner Muse.
Finding the best market is not always easy. Your work can be spectacular and span several genres. None of that need bother those hardworking brain cells. An unconventional work will sell in the right place.
The idea that spawned your book may come from the countless books you have read in your lifetime. One particular genre may have captured your attention. Your novel probably speaks to the love of that genre; let’s say mysteries. But, your book doesn’t have to be pure mystery; it can be a subgenre.
Firstly, define the elements of your story. The different components of your story that are typical of a certain genre are elements. Naming the elements is all you are required to do at this point. For example, your story may include: murder, forbidden love, and government documents. I think you see where I’m going here.
For the second course, fit the elements into a genre category. Using the examples in the previous paragraph, love affairs constitute romance; murder speaks volumes about mystery; anything to do with the government usually involves suspense. Maybe your elements can be subdivided further. When all elements fit a particular genre, it’s not hard to figure out where the book is going.
Step three asks you to evaluate how well these story elements play together. Even several genres can coexist together in one story when you design a logical order of progression for them. You do have a decision to make: which genre will be the main genre of your story? Mysteries headline with mayhem and murder. Anything else is icing on the cake.
Step four involves Plan B. Every great plan has a Plan B, at least in the movies. Different story elements can lead to different genres and hence, different markets for your work. Your favorite genre is your first choice, but the other genres can be helpful in your market search.
Here, you will rework the balance of elements in your story with another genre taking the main position. If it works, you have another option for marketing the book. Give it a try. If you are not as familiar with the other genres, study up on them before reworking the story.
A story with merit is a story that stays true to who you are. The market will come.
Looking to sell your novel? Holly Lisle is a full-time writer who has sold 30+ novels to major publishers and is the creator of the “How to Think Sideways Career Survival School for Writers”. Go to http://howtothinksideways.com/members/?rid=1012 to access to 3 free lessons that teach you how to write a novel that sells – straight from her highly-acclaimed course.
