Expert: Susan Rand - 8/25/2006

Question
Hello Susan,

I am an aspiring author. I have hundreds of ideas, most of which I have jotted down in different formats (mind maps, storyboards, notes etc) some I have worked on, a few pages here, a chapter there: but I seem to have trouble sticking to one project. A new idea occurs to me and then I get caught up in that. I have had a few small things published, mostly student papers that won scholarships. Lately I have been more focused and mature and I feel for the first time in my life that I'm ready to focus and finish a novel. The question that plagues me is what genre should I write in? My reading and writing tastes vary greatly, and for my first novel I'm not worried about writing the 'great American' novel, I more worried about getting my foot in the door, I will let the masterpiece come later when I have more experience. What I really want is an insider opinion of which genre will lead to more immediate publishing/success.

I have about 4 ideas that would fit into the lighthearted romance genre, a choice I feel might be easier to write and be published in.

I also have one idea that has been developing for a few years, more along the lines of an epic fantasy.

There is also plot I've been working on that would fit into the young adult coming of age genre.

Which genre would you suggest? Additionally, should I worry about being pigeonholed into one genre: let us say that if I publish a romance novel and then want to publish a fantasy novel, will it be difficult to find a publisher for the new novel?


Answer
Hello Vanessa:

May I suggest that instead of trying to fit your book into some slot labeled "Genre" before it's even written, you concentrate on your planning. At some point, the material may show you that it's primarily a mystery, romance, or whatever. Or not! If it does not, and if you feel better with a label, call it "mainstream." Many mainstream novels have elements of mystery, romance, erotica and a lot of other aspects. The best books are hard to categorize.

It seems you want to know which genre is the most popular. I don't have the statistics to prove anything, but I believe romance, mysteries, and science fiction sell well. Of course the fact that it's one of those will not guarantee that your book will be published (unless you do it yourself). It must be well-written also, by which I mean written so that it stands head and shoulders above the competition. The author of such a work can make a visit to the morgue sound interesting, vivid, entertaining and suspenseful. For instance, Franz Kafka wrote an amazing paragraph about what happened to his tongue after he had all his teeth pulled.

As to your planning, I suggest you first choose one project to work on, and when you have done that, come back and we'll talk about how to proceed. (You can also review my questions - choose one that talks about getting started or how to get started - or you can come here and ask how to get started writing your novel. Remember, the planning comes first, else you will quickly lose control of your material, which is the situation now.

As for your last question, I will ask that you come back and ask that at another time.

I hope this helps. If it does, a nice rating would be greatly appreciated. I am proud of my high score over 800 questions.

And good luck with your writing!