Written by DeShaun Williams, CEO & Chief Writing Coach
DeShaun Williams is the Founder & Chief Writing Coach at Write Your Way, LLC, specializing in empowering authors through writing coaching and book publishing. He is also a multi-bestselling author.
As a new author, one of the most pivotal decisions you’ll make is selecting the right genre for your book. This choice shapes your narrative, determines your audience, influences your marketing strategy, and impacts how your work will be received in the publishing world. The number of genres can feel overwhelming, and each comes with its own set of expectations and guidelines. So, how do you make the right choice?
In this article, we will explore everything you need to know to choose the right genre for your book. From understanding your story’s essence to knowing your target audience and market trends, this deep dive will provide you with a comprehensive guide to navigating the world of genres.
1. Start with the essence of your story
The first step in choosing the right genre is to clearly understand the essence of your story. The genre should reflect the core message, tone, and themes of your book. You need to ask yourself several questions:
What is the primary theme or message of my story?
Is my story character-driven, plot-driven, or setting-driven?
What emotional response do I want my readers to have?
For instance:
If your story is about overcoming adversity, discovering self-worth, or personal growth, genres like literary fiction or coming-of-age might be fitting.
If your story revolves around magical realms, mythical creatures, and adventurous quests, then fantasy or high fantasy would be the best choice.
If your plot revolves around intricate puzzles or crimes being solved, a mystery or thriller genre may be appropriate.
Understanding your story's core will provide you with a strong foundation for making the right genre choice.
2. Identify your target audience
The genre you choose will largely dictate your book’s audience. When selecting a genre, it's essential to consider:
Who is your ideal reader? Are they teenagers, adults, or a particular demographic?
What expectations do they have? Each genre comes with a set of reader expectations about plot structure, character arcs, and pacing.
What kind of experience do you want to provide? Are you trying to offer escapism, provoke deep thoughts, or create intense emotional connections?
Here’s how genres often align with target audiences:
Young adult (YA): Primarily targeted at readers aged 12 to 18, though many adults also enjoy YA books. This genre focuses on themes like self-discovery, first love, and the challenges of growing up. It can range from contemporary to fantasy and dystopian.
Children’s fiction: Usually categorized by age group (picture books, early readers, middle grade). These books are designed to be educational, entertaining, and engaging for younger readers.
Adult fiction: Ranges from genres like historical fiction, romance, and science fiction to more niche genres like literary fiction or magical realism. These books deal with more mature themes and complex plots, often tackling societal issues, relationships, and personal growth.
3. Dive into popular and emerging genres
While it’s crucial to be authentic to your story, it’s equally important to be aware of the trends in the publishing market. A successful book doesn’t just meet a reader’s emotional needs but also aligns with the current literary demand.
Popular genres, such as romance, thrillers, fantasy, and sci-fi, consistently sell well, but emerging genres and subgenres are also making waves. For example, dark academia, slow-burn romance, and grimdark fantasy have grown in popularity in recent years.
Here are a few key genres that are dominating current trends:
Romantic suspense: A blend of romance and thriller elements, this genre is particularly popular with readers who love high-stakes romance with fast-paced action.
Dystopian fiction: With a growing interest in world-building and exploration of complex societal issues, dystopian fiction continues to captivate readers, especially young adults.
Historical fiction: Readers continue to enjoy books that transport them to different time periods, particularly when the historical context is intertwined with compelling personal stories.
True crime and nonfiction: Readers are increasingly drawn to real stories that unpack unsolved mysteries, criminal investigations, and biographies.
Understanding current market trends is essential, but remember, the genre should still resonate with your story’s heart.
4. Explore the mechanics of genre expectations
Each genre has distinct structural norms, tropes, and expectations. Understanding these conventions will not only help you choose a genre but also write a book that aligns with reader expectations.
For example:
Romance: Typically centers on a love story with a predictable structure; a couple falls in love, faces conflict, and ultimately has a happy resolution.
Thrillers: Often plot-driven, focusing on suspense, danger, and tension, with quick pacing, plot twists, and a resolution that provides closure to the threat.
Fantasy: Builds immersive worlds with elements of magic or mythology, often featuring a quest or battle between good and evil.
Historical fiction: Requires deep research into the time period, with historical accuracy intertwined with fictional characters or events.
If you’re writing in a particular genre, familiarize yourself with the key elements that make it work. This will help you not only choose the genre but also write in a way that satisfies readers of that genre.
5. Don’t be afraid to blend genres
One of the most exciting aspects of modern storytelling is the ability to blend genres. Hybrid genres have gained significant popularity, allowing authors to combine the best elements of different genres.
For example:
Romantic fantasy: A love story set in a magical world.
Historical thriller: A fast-paced, suspenseful mystery set in a specific historical period.
Science fiction romance: A love story set against a futuristic or intergalactic backdrop.
Genre blending allows you to expand your narrative possibilities while appealing to readers from multiple genre categories.
6. Check genre-specific submission guidelines
If you plan to submit your book to agents or publishers, it’s vital to know that many of them specialize in specific genres. They are looking for manuscripts that align with their expertise and the market demand. Be sure to research the genres agents are accepting and tailor your manuscript accordingly.
For example:
Some agents may prefer to represent commercial fiction, while others specialize in more niche genres like historical romance or speculative fiction.
Self-publishing platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) also categorize books into genres and understanding how these categories work can help your book reach the right audience.
7. Use feedback and adjust your genre choice
Once you have a draft of your book, share it with beta readers or trusted writing groups. These readers can provide valuable feedback on how well your story fits into a specific genre. Their insights may help you adjust the plot, pacing, or tone to align with reader expectations for that genre.
Don’t hesitate to adjust your genre choice based on the feedback you receive. In fact, many authors find that their initial genre choice evolves as they refine their manuscript.
Conclusion: Trust your story and choose the genre that fits
Choosing the right genre is about balancing your story’s essence with your audience’s expectations and market trends. It’s important to:
Understand the core themes and structure of your book.
Identify who your readers are and what they seek.
Explore popular genres and emerging trends while staying authentic to your story.
Remember, genres aren’t rigid boundaries; they are guides that help readers understand what they’re getting. You can always blend genres or explore subgenres to create a unique experience.
Call to action
Are you ready to dive into the genre selection process? If you’re still unsure about your book’s genre or need expert guidance on story development, I’m here to help. Book a Story Development Coaching session today by emailing me at booking.deshaun@gmail.com. Together, we’ll find the perfect genre to bring your book to life!
Read more from DeShaun Williams
DeShaun Williams, CEO & Chief Writing Coach
DeShaun Williams is the Founder & Chief Writing Coach at Write Your Way, LLC, dedicated to helping aspiring authors achieve their publishing goals through personalized coaching and guidance. Inspired by the wisdom of his late grandfather, DeShaun founded his business to empower writers to take control of their creative journeys. He is also the author of From the Valley to the Summit, where he shares insights on overcoming obstacles and reaching new heights. DeShaun’s passion is helping others realize their potential and bring their stories to life.
