The more I feature independent- and self-published authors on Blondie Marie (every Wednesday), the more I notice a recurring pattern in the kinds of books that are sent to me to feature. With a few exceptions, of course, the vast majority of books I feature -- and am asked to feature -- fall in one of several categories: romance, fantasy/sci-fi, and self-help/inspiration.
And it turns out, I'm not alone. According to this post published by Self Publishing Relief, the majority of successful books published fall into these categories.
"In fact, half of the e-book bestsellers in the romance, science fiction, and fantasy genres on Amazon are self-published," the post reads.
This does beg the question: should a writer cater their writing to a particular genre of writing because it sells more books?
I'm going to argue it from both sides.
No. Absolutely not. Not everyone writes romance, sci-fi or fantasy. Some of the best stories literary fiction, or young adult (also a genre I see often, though not as often), or historical. And an author shouldn't compromise their craft in order to sell books.
Sure. Why not? As much as we write for ourselves, and as much as we say we're not publishing for anyone else's recognition, it can be a little disheartening to not sell very many books, if any. If the readers express that they want a certain type of book, what's the harm in giving them what they want?
And it turns out, I'm not alone. According to this post published by Self Publishing Relief, the majority of successful books published fall into these categories.
"In fact, half of the e-book bestsellers in the romance, science fiction, and fantasy genres on Amazon are self-published," the post reads.
This does beg the question: should a writer cater their writing to a particular genre of writing because it sells more books?
I'm going to argue it from both sides.
No. Absolutely not. Not everyone writes romance, sci-fi or fantasy. Some of the best stories literary fiction, or young adult (also a genre I see often, though not as often), or historical. And an author shouldn't compromise their craft in order to sell books.
Sure. Why not? As much as we write for ourselves, and as much as we say we're not publishing for anyone else's recognition, it can be a little disheartening to not sell very many books, if any. If the readers express that they want a certain type of book, what's the harm in giving them what they want?
GREAT MARKETING IS NOW EASIER THAN EVER
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Nicholas Sparks once said, "Publishing is a business. Writing may be art, but publishing, when all is said and done, comes down to dollars." Whether or not you like his writing style, you can't argue that he's done very well for himself
And this quote probably best describes the crossroads writers face: the art-form of writing versus the business of publishing. Self-publishing helps with that a little bit, because the author (and/or self-publisher) is ultimately in control of the decisions regarding the business-end of the book. But that doesn't make the publishing process any less of a business. It just makes the author more of an entrepreneur and less of an employee.
I'm sure the answer to this question, like many others, is individual? I'm not going to lie -- seeing so many romance, fantasy and sci-fi novels come across my desk has influenced the genre of my next books. I've decided to try my hand at romance, and so far it's going well.
Whether or not you agree with writing to a certain genre -- or to a certain group of readers -- it can be incredibly beneficial to try out different types of writing. Even if only in exercise, stretching your chops as an author -- molding your writing style to fit another genre -- only strengthens the writer's craft. Trying something new could even teach you something different about your story, and help your plot become something even better than you imagined.
And this quote probably best describes the crossroads writers face: the art-form of writing versus the business of publishing. Self-publishing helps with that a little bit, because the author (and/or self-publisher) is ultimately in control of the decisions regarding the business-end of the book. But that doesn't make the publishing process any less of a business. It just makes the author more of an entrepreneur and less of an employee.
I'm sure the answer to this question, like many others, is individual? I'm not going to lie -- seeing so many romance, fantasy and sci-fi novels come across my desk has influenced the genre of my next books. I've decided to try my hand at romance, and so far it's going well.
Whether or not you agree with writing to a certain genre -- or to a certain group of readers -- it can be incredibly beneficial to try out different types of writing. Even if only in exercise, stretching your chops as an author -- molding your writing style to fit another genre -- only strengthens the writer's craft. Trying something new could even teach you something different about your story, and help your plot become something even better than you imagined.
