Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Publishing Trends

I love talking to writers. I mean, I L-O-V-E sitting back and having a conversation with anyone who writes. Unless they're residing in a nuclear bomb shelter, most writers are aware of the current trends in publishing, but, much like the rest of the general public, we have no clue what the future holds.



Since it takes a long time to write a book, it occasionally happens that the market for the book has either cooled or is beginning to cool by the time an editor sees a query for it. What's an author to do?

Well, I think most authors are pretty savvy. They see what books and genres are successful and try to emulate them. Unfortunately, the books in stores reflect last year's trends. It's difficult to know if a genre's popularity has peaked.

If I walked into Target or Walmart today, I'd conclude that the historical romance market is hot--if the only historical period is Regency England. I'd also conclude that vampire romance is hot, that James Patterson releases a new book every other week, and that books about vitamins are in ever-present demand.

Five years ago, I could have walked into the same Target or Walmart and seen romances set in the American West. I might have seen a few historical romances with Vikings. There would have been a slew of contemporary romances, many tongue-in-cheek like Bridget Jones' Diary.

This is where following agents can help an author. Agents who blog often post about what kind of books they would love to see right now. This is your cue to write the information down. Does it mean you have to write a gritty suspense set in Alaska? No. But it might make you tweak the idea for your next novel to fit into a genre agents are looking for.

If you cannot fathom writing anything other than your heart dictates, by all means, write the story. But if the book falls into a lukewarm genre, be prepared to polish it extra shiny, and even then you may end up sitting on it until the trend turns back around.

I don't think writers should chase trends in a desperate attempt to get published. We should nurture our strengths and write books we're best suited to write. However, we shouldn't be afraid of trying something different and expanding our creative wings either. Why make life harder on ourselves by writing books that sold well five years ago but aren't selling at all now, when we could be writing a different genre, a genre that sells, until the climate shifts. Don't give up on your favorite genre, though. Today's ice-cold category is tomorrow's hot trend.

Join me on Friday when we'll discuss author websites.

32 comments:

  1. I don't chase trends at all, but I love what I write and I know my genre is very commercial, so I guess I'm blessed that way. Now to get my actual writing up to par... LOL

    I LOVE talking with writers too.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Good Morning!

    Jessica: I don't either, but I do stay current with what the publisher I'm targeting is releasing. And I hear you on getting the writing to the next level! Soon...

    Thanks so much for stopping by!

    ReplyDelete
  3. All three of my books are in the same genre, but I'd have to say they are all dramatically unique from one another.

    Agents blogs are gold mines for writers.
    ~ Wendy

    ReplyDelete
  4. I think all of what you've said is important to keep in mind. We have to be aware of what's working and what isn't.

    I think a good rule of thumb is to write along the lines of what you most like to read. Not in trend terms, but in overall genre terms. You know there's a call for the books this way. But you can make it your own story, your own voice, without saturating the market. That's my ideal, anyway.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Good advice about following publishers. I love that you don't suggest everyone follow market trends. It might get your book sold, but is it really the genre you want to be writing forever? Besides, our best creativity comes from pushing ourselves outside the box. You're right, we've got the write the best book ever and polish it. Then we've got to make sure we send it to the right place and stay consistent!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm with Wendy. All of my books are in the same genre, not because of a trend but because it's what I love to read and write. I'll probably write it even if this genre spins out of trend. I'm hoping it'll still around long enough for me to get a book on the shelves first!

    ReplyDelete
  7. This was a great post. I think it is important not to do much trend-chasing. Some of it turns out fine, but some of it is the explanation for some of our less worthy books and films these days.

    I can't wait for the discussion on author websites. Thanks Jill!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I think it's important to know the trends, and at least attempt to write something marketable, but first and foremost, we should follow our hearts.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Wendy: I can't wait to read them!

    Janna: Great advice: write what you love. I write romance because it's my favorite thing to read!

    Cindy: You're right. Our passion shines through when we're writing from the heart--not when we're jumping on a trend.

    Kristen T.: I don't think you'll have to worry about it. Your books will be on shelves.

    Regina: I agree. Publishers want a sure-thing and if a trend is popular, they are more likely to take a chance on it.

    LazyWriter: Good point about writing something marketable. How else will agents and editors take a chance on us?

    Thanks so much for stopping by!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I'll echo what has already been said. It is an elusive balance - writing what we love and writing what we love AND will sell. It doesn't mean we have to follow trends. We can make our own trend!

    ugh. tough stuff.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Very good advice, Jill. As new authors we have to be especially aware of what readers like, not only in terms of genre but also in terms of writing style. The style of Little Women was fantastically popular in the 1800's but wouldn't catch the attention of an agent today! It would probably be sent back with a note for the author to work on improving craft. (I'm listening to Little Women right now and am amazed by how different the writing was in the past!)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Your last three posts were fantastic!!! They are especially informative and insightful about agents- but I loved that you stuck a little personal excitement on a random Tuesday:) Always great to read what you think to put on your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  13. My five children's novels have four different genres. Since they're not published, I could try to fit them with a hot market.
    The thing is, it takes me so long to fix them up that the hotness couls wear off while I'm polishing. I guess that's the way it goes.

    ReplyDelete
  14. It's pretty hard to chase trends, especially seeing how long it takes to write a novel. By the time you're ready for submission, the trend may have died long ago.

    Cute bunny picture!

    Also, I really hope the vampire trend dies soon. Although, it doesn't look too likely. :-/

    ReplyDelete
  15. We're definitely not on trend. No vamps or zombies or any paranormal elements in our book. We're also not edgy or dark. Just a fun, snappy, YA mystery. Sure would be nice if those came into vogue soon!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I try to look at trends as rotating cycles. I'm still going to write what I want to write, but I should be prepared to submit when my trend has come up in the rotation. So, it's not a matter of changing my work, but just being prepared to get it out there when the timing is right.

    ReplyDelete
  17. This is a good reminder post, Jill! I don't follow trends at all, and I don't think I ever will unless an agent or editor requests certain things. If I ever get that far.

    I seem to write things that appeal in general, no matter what's hot. I hope it works. In the end, I just have to write what I can write. :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. I find myself pulled into a story rather than a trend or genre. However, I think knowing what sells is important.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Tess: Make my own trend? Not likely! I can't even keep up with the current makeup trends! I'll bet you're a trailblazer though, aren't you--admit it!

    Jody: How right you are. I attempted to read Middlemarch last year and the style and "telling" forced me to put it down, although I'm sure it's an amazing book. I wonder what will be popular fifty years from now?

    Amber J: How nice! Thanks!

    Nancy: Smiling--love it! Ha!

    IcyRoses: Yeah, I think vampires will be around a while longer. Even television has a slew of vamp shows! (The bunny makes me melt!)

    Lisa and Laura: Fun, snappy YA mystery? Ooh-la-la! There's always a market for those!

    Davin: I agree. I have a single title series in my head that's set right after the Civil War. I'm going to write the series, but I'm not worried about when they get published. At some point that time period will be hot, and the world will be ready for them.

    Lady Glamis: I know what you mean. I like the idea of universal appeal. And from what I hear from published friends, agents and editors will never push you toward something you aren't interested in. They want you to write what's best for you.

    CMOM: Yes, it's the story that grabs me too. I enjoy reading just about any genre, as long as the characters are relatable and the plot makes sense.

    Thanks so much for stopping by!

    ReplyDelete
  20. I guess I'm trying to write what I love and then maybe I will be stuck with it a few years if the trend isn't that. That's why it's good to write a few books so one day--one of them will work!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I do my best to note what's popular, but I don't ebb and flow with the market. If I did, I'd have left my last writers' conference, ditched the inspirational historical I was working on and started an Amish book. Many are writing them, and my local Mart contains almost an entire shelf of them. However, I have no desire to write Amish stories. I write what I know, love and for my voice is best suited for.

    I've interviewed several debut authors, and I know from their real life experiences that what sells isn't always popular, but it is extremely well written.

    ReplyDelete
  22. someone once said, 'there is always a market for awesome."
    Trends are fickle things, but yeah, I think we should be aware of them. It is a bit like fashion trends. Love or loathe them, you want to at least know what is in. Then dress to suit your body shape and personal tastes. I am the writer I am at the end of the day. Great post :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. Terri: See? I love your strategy! Stockpile 'em! :)

    Keli: Oh, I know! What's up with the Amish hotness? My dad jokingly wanted me to marry one of his Amish buddy's sons. My dad cracks me up! You're right--extremely well written sells.

    Tabitha: I love the quote! "There is always a market for awesome." Nice! Just like "there is always an occasion for chocolate."

    Thanks so much for stopping by!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hi Jill -

    Unless a writer can churn out a super-duper novel in a month, chasing a trend is a waste of time. Unless, of course, it's an Amish novel, which never seems to go out of style.

    Maybe if I thought of a new twist on an old Amish theme... Nah.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. Susan: Oh, we should have a brainstorming session on twisting up the Amish themes :)
    Unfortunately, I have no desire to write one, so someone else would have to pick up the ball and run with it!

    Thanks so much for stopping by!

    ReplyDelete
  26. By the time I finished writing the "trend" book, everyone would be reading something else. I've heard Zombies are in right now. They do nothing for me. Will have to stick with a mainstream character.

    Enjoyed the post. Look forward to reading more of them.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I have often wondered how to get something done before the trend cools off - it's a dilemma! Can't wait to read the blog on Friday, I don't have an author website yet, but have been thinking about it. Thanks for always being so timely with your blog subject matter. Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Midlife Jobhunter: Welcome! Exactly--who know how long a trend will last? And I will admit to enjoying the Pride and Prejudice and Zombies book!

    Texas Playwright Chick: Well, I'd say if a hot genre strikes you as interesting, go ahead and write a book in it. If not, don't bother! Thanks for the kind words--very appreciated.

    Thanks so much for stopping by!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Great insight! Always enjoy your posts - and the bunny rabbit picture is adorable! By the way, are you currently working with an agent? Just curious.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Maria: Thanks! No, I'm not working with an agent yet.

    Thanks for stopping by!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Great, sensible advice. And the teething time for novels is so long that even if you are mid-way through something that is about to drop off the fashion radar, it's worth finishing if you have the resources. Some day it will be desirable again. So put it in the bank and get on with a new projct.

    ReplyDelete
  32. dirtywhitecandy: Welcome! Absolutely--finish it and keep it somewhere safe!

    Thanks so much for stopping by!

    ReplyDelete

I love to hear from you!