You will have several misconceptions about being an author when you start out. My biggest one was that I could publish books in multiple genres. While it’s possible, it’s not easy. The book world is very categorical. Agents, editors, and publishers want to put your books in a nice square box. If your first book is fantasy, you will be expected to write more fantasy.
You can publish in multiple genres, but it’s work. First, you’ll need a different pen name because your fans will expect a certain type of book from you. A new name means no expectations. It also means you have to restart building a fan base. Second, you may need a new agent/editor. Most specialize in certain genres. If your new book doesn’t fit their interests, you’ll need to find someone else. You can avoid the second issue by publishing your own books, but you’ll still have to deal with meeting your fans expectations.
Since genre switching is complicated, I’m taking my time choosing a genre. I took a notebook to my local Barnes & Noble and wrote down all the genre sections. I listed how many shelves are devoted to each section and how many pages an average book was in that section. It gave me an idea of audience size and their attention span for each genre. Below are the seven main genres in fiction and some rough estimates on data I collected.
1. Science Fiction
Stories in the near future with high science or technology advances
- 7 shelving units
- 375-550 pages
2. Fantasy
Stories taking place in an alternate universe that usually include magic
- 9 shelving units
- 375-1000 pages
3. Horror
Stories that provoke feelings of fear or repulsion
- 3 shelving units
- 350-550 pages
4. Mystery
Stories spent trying to solve what happened
- 24 shelving units (this section included thrillers too)
- 275-350 pages
5. Thriller
Stories where the characters’ own lives are at stake
- 24 shelving units (this section included mysteries too)
- 275-350 pages
6. Romance
Stories about love relationships that usually have a happy ending
- 8 shelving units
- 250-375 pages
7. Literary Fiction
Stories with a deeper meaning or social commentary
- 20 shelving units
- 300-350 pages
Final Thoughts
You also have to consider your readers’ age range as well. Are you writing a book for adults or children (middle school, young adult, etc.)? Each age group has different aspects you’ll need to research in order to publish.
I want you to do some research of your own. Go to a local bookstore or library. Pull books off your shelf. Just take the time to examine books in a new way. I checked books for chapter length, first sentences, author bios, publishers, acknowledgements, copyrights… In short, I dissected books for everything except their stories. These are aspects of books I took for granted when I was just a reader. As writers, we need to learn all the logistics. Go browse. You’ll be surprised what little tidbits you pick up along the way.
Thanks for reading!
Write a tale
Leave a trail
2 Comments
Kim · June 24, 2021 at 12:11 pm
Love this post, Liz. I am pretty new to fiction but what about Young Adult fiction? I always thought it was for young readers but just learned it is really about young adult characters and many adults read it, including my adult daughters. My 60-something sister is a major Harry Potter fan. Thanks again. As a new fiction writer, genres are very confusing for me.
Liz · June 25, 2021 at 8:32 am
Hey Kim! You’re right. YA is a section all on its own. Usually it’s divided into two sub genres: Sci-fi/Fantasy and Fiction. It’s true that all ages read YA and not just adolescents. The stories have teenagers as the main characters, and normally it’s focused on inner dialogue and reflection more than any other age group. Thank you for pointing out my oversight as this is a big part of the book world.
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