Though old news, far too many writers still make what I call the Dan Brown mistake, i.e., they attempt to emulate a well published author, falsely believing this decision will result in success. They don't understand that a only a very privileged few can get away with horrible crimes and still become published. Instead, the writer needs to forsake folly and examine what types of first novels have been published in their genre over the past few years. What are publisher's looking for? The writer must investigate story types, settings, protagonists, etc. The research always yields productive results.
btw, we're not telling you to chase trends, but you must understand that certain types of story premise and characters, preferred viewpoints and more, change and evolve over time. For example, the typical gumshoe detective of the ancient past has been replaced by protagonists more exotic and diverse. Terrorists, dragons, and Covid stories are pretty much dead on arrival, and Miss Marple clones have caused countless sad writers to shelve their manuscripts and return to their wage slave existence.
Keep in mind too that providing good comparables in your query letter can prove difficult if you are not well read in your genre. Also, if you ever meet with an agent or editor and they question you about your genre, or what you've read lately, you'll fall flat if you don't appear knowledgeable on the subject of what is hot and/or upcoming.
btw, we're not telling you to chase trends, but you must understand that certain types of story premise and characters, preferred viewpoints and more, change and evolve over time. For example, the typical gumshoe detective of the ancient past has been replaced by protagonists more exotic and diverse. Terrorists, dragons, and Covid stories are pretty much dead on arrival, and Miss Marple clones have caused countless sad writers to shelve their manuscripts and return to their wage slave existence.
Keep in mind too that providing good comparables in your query letter can prove difficult if you are not well read in your genre. Also, if you ever meet with an agent or editor and they question you about your genre, or what you've read lately, you'll fall flat if you don't appear knowledgeable on the subject of what is hot and/or upcoming.
Great advice Michael! I'd also add that a lot of newbie writers hope to "Cash in" on a trend - when that really only works if you just happen to be in at the start of it - or start it yourself.
ReplyDeleteThe dreaded "been there done that" happens - and it's a shame because even darn good writing won't dig you out of that hole... even if you think you're better that the guy (or girl) who did it first.
An example - a film producer told me recently if he saw one more documentary treatment about the homeless he was going to scream. His take was everything about it had been already said a hundred times... and he has a point.
To add to Michael's excellent advice I suggest looking at not only what's selling but also what's on the remainder racks at your local MegoLoBooks. It's a good lesson in seeing what people thought would sell well - and then didn't so much.
So avoid writing stories about wizards who attend wizard high schools; "Zombie" versions of classic novels (a fun concept once - not so much after six books); movie scripts about Vietnam (unless you add something really really new) and anything with vampires is (pardon the pun) getting a bit long in the tooth.