Writing from Personal Experience

When authors draw from their own experiences, their work tends to resonate as more credible and genuine. This approach is often recommended for novice writers who wish to make a strong impression with their debut work. It's important to note that a first-time author penning a tale about a zombie apocalypse doesn't need firsthand experience with such an event. Instead, they can infuse their own life experiences into the characters' professions, skills, and personalities.

However, it's worth considering that not every topic an author chooses will necessarily succeed in the market. Some themes may not be currently popular, which underscores the importance of market research to understand how a book aligns with existing trends.

For instance, suppose the narrative revolves around a zombie-themed escape room amusement park where five young social media influencers embark on an adventure.

• The focus on social influencers could attract a younger adult demographic.
• The escape room concept appeals to fans of puzzles and creativity.
• The zombie element will engage horror enthusiasts.

By synthesizing these components, authors should investigate the prevailing trends in horror and young adult fiction to effectively position their work within the market.

Writing to Market

Conversely, the writing-to-market approach necessitates that authors analyze current trends and popular genres, crafting narratives that align with these topics. This method hinges on several factors:

1. The author's capability to foresee upcoming trends in genres and themes.
2. The ability to quickly plan, compose, and publish a book to coincide with predicted market trends.
3. Successfully navigating a tight timeline to build momentum among the target audience, including designing a cover, conducting keyword research, engaging an editor, making revisions, and securing advance reader copies (ARCs).
4. Proficiency in writing effectively within the trending genre.

Proponents of this strategy argue that if an author can adeptly write to market, they may find immediate success since an audience is already primed for the type of book being produced.

To illustrate, I explored the best-selling books on Amazon and identified a notable title.

• Upon examining the categories, it became clear that women's fiction is in demand, with several sub-genres resonating with this book.
• Delving into the top category, Women's Friendship Fiction, I noticed trends such as:
  • Friendships gaining popularity.
  • Family dynamics involving aunts, sisters, and daughters.
  • Vacation settings becoming increasingly relevant.
  • Life-changing choices capturing readers' attention.

The process of identifying trends could continue indefinitely, as authors who write to market often delve deeply into this analysis. However, predicting the next big trend can be quite challenging and sometimes relies on sheer luck.

The contrasting methods of writing from personal experience versus writing to market will always present a conflict, as they represent fundamentally different writing and marketing philosophies. Personally, I believe in writing what you love while trying to align it with market demands. If you are not passionate about your subject, that disinterest will inevitably reflect in your writing, making it less enjoyable for readers.

Explore the common pitfalls authors face when trying to write to market. This video discusses the importance of authenticity and finding your voice.

Learn how to effectively market a book series from bestselling author Helen Scheuerer, focusing on key strategies for success.