Mistakes are all part of the process in an author’s career, and I’ve certainly made my fair share of them over the years. Some proved to be valuable learning experiences, but others were so fundamental that they actually held me back.
I’d like to share three of these mistakes with you today, in the hope that you can avoid the inevitable trials and tribulations that they cause.
Mistake #1 – Picking A Fiction Genre Because You Think There’s Money In It
“I’m going to write about Teenage Vampires!” Why? “Because they’re so popular. I want to be like Stephenie Meyer, she made a fortune from ‘Twilight’ …”
There’s grave danger in this, because if the subject has never been an interest of yours then it’s extremely hard to be convincing. You may also run the risk of copying something very trashy. Choose instead to write for a genre because it’s something you really enjoy and are passionate about. (If that happens to be vampires, then that’s fine, although I suspect the days of that fiction sub-genre may be drawing to a close.)
Never underestimate how much difference this can make to your work. Passion for a genre – or lack of it – always shows through. When you write for a genre you’re genuinely interested in, your characters will be more colourful, your stories will be more addictive, and the world you create for your readers will be more vibrant.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can fake this. It happens deep down at a subconscious level as you write, and readers have a ‘sixth sense’ for these things.
Example of an author with a genuine passion for a genre: Joanna Penn
My fellow author Joanna Penn is a religious scholar, with an Oxford degree in the subject, and has written two books PENTECOST
She is obsessed with her genre (the arcane thriller) and moved to England to surround herself with the culture while writing her books.
This burning interest shines through, and readers sense it immediately – in the stories, the characters, the settings, everything. As a result, the books receive rave reviews on Amazon and other forums, which further drive the success of her novels.
Follow Joanna’s example and choose a genre because YOU are really interested in it, not just because you think there’s money to be made there.
Mistake #2 – Failing To Write For A Specific Genre
Success as an author – I’m talking about real, life-changing, besteller success – only comes when you’re able to build a unique author BRAND.
If you want to join the ranks of famous authors, you need to become known for something unique. The more that readers can mentally ‘place you’ as an author, the more inclined they will be to rave about your books. (And remember, word-of-mouth recommendation is the holy grail when it comes to book sales…)
Raymond E. Feist writes fantasy. Danielle Steel writes romance. John Grisham writes legal thrillers. Ruth Rendell writes crime mysteries. Mary Higgins Clark writes suspense novels. By sticking to their chosen genre and focusing all their creative energy in it, each has built their own amazing author brand, and become world-famous in the process.
So what’s your author ‘elevator pitch’? In a sentence, how would you describe to a potential reader the type of books you write?
“Oh I write a bit of this, a bit of that” isn’t going to cut it. You need to start building a strong, unique author brand, and you can take a big step in that direction by picking a genre you really like, and focusing all your time and energy into it.
Now, having said that, the fact is you don’t HAVE to write in just one genre, but as you can see, if you do it will massively raise your chances of success.
Mistake #3 – You Aren’t Truly Committed To Being An Author
‘Word-smithing’ is creative hard labor, so you need a driving force to keep going.
The magic happens when it becomes your VOCATION – when it’s who you are.
So make a decision to have a full time affair with your muse. If for the moment you cannot do this because of circumstances beyond your control, then obsessively fit it in whenever you can. Decide that you have no intention of keeping it as a hobby on Sunday afternoon.
Above all, create something of which you can be justifiably proud.
This means writing to express, rather than to impress. And it means writing from the heart.
The writing must come from you, not be a slavish imitation of another. There’s no doubt that copying is a great way to learn ‘how’. But eventually your uniqueness must appear.
Dare to be the original, eccentric, quirky, unique individual you truly are, and you’ll stand out as a tower of strength — a welcome lighthouse amongst the sputtering lamplights of imitators.
Article by Jonathan Gunson
Author / CEO Bestseller Labs
P.S. Are you making any of these 3 mistakes? Have you made other author mistakes or have an experience to share? Please do leave a comment below.
Hi Jonathan,
Thanks for the mention – I agree with choosing a genre that you love, and also that you know. When you’ve read hundreds or even thousands of books in that genre, you know what the audience is expecting and basically, if you’re bored, they will be! You are your ideal reader so you can craft something that will delight them.
On deciding to be a writer – I really recommend Steven Pressfield’s new book ‘Turning Pro’. It gave me a kick in the pants in terms of making sure my habits and mindset are professional!
Thanks, Joanna
Joanna
Agree re ‘potential to bore’. (You’ve obviously beaten that one.)
My editor at Harper Collins tells me that the current flood of manuscripts sent in, mostly some form of ‘Dystopian future’, are a ‘dull glut’ of copycats. Not too encouraging, but a salutory lesson in the importance of being original. But I would put a rider on that: When we start out as writers, we do need to copy – it’s how we learn, and the originality then begins to appear.
I wish people would stop using Twilight as the best example of a best seller. It is written like crap, reads like crap, and has a crap plot. The only reason it is a best seller is because the target audience doesn’t care that it is crap writing. There are so many other, fantastic, best sellers out there, that don’t send the message of, “you can write like shit and still sell millions” to potential authors.
Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Sookie Stackhouse Chronicles, and pretty much everything by Stephen King, are all much better examples of best sellers, written like best sellers.
Lark, I make this very point in the post.
A writer needs to avoid being tempted to clone certain bestsellers because they sell. But aside from that, as I said, a writer should also avoid copying very popular genre pieces that are of questionable quality, (‘trashy’ was the word I used) just because they smell of money.
Jonathan, I don’t think I’ve made any of the three mistakes you mention above, but I do know that I shall need guidance with marketing and promotion. Since I’m ready to launch my travel memoir: a story about reconnecting my family on a tropical island in Belize, I’m of course excited and passionate about speaking to groups who wish to do something “Gutsy” with their life.
I agree that branding and passion are crucial. Thanks for this informative post which I shall share with my facebook group of indie authors.
Standing by for the ‘Belize’ memoir Sonia. ‘Reconnecting with family’ is a universally attractive theme.
At last three mistakes I DON’T make! Good post, too.
I agree with all three points. I actually read a lot in my genre (supernatural thrillers) to avoid writing what other authors write. I ended up getting a nice deal with a respected indie mass market house because I didn’t follow trends and wrote something unique. Great post!
Another piece of proof that to write well, one also needs to read extensively.
Really nice article, great points. There are a few examples of authors who became well known for one style of writing but had also branched out into different topics (Jack Kerouac comes to mind).
I wouldn’t agree with the comment above regarding Harry Potter – the 1st few books were entertaining, but there seemed to be a direct correlation between her massive success and the length of the books as the series went on – she really could have used a better editor for the last half of the series (though the masses would disagree with me).
Forks, WA is a funny place – 10 years ago there was nothing there. Now a trip to that part of the WA coast is filled with Twilight themed stores starting in Port Angeles all the way to Forks. It may not have been the most literary piece of work, but it certainly struck a chord with the masses.
Re Harry Potter. As you say, the series did gradually began to sprawl in the later books. In fact, normally publishers would not print books the length of ‘Goblet of Fire’, (635 pages). I can only assume that JKR was indulged by the publisher as her fame increased.
Relevant quote” “I am sorry to have written such a long letter, but I did not have time to write a short one.” (Attributed variously to Blaise Pascal, Mark Twain, Voltaire et al.)
Maybe that’s my problem. I’m all over the place. But I kind of like to explore different themes and genres. If you’ve written one romance, paranormal, mystery etc, you’ve written them all.
I am guilty of #2. You point out a very good reason not to be guilty of writing more than one genre, but how does one choose just one? That said, I am committed to being a writer. I write every chance I get. Breaks and lunch at work, several hours each night at home. I have a set place to write, though I can write anywhere. I think I’m still finding my niche. I love to read all kinds of books and it seemed natural that I’d write all kinds of books.
Definitely something else to work on.
Lori. It’s perfectly OK to experiment and cast about until you find out which genre is your true home. That can take time – no author gets it right straight out of the gate.
What about one author writing many books across different genres? Take Nora Roberts for example – and yes, I am a fan of hers – she writes romantic suspense, futuristic romance, fantasy / paranormal, etc. And she does well. I am really asking this sincerely as I do think that she may be an exception. I’ve just begun writing and my ‘starter’ attempt was a small town romance. I then moved on to a romantic thriller (got to five chapters then put it on hold) and now I’ve completed my second piece of work – a paranormal romance… None of them feel wrong and I love swapping between genres when I write as much as I enjoy reading a variety of books. What’s your thoughts?
To be fair, sticking to one genre is not utterly, absolutely, absolute. Some people only have the one book in them for example, and fair enough. What I am saying though is that the chance of building out a career is radically enhanced if a writer sticks to one genre. It can mean the difference between success and failure.
Of course, other forces can bring success such as when a book wins the Man Booker Prize or a Pulitzer. Another chance is an uncommon freak of publicity such as happened with E L James with ‘50 Shades of Grey
‘ when 50,000 pre-existing fans of her Twilight fan fiction bought her book when she published it. But even those fans were highly likely to have been fans of a single genre. Re Nora Roberts: She doesn’t just do one book in each genre, so is able through prodigious output to cover several genre, and be a star in each – quite a feat that I would not recommend writers try at the outset.
The only rule is there is no rule. You never know what story or genre will catch the reader’s attention. Perhaps if one’s genre are too diverse such as YA and erotica, a pen name is in order. But like the diversity of writing. However if one looks closely at their writing, they may see a theme or even character type weaving through. Serial killers or some kind of violence seems to be a part of most of my long works.
True there are no ‘rules’ in the way you describe. The point I’m making is that if you settle on a style and genre, and even better, a series within that, it will go a lot further in building a following of dedicated readers than jumping about. No question.
I don’t make any of these mistakes, but I’m sure there are plenty of others I do. I’ve always written fantasy because I love the genre and the freedom it gives the imagination, although I write various other genres for short stories. My stories are the genre they need to be, and although like most writers I would love to get paid ridiculous amounts for writing books, I’d never write them just for the money. I write because of the fulfilment it gives me, not because of the monetary reward.
I think I’m making mistake #3. I am devoted to writing, but I hit so many walls while writing that I end up taking extended ‘breaks’. I’ve tried to write full novels, but all I can work out are short stories before I lose my drive or start a new project. There’s so much to learn, and I feel like I haven’t read, or written, or experienced enough to be a good writer.
Kahlil. It can take time to ‘bed in’ as a writer.
Short stories are the ideal way to get the ball rolling, and the remarkable thing about the mind is that it learns – even if it feels otherwise. It also comes in bursts. With a great shock one day you’ll be sitting on a bus, and out of the blue your mind will suddenly be flooded with words – a dam burst of so many words and images. Trust me, it will happen.
I enjoyed your post and the discussion! Another mistake is the rush to publish before completing a proper edit and proofread. I’ve read indie book blurbs with spelling mistakes in a two sentence blurb! Ouch! Editing is time-consuming but worth it!
It’s remarkable how, after so much work has gone into a book, the promo material is often just dashed off. It requires AT LEAST as much design, power and passion as the book itself. And on that note, editing an entire book is crucial. A good editor can transform a book from good to spectacular.
I wrote a story some years ago and let it go because of the situation I was in. I didn’t know if I should continue to try to write. The publishing company at the time liked my story but I didn’t have the contact information for this company because it was done through a local writer. I’ve explored rewriting the story and bringing it into today’s world and what is currently happening in our society. I am 100% sure that the theme I choose is perfect and the topic hasn’t been explored by many writers. Deciding on a theme and sticking to it without straying is key to success. Great Blog! Writer’s take note!
You’re clearly committed to being a ‘writer’ as a vocation Allison. That alone is exciting / gratifying. Can your theme be expanded over a series? See http://bestsellerlabs.com/the-hottest-tip-no-fiction-writer-can-afford-to-ignore/
My publisher said “By the time the next big thing is published it is already over.”
Sue, your battle-hardened publisher is correct.
All your writings are golden. You sure know how to pitch your stuff to authors the right way. Thanks for showing the way and not been selfish. I still love your secret about becoming a published author.
Sheyi
Plenty more to come Sheyi. Stand by!
Right on target, Jonathan. It’s like the old adage – “To thy own self be true.”
Actually regarding #1 I read an advice once that stated that the hallmark of a successful writer is that he/she first picks a genre for which there is a demand (one in which the market is not saturated). The advice stated that you should not write what you want to write but what the readers want to read. The advice did allude to some of the difficulties you mentioned (e.g. sounding fake) but claimed they could be easily overcome with time and dedication. I guess everyone has an opinion. Oh, well…
Rolando.
I need to save your writer’s soul. The fact remains that if you try to write for a genre you’re not remotely interested in, purely for the money, you’ll find it extremely difficult, even impossible to sustain, especially if you want to create books that people will find interesting to read, and tell all their friends about.
I see it frequently claimed that “… with time it’s amazing how interested you can become.” But while there’s a grain of truth in this, because learning about a genre subject has its own fascination, it still requires a major spark of interest to make it work at all.
By contrast you can get away with this for non-fiction, where one can put together an advisory book from practical research, without necessarily needing any interest in the topic, because narrative brilliance born out of passion for the subject isn’t required, nor much craft magic.
On your other point, I’d be surpised to know of any major fiction market genres that have very high demand but low title supply. It’s true that some genres are less saturated than others. e.g. ‘Vampires’ are supersaturated. See Neil Gaiman on this subject: “Why Vampires should go back underground.”
http://shelf-life.ew.com/2009/07/31/neil-gaiman-why-vampires-should-go-back-underground/
Virtually all fiction genres now have vast numbers of books being written for them. I suspect the ‘high demand, low supply’ notion is an idea put about by internet marketers, because it may well be true of non-fiction.
Jonathan:
This blog post was very nicely laid out and explained, thank you. I agree completely with your assessments that successful writers need passion in their writing to propel their career, and not a “what’s hot” attitude that mimics the work of others. I believe I’ve managed to avoid the mistakes you’ve described by throwing all passion into a book on faith. I made no research within my genre beforehand and I’m glad I did not, because I am freely expressing myself as earnestly and as genuinely as I can. As an aside, I believe my non-faith blog posts are pretty unique, too, as I have evolved into a nonfiction writer with unusual angles to stories with an analytical bent.
As always, thank you for your sound advice for writers.
I sense a series of books Amanda. Each with unique inspiration. Good days ahead.
Hi Jonathan,
I enjoyed reading your post, and I look forward to your future posts. I am working on my first novel (commercial women’s fiction), and I am completely in love with my character. This work carries my herione through ten years of her life, 15-25. As I tweak the manuscript I can’t help but wonder if I should continue on with the next ten years of her life, or leave it as is. My mind is currently courting many different ideas for the next book, however, I cannot seem to get my Annabel out of my mind/heart. Suggestions? Thank you
Lisa. If you’re absolutely certain there’s room for more story then let it all come out. But be sure that your heroine has not seduced you into thinking so!
This was a great post. You have inspired me to make sure I am not making these mistakes (I don’t think I am) and to read the books by Joanna Penn.
Thank you so much,
Maribeth
Hmm.. all interesting points, and for the most part, spot-on.
I got into writing YA/teen fiction for the exact reason you mentioned in #1. “Dang,” I thought. “If Stephenie Meyer can make millions with THIS quality of writing, surely I could write a better YA book.”
I never aspired to be a YA author, but I spent a lot of time reading the genre, so it was a natural transition. I think #1 can help avoid #2: if you’re not sure where your interest falls in terms of genre or market, looking at what’s working for other authors can be helpful. Of course, you’re absolutely right: copycatting won’t get you anywhere. But it can provide valuable inspiration and direction for authors who love what they do, but don’t know how to narrow down a market.
Kiersi
If you truly like the genre (quite apart from there being money in it!) then you have your path. There’s nothing wrong with copying a style to get going. Your unique ‘voice’ will emerge.
I’ve thought about the genre that I wanted to write in and how I could uniquely make it my own. I was lucky I have two editors, one in Iowa and one in Canada. My story is definitely in a class of it’s own. I’m loving every minute of writing! All I need after the second edit is to find a publisher. Thank you for the great blog piece today- Advice all should take note of as aspiring writers.
Allison please keep me posted re progress. I sense that you’ll be in business quicker than some.
So, number 2. Norah Roberts, Lisa Kleypas? Or don’t sub-genres of romance count?
Hi Lynne. Do sub-genres count? Absolutely. ‘Sub-genres’ are specific genres in their own right. In fact, narrower genres work even more powerfully than broader genres, because the reader following is more intensely interested in the specific (albiet smaller) area of interest.
Norah Roberts and Lisa Kleypas write in sub genres WITHIN the broad ‘Romance’ genre: Kleypas does both contemporary romance and historical romance. In Norah Roberts case, she writes romance novels and also romantic suspense novels as J.D. Robb.
So yes, sub-genre is a key part of the fiction marketplace.
Great post and good advice. Problem I’m having is, that as my first three novels were bestsellers, my publisher wants the same style/genre from me every time. I write women’s fiction (girl power!) but I dearly want to write a historical novel. However, I am told that I have built up a good readership base who would be disappointed if I change genres. Currently writing book five and feel after the sixth, I’m about done. Would welcome a new challenge.
They say publishers are crying out for more ‘mummy-porn”, thanks to the success of 50 Shades – I shudder! Would rather give up writing altogether than spew out such trash.
Keep the good advice coming.
Pauline, your publisher is correct from a business perspective re style / genre. You’ve already set up a valuable brand and buyer audience, which is hardly an easy thing to do. (Congratulations for that by the way.)
In addition to that, given your success so far, you have a type of unspoken contract with readers because they have invested in you, and supported you. No you don’t actually owe them anything, but you’ve developed quite a relationship.
Just for a moment let me give you an object lesson using Agatha Christie; She was nearly driven to despair writing Poirot books. She was heartily sick of them, and even began to privately refer to Poirot as an “ego-centric little creep”. But she did it, because the demand was there.
However, the fact remains that if you’re truly done, you’re done. So for you it will be a judgment call, because writing does need passion. Suggestion: Might it be remotely feasible to, like Nora Roberts, write in two different genre at the same time? (I was going to say ‘contiguously, but the Maeve Binchy rules demand plain English.)
~ Jonathan
Very interesting reading. I’m on chapter 19 of a novel so nearly finished! I hope I haven’t made any of the mistakes you mention. I don’t think I have. Where do I go and what do I do when I’ve written “The End”? Any recommendations?
Pamela. To answer your question: Even if you’re getting under way with promoting your book, it’s important to begin the next work as soon as possible. This applies even more if your novel is part of a book series. << That’s a link to my advisory post on the importance of book series for building an audience. (As against one-off, novels unrelated to each other.) ~ Jonathan
I just finished reading the article and I think I am most guilty of Mistake #2 in that I have been experimenting with different genres but my first love has always been with the Science Fiction and Adventure genres. I’m currently working on a novel that I intended to be a mystery novel but as the plot developed, I began feeling that despite my ambition to make it a mystery, it is bound and determined to be Adventure with some Mystery elements sprinkled in and that’s okay with me.
Thanks for the reality check.
Wallace. Endlessly intrigues me how a story develops a life (and personality) of its own yes? Sci Fi was the way I started – with TV programs. (I even still have the vehicle plate SCI-FI.) ~ Jonathan
Absolutely true, Jonathan, and though we try to control where the story goes through planning and outlining, the little devil somehow manages to slip the tackle and go off on its own.
Thanks, Jonathan. Sounds like good advice, but I am struggling with identifying my “genre.” It is clearly a memoir, but initially was going to be about buying an undisturbed mountain (my husband and I did this!) in central Virignia and learning through our own process of discovery that it supported rare plants and birds. We placed it under conservation easement to protect it and it is now one of Virginia’s 60+ natural area preserves. That was the story, then I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer (stage IIIC) and one week before my last chemotherapy, my husband became ill and was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He died six months later. So… the memoir has taken a very unwanted, unexpected turn wrapping in the double cancer story, the searing shock of widowhood, and then moves on to a totally unexpected current stage… a new love and life partner.
So, is it still just memoir, is it cancer memoir, is it a memoir for nature lovers, is it a romance story? I am struggling with my target audience… I think my best writing is of the natural world discoveries we made on Naked Mountain and my husband’s cancer and death. Any thoughts?
Marcia
This is a one-off personal narrative, a memoir yes, not genre fiction. I have no doubt it will be richly passionate and that you’ll have drawn from your deepest wells to write this book. But which audience to pitch it to is very difficult to define, because it partly depends on the emphasis in the book, and the conclusions you’ve drawn. What is it that you are trying to say? This is where your answer will lie.
For cancer sufferers it may will have appeal, because you overcame. But then, it may will fit the study niuche of the natural world. As I say, it depends on your emphasis you place in the book.
~ Jonathan
Ok; many thanks!