Which genres of fiction are most popular?

Question

Hi
I'm about to kick off on writing my first novel and whilst I have some ideas I could base my storyline on, commercially I would like to target a genre that is popular and likely to be in demand.
How do I find this out?
Many thanks
Steve

Answer 1

Before I answer your question consider why you want to write a book. If its to make money and be famous, get a good day job. Don't look at writing as feeding a target market--but rather as something that you want to do, that you have to do to satisfy an urge within you (not the one to eat--that's were the day job comes in). If you try to write what you think is in "demand" you're going to be very disappointed and you will have a difficult time putting any coherent work on paper, or getting it published.

I'm a writer and I attend many conferences and workshops. I talk to editors and agents and hear the varied opinions of both as they sit on panels. It is this source that provides the information that I'm sharing.

Romance novels are by far the top sellers (49% of the market the last I heard) next is Mystery, other genres follow with a verity of smaller percentages. There are many flash genres that experience a quick and usually temporary popularity such as chic lit.

I would strongly suggest that you write about the things that interest you. Use that knowledge in either fiction or non-fiction.

For instance: I have an avid interest in history-especially the American Civil War era. I use that information to write articles, give talks, and to enrich my novels and short stories. But I also write contemporary short stories many of which are the horror genre.

I've been writing for a lot of years, have three novels finished and dozens of short stories. I recently had a short story published (with no pay) on an zine and just last month I sold one to a zine that won't be published until Dec 07 which is when I'll be paid. Writing is NOT a get rich quick business, it is a demanding business with lots and lots of good competition. You have to WORK to get every word right and avoid errors (they won't read a story that has obvious problems) and find the right marketing agent (publisher or agent).

Good luck.

Answer 2

Write what you know.
I have been reading fantasy and science fiction for 45 years. At first it was hard to find and I read everything. In the last 10-15 years it seems to be about 10% of the available fiction.

Fantasy is the most popular. The line between fantasy and SF is blurred as Arthur C. Clarke pointed out that any sufficiently advanced technology will look like magic. Hard science fiction is a credible extrapolation of current knowledge/theories and the readers and critics will give you a hard time if you write about impossibilities such as giant ants or stone age people in the Jurassic.

The other point I would make is that you need to have read widely in whatever genre you pick. Editors complain about the number of 'shaggy god' stories submitted where the sole survivors of a world cataclysm turn out to be named Adam and Eve (this one is not good science either - too small a gene pool to renew the human race). If your book is very similar to a hugely successful book it might sell to those who want more of the same but generally readers want some fresh twist.

Answer 3

At the moment, fantasy and science fiction, although romance is always in demand.

The problem with writing for the market is that by the time you have your book finished, meaning not just a first draft, but at least 3 drafts included learning technique time, and then sending out queries for months hoping for a bite, what's "in" may very well change.

What do you read most? That's your best bet as to what to write because you must have a passion for that genre. If you don't have a passion for a genre, as well as for your story, then writing in it will be pointless even if that market is selling best.

It's pretty unlikely to make money writing fiction so do it for the love of it, not for the chance of a paycheck. There are only about 200 writers in America who make a living writing fiction. The rest of us have to support ourselves in other ways and write just because it's who we are.

Answer 4

Because they're sort of entertaining.. But sort of not. If you read a crime fiction, or watch an episode of CSI then it has the same brain numbing effect of sitting in front of an air conditioning unit on a hot day.. You just sort of go with it.. They almost always reveal themselves (It's the shady man who wears a mask... And he'd have gotten' away with it if it weren't for those darn kids!) at the end creating a very easy read.. Perfect for killing half a day on holiday.. In my opinion, it was interesting at first, reading about people solving the case, and searching for finger prints.. But the market is completely saturated now, there are a million books all the same, with the same sounding titles.. Then again, what do I know.. I try to avoid them..

Answer 5

My friends like romantic fiction... there will always be a base for good old-fashioned romance. However, I think intriguing adventures/mysteries are topping the charts now (Harry Potter, Da Vinci Code). While writing a novel, be as detailed and informative as possible, as that always adds to the allure.

Answer 6

The Science - fiction & Fantasy market is massive.

The best thing is to write about what interests YOU the most, rather than base it on commerical scucess. It will be a better stiry in the long run & easier for you to write.

Also have a look at this site, will help you when it comes to getting published.

http://www.excaliburonlinepublishing.com/

Answer 7

Fantasy seems to be very popular at the moment judging by the type of films being made. It works well as 'crossover' fiction that attracts teenagers and adults alike. Personally though I like a big dollop of realism - can't cope with anything 'out of this world'.

Answer 8

My moneys with the science fiction and fantasy...

Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams, Phillip Dick, Tolkein, Rowling...

No one can argue with that list....

Plus Pratchett is in the record books for having 5 of his books appearing in the top 100 of all time and also being the author who's books are the most shoplifted...

Infact someone broke into waterstones once and just exclusively stole 1 of every Terry Pratchett book and left everything else alone.

Answer 9

Fantasy and slutty romances are most popular, I'd think. If you can write a slutty fantasy then you really have a popular book!

But are you writing just to sell books? It's best to just write about what you know about or like to read about. Otherwise it won't be very fun for you, will it?

Answer 10

Just look at the best sellers recently...
The DaVinci Code mixed fiction with a dose of reality
Confuse the people and you will do well
Good luck!