Writing to Market: Strategies for Developing Winning Novel Ideas

As a writer, nothing can be more frustrating than pouring your heart and soul into a project, only to find that readers aren’t interested. Fortunately, there is a way to get people interested in your stories–it's called "writing to market!" Writing to market involves carefully researching what types of stories are currently in demand in the marketplace and then crafting unique but popular stories that meet those needs. In this post, we’ll explain the basics of “writing to market” so that you can start crafting powerful stories that readers are eager to pick up.

What is writing to market?

Writing to market simply means crafting stories that align with what readers are currently craving. Do you remember all the young adult dystopian novels that flew off the shelves in bookstores after the success of Suzanne Collins’s bestseller The Hunger Games? That’s what it means to write to the market. You're not just creating for yourself, but for the eager minds out there waiting to dive into your tales.

Why do authors write to market?

We all want our stories to be read and loved, but we also want to write books that we're passionate about. If the idea of writing based on market tastes sounds off-putting to you, don't worry! Writing to market doesn’t mean you have to ditch your wild, fantastical ideas and become a cynical trend-chaser. The key is to balance your creativity and the market demand— creating a blend of originality weaved in with just the right amount of elements that hit reader expectations. Think of it as writing a captivating story that takes readers on a rollercoaster while occasionally throwing in a familiar twist that makes them go, "Ah, I love where this is going!"

How to sell more books and still write what you love

Understand your target market

As a writer, it's important to know your readers well. Writing to market means identifying your niche and understanding reader preferences and trends. One way to do this is by researching your target audience. This involves identifying your book's genre and subgenre. Is it a sci-fi space odyssey, a cozy mystery, or maybe a heart-pounding romance? Analyze successful books in your niche. What makes readers devour them like ice cream on a scorching day? Is it the witty banter, the heart-pounding suspense, or the swoon-worthy romances? You also need to understand your readers' preferences. What keeps them turning those pages way past their bedtime? Are they craving strong heroines, intricate magic systems, or epic battles between good and evil? Keep your ear to the ground for trends–like knowing if vampire romance is making a comeback or if time travel stories are the new rage. Take notes, because these ingredients are your secret recipe for successfully writing to the market.

Develop a marketable idea

As a writer looking to excel in a crowded book market, it is essential to develop a marketable idea that stands out from the rest. One of the best ways to achieve this is by finding a unique angle within your genre that sets you apart from the competition. Maybe it's blending two genres that no one thought could go together, like a murder mystery set in a fantasy realm. Stirring up the unexpected is your superpower here. By doing so, you can carve out a specific niche for yourself and gain a loyal following.

Leveraging popular tropes and themes can help you tap into current trends, attract more readers, and generate buzz around your work. But don't just use them as-is; put your own spin on them. Take that "chosen one" trope and twist it like a pretzel. Love the enemies-to-lovers trope? Stacey Jay's Juliet Immortal and Romeo Redeemed duology gives us a great example of how to take this trope and turn it on its head. Don't forget the power of a compelling hook or premise. This is the elevator pitch that makes eyes widen and brains buzz with excitement—the "What if?" that hooks readers from the get-go. Whether it's a question that raises eyebrows or a scenario that makes hearts race, your hook is the shiny lure that reels in readers and keeps them flipping those pages. Ultimately, writing to market requires a combination of creativity and strategy. So mix and match, twist and twirl until you've got an idea that's not just marketable but irresistibly YOU.

Promote your book to your target audience

Effective marketing and promotion is a crucial component of any successful book launch, and it all starts with knowing your market. Writing to market means understanding the niche audience you're writing for and the current trends within that genre. If you're an indie author, this step is essential to writing a story that sells well. Seeking feedback from beta readers who are familiar with the genre can help ensure your book resonates with your target market. Beta readers can give you insights into what works and what doesn't, informing your revisions and ultimately helping you write a book that resonates with your target readers. Another important aspect is creating a book cover that appeals to your readers. A striking cover can make a significant impact on sales, and it's important that it accurately represents the genre and tone of your book. Writing a steamy romance? Cue the swoon-worthy couple on the cover. A spine-tingling thriller? Let those mysterious shadows play. It's the first taste readers get of your story, so make it a good one.

Writing a compelling book description that showcases genre elements is also essential. Drop hints of adventure, sprinkle in a dash of mystery, or tease the heart-pounding romance. The description should entice readers and give them a clear understanding of what to expect from the book. Finally, leveraging social media and online communities to reach the right readers can help you maximize your book's exposure. Dive into Facebook groups, Twitter chats, and Goodreads forums that are all about your genre. Make sure your potential readers are subscribed to your author newsletter. Engage, share, and connect with folks who are as excited about your kind of stories as you are. By putting these strategies into action, you can create a marketing plan that effectively promotes your book and reaches your target readers.

Avoid common pitfalls when writing to market

As writers, we all face the challenge of avoiding common pitfalls that can hinder our progress. One of the most significant pitfalls is the temptation to stick to a formulaic writing style rather than maintain creativity. While there are certain standards and structures to follow, it's important to keep a fresh perspective and inject your unique voice into your work.

Another pitfall is forcing genre elements rather than allowing them to emerge organically from your writing. Instead, take the time to research and understand the genre you're writing in and let it influence your style naturally. In other words, don't try to cram werewolves into a historical romance unless it flows seamlessly. Finally, it's essential to balance writing to market with personal passion and growth. While you want to aim to capture readers' hearts, don't lose sight of what makes your heart beat faster. Find projects that align with your passion within the market's boundaries. Your growth as a writer comes from experimenting, learning, and evolving, all while making readers cheer for more.

Ready to try writing to trend?

Writing to market is an effective and profitable way to discover success as an author. By researching your reader base, understanding how to develop a marketable idea, using effective marketing and promotion strategies, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can make sure that you’re taking the right steps to reach your goals. Are you ready to start crafting tales that both you and your readers will cherish for years to come? Then grab your keyboard, summon your muse, and let the magic flow!