Cow Pasture Chronicles : 7 Things You Can do to Identify Your Genre

Welcome to another, You Asked, the Experts Answer, segment. This week ‘s question is: How do I know If I’ve chosen the right genre?

Choosing a genre is something many writers struggle with and the biggest reason is being unfamiliar with the different genres. Unfamiliarity breeds confusion, which in turn makes it difficult to know which to choose.

Whether you plan to self-publish or go the traditional route, selecting the right genre is essential for success. After all, you want people to find your book.

Why is Genre so Important?

It gives you clarity for pitching to the right agents.
It’s how the publishing world will view your work.
It’s easier to find your target audience.
Makes it easier for readers to find your book.
Helps you write a succinct pitch.
Helps the industry know how to market your book.

7 Easy Steps to Find Your Genre

Ask yourself: What readers would like my story? What books are similar to mine?
Review Amazon’s bestseller list and check out the list of genre’s.
Go to your neighborhood bookstore, look at where the books are shelved. Fantasy? Mystery?
Select five-six books and read the descriptions; make a note of the core story in each. What stands out?
Look at titles – can you determine the genre?
On what shelf do you see your book?
Know what your story is about and be able to verbalize it in a succinct manner.

The Downside of Getting it Wrong

You will get rejected and your book will end up in the slush file.
You won’t know how to market your book, which in turn makes it hard to sell.
You’ll miss your target audience and, likewise, they will miss your book.
Getting it wrong will make agents think twice about you and your work.

We all want to see our books on Amazon or our local bookstore shelves. But, in order to do that, we must not only write a compelling story but know who our audience is and choose the correct genre. For more information, check out these great resources.

Resources:

I’d love to hear your comments. Talk to me. Tell me your story. And as always, you can follow me on Facebook at SheilaMGood, Pinterest, Bloglovin, Twitter@sheilagood, and Contently.