Choosing the right genre for your story is a bit like choosing the right outfit for a first date: it sets expectations, shapes impressions, and determines whether your reader leans in with interest or quietly backs away while pretending to check their phone. Genre is your story’s DNA, but thankfully it doesn’t require test tubes or surprising paternity results.
Instead, it simply helps you form the structure, tone, and vibes that make your story feel like your story. Start by interrogating yourself gently (or dramatically, if that’s your process). What excites you? Which genres make your pulse race—in a good way?
What themes or tropes make you shriek, “Yes, more of that!” like an over-caffeinated librarian? Then look at your story’s core: is it full of dragons, dead bodies, angst, kissing, or morally questionable wizards? Finally, picture your ideal reader.
Are they a teenager juggling algebra and existential dread? An adult who loves cozy mysteries and tea? A fantasy nerd who thinks swords are a personality trait? Whoever they are, think of what they want to read, not what your pet ferret would want. Ferrets have terrible literary taste.
Genres exist on a wide spectrum, and luckily none of them will bite if you step outside their boundaries. Commercial fiction offers thrills, twists, and high entertainment value.
Literary fiction leans into emotions and metaphors, the kind of thing critics call “hauntingly resonant” while you wonder what actually happened. Young Adult stories focus on growth, turmoil, and uncomfortably intense eye contact.
Middle Grade is all about adventure, humor, and heart, usually with protagonists who save the world between homework assignments. Nonfiction sticks to real events, real people, and the real tragedy of a world with zero dragons.
Each genre has its flavor, like ice cream, but with more angst. But the real fun begins with genre hybrids. Stories today are genre smoothies: a dash of romance here, a sprinkle of horror there, perhaps a light dusting of time travel for zest.
A historical mystery romance? Perfectly acceptable. A sci-fi thriller featuring a sentient waffle? Oddly marketable. The key is ensuring the reader knows which shelf to find your book on so librarians don’t riot.
Even while following your passion, keep an eye on market trends. Research bestselling books in your genre to understand what readers currently devour.
This doesn’t mean you must chase trends like a caffeinated squirrel, just be aware of the landscape so you’re not writing the world’s only inspirational self-help book for ghosts unless there’s a strong spectral readership waiting. Subgenres narrow things further.
Think of genres as giant bookstores and subgenres as the hyper-specific shelves where readers hunt for their favorites. Mystery alone is huge, but cozy mysteries, psychological thrillers, and hardboiled detective stories each attract different audiences.
Romance has historical, fantasy, paranormal, and contemporary branches. These distinctions matter because readers know exactly what they want, and they will absolutely leave a review about “too few dragons” if expectations aren’t met.
Niche markets get even more specific, appealing to incredibly dedicated readers. Regency romance lovers, medical thriller enthusiasts, steampunk adventurers, they all have vibrant communities.
Niche markets may be smaller, but their readers are passionate, loyal, and often desperate for new books that scratch their hyper-specific itch. This can help your book stand out in a world where every human alive appears to be publishing a novel.
To find your niche, explore widely. Follow your obsessions, research subgenres, lurk in online communities, and experiment with short pieces until something clicks.
It’s not about boxing yourself in; it’s about finding that sweet spot where your personal interests meet a reader’s desires. That’s the magic zone where books resonate deeply and careers take off.
In the end, genre isn’t a prison; it’s a helpful framework with flexible walls and occasional mood swings. Choose a genre that excites you, understand what readers expect, and don’t be afraid to blend, bend, or lightly torch the rules.
Just be sure your story has a home on the shelf and that the sentient toaster, if included, serves a meaningful purpose.
Palatka Film & Theatre Society Inc. 
Leave a comment