The Power of Understanding Book Genres for New Authors

Benefits of Understanding Book Genres

• Know What Themes To Incorporate in Your Story

There are many benefits to understanding book genres. One of them is being savvy as to what themes should take place in your book based on its genre. Each genre carries its own set of common tropes, ideas, and subjects that readers have come to expect and eagerly anticipate. For instance, mystery novels thrive on suspense, intrigue, and the pursuit of finding out what happened, who did it, the unknown, and finding out the truth, while a book in the romance genre often has themes of love, connection, overcoming obstacles, and emotional growth. This mastery of genre-based themes empowers you to craft a story that seamlessly intertwines with readers' expectations, immersing them in an experience that's both familiar and captivating.

• Know What Kind Of Tone and Atmosphere To Use In Your Book

The tone and atmosphere in a book play a pivotal role in conveying the genre's essence. Horror novels thrive on suspense, fear, and eerie surroundings, while humor is a staple in comedy. Maintaining the appropriate tone and atmosphere is essential for immersing readers in the intended genre experience.

• Know Which Character Archetypes To Include In Your Novel

Different genres feature specific character archetypes that readers have come to expect. A fantasy novel might include a wise mentor or a reluctant hero, while a mystery often introduces a detective or investigator. Incorporating these archetypes adds depth and authenticity to your characters, making them resonate more effectively within the genre.

• Gain Familiarity With The Expected Narrative Structure

The structure of your story can significantly impact the way readers engage with your book. Mysteries often follow a pattern of introducing clues and gradually revealing the solution, while thrillers rely on pacing and tension-building techniques. Familiarize yourself with the typical narrative structure of your chosen genre and use it to your advantage.

• Become Aware Of Common Plot Patterns

Different genres have established plot patterns that guide the trajectory of the story. In romance, the central focus is the development of a romantic relationship, while in a mystery, the plot revolves around solving a puzzle or crime. Adhering to these patterns helps create a sense of familiarity for readers and meets their genre-specific expectations.

• Know The Expected Word Count For Your Particular Genre

Knowing what genre you are writing for can save you the headache of accidentally writing a book that is too big or small for what publishers are looking for. If you submit your manuscript to a literary agent or editor and they reject your book because it does not fit the word count they are looking for, that could mean that you might have to completely rewrite your book.

Instead, you need to research ahead of time and find out the average length of other books in your genre.

For example, a book that is written for young adults will have a different average word count length than a historical romance. A book written in the fantasy genre has a different average word count than a women’s fiction novella. Armed with an understanding of genres, new authors can tailor their submissions to cater to the preferences and expectations of the market, increasing their likelihood of acceptance.

• Understand Reader Expectations 

Ultimately, writing within a genre involves catering to reader expectations. Readers pick up a genre-specific book with certain anticipations regarding its content and structure. Being aware of what readers are seeking in terms of themes, emotional resonance, and storytelling style allows you to create a more satisfying and immersive experience.

For example, a reader who is choosing a book that is supposed to be a comedy would not be happy if that book is a tear-jerker drama. Someone who is choosing a romance is often looking for a happy ending where, despite the odds, the couple gets together at the end.

• Understand Publisher Criteria

Publishers often seek manuscripts that align with the genre's norms, ensuring your work is marketable and appealing to a specific audience. Publishers look for books that follow established genre patterns but have unique twists and creativity. They want you to have a unique voice that brings these themes, characters, and stories to life in fresh new captivating ways. Every publisher is different and has their own set of criteria. It is best to research the publishing house you wish to submit to and read all the criteria on their submission guidelines.

• Have a Quick Classification to Tell Other Authors and Readers About What You Write

A benefit of knowing your genre is having a quick way to tell other authors and readers what you write without the need for lengthy explanations that risk veering into the territory of a 40-minute plot synopsis. When asked the question, "What do you write?" many new authors make the mistake of trying to explain everything in their book instead of giving a quick answer like "fantasy," "suspense," "historical romance," or any genre that captures the essence of what you write. If someone asks what the plot of your book is about, that is different than them asking what you write.

• Know How To Market Your Book 

Another reason why understanding the genre you write in is important is marketing. Knowing the genre of your book can help you design your marketing plan and help you get your book in front of readers who would love your story. You would not market a romance novel the same way you would market a horror. You would not market a historical novel the same way as a science fiction novel. Each genre possesses a distinct audience with unique preferences, and readers actively seek cues to tell if a particular book matches their tastes. By understanding this, authors can market their books in a way that makes sure their book is found by their ideal readers.