When it comes to publishing in the fiction domain, there are a plethora of subgenres to choose from. However, there is one question you need to answer before you even publish your first book, “what genre(s) do you want to specialize in?”
Your answer to this question will determine the types of books you intend to publish. Firstly, if you choose to specialize in a single genre, your publishing brand will become synonymous with this genre. If you choose to publish across a variety of genres, then you need to be careful to follow a specific approach. Mainly, publishing a vast array of genres may leave your brand without a clear identity. So, if you’re looking to publish a variety of topics and genres, it would be best to create separate brands.
In this article, we are going to explore the most popular fiction genres you can publish. That way, you can choose to either specialize in a single genre or cast a wider net.
Romance Novels
There is no question that romance novels are the clear winner here. In the fiction world, romance novels are cash cows. Even a modestly written romance story can make a decent earning. A great novel can become an international bestseller. Ultimately, it all depends on the storyline. The most important thing is to have a clear direction for the novel(s). Ideally, think of a series and not just a single volume.
Science Fiction
Sci-fi tends to be more popular with guys than gals. Nevertheless, science fiction does have a solid following among teen girls. The appeal of sci-fi is the futuristic aspect of the storyline. While some might be more dystopian in nature, others may be more inclined toward technology. In the end, it’s a question of defining the route you want to take.
Fantasy/Epica
This genre became quite popular over the last decade. Some of the bestselling novels have come from this genre. There is certainly a significant appeal to fantasy or epica. The idea here is to create alternate worlds that readers can fully immerse themselves in. As such, you need to create a universe that offers the greatest amount of detail possible. Kingdoms, planets, and dimensions all provide for an endless stream of ideas, characters, and storylines.
Spinoffs
Spinoffs are storylines that are based on existing universes or stories. Of course, you need to be careful that you don’t use copyrighted material. Nevertheless, lots of fiction writers produce works loosely based on other novels and storylines. The main thing to be careful of here is to not write some cheesy fan-fiction novel. The intent is to create a credible story that can entice readers just as much as the original one. As you can see, the most popular fiction genres all lend themselves to creating endless storylines and plots. Therefore, always keep a strategic approach whenever you introduce a new character, story, or novel into your publishing repertoire. By playing it smart, you can make a serious claim in the world of fiction.
