Choosing a category (genre) and subcategory (subgenre) for your novel before starting writing the manuscript.
Choosing the right category (genre) and subcategory (subgenre) for your novel is like picking the perfect frame for a beautiful painting. It sets the tone, guides the reader's expectations, and helps you define the world you're building. Before you even embark on the exciting journey of writing your manuscript, it's essential to consider the genre and subgenre that best fits your story. By making a thoughtful decision, you'll ensure that your novel resonates with its intended audience and stands out in the crowded literary landscape. In other words you make sure your final novel has a niche audience and is also marketable to a reasonable extent.
Why it matters: Before you dive into the depths of your story, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of its genre and subgenre. This will not only guide your writing but also help you connect with the right audience. You need to convince a publisher to publish your book, and even if you have decided to self-publish you need to convince a fair amount of readers to buy your book. Thinking about category and subcategory of your novel, and learning their rules can help you in achieving this goal.
To decide about your novel’s category and subcategory consider these elements:
Analyze your plot: What is the core conflict? Is it a mystery, a romance, a sci-fi adventure, or something else?
Consider your characters: What are their primary motivations? Do they face internal or external struggles?
Examine the setting: Where does your story take place? Is it a futuristic world, a historical period, or a contemporary setting?
Research existing works: Look at books similar to yours. What genre and subgenre do they fall into?
Ask for feedback: Share your ideas with friends, family, or writing groups. Their perspectives can offer valuable insights.
Considering these factors carefully helps you confidently determine your novel's major category and specific subcategory. This will provide a strong foundation for your writing journey and help you create a compelling and satisfying story.
Once you've selected your genre, it's time to become an expert. Immerse yourself in the world of your chosen category by reading widely. Familiarize yourself with the classics, bestsellers, and emerging trends. Pay attention to the recurring themes, plot structures, and character archetypes that define the genre.
By studying the works of others, you'll gain a deep understanding of what has already been done and what still feels fresh and innovative. This knowledge will empower you to craft a unique and compelling story that stands out from the crowd. Remember, the more you read, the better equipped you'll be to contribute something truly original to your chosen genre.
Every genre has its own unique set of expectations. To ensure your novel aligns with these requirements, it's essential to do your research.
Key considerations:
Word count: Different genres have standard word counts. For example, romance novels typically range from 50,000 to 80,000 words, while fantasy epics can exceed 300,000 words.
Number of major characters: The number of main characters can vary depending on the genre. Some genres, like historical fiction, often feature a large cast, while others, like psychological thrillers, focus on a smaller number of protagonists.
Emotional drivers: The emotional tone of your novel should be appropriate for the genre. Consider elements like romance tension, sensuality, humor, spirituality, offensive language, action/adventure, violence, suspense, enigma, and more.
Main emotional driver: The primary emotion driving your story will depend on the genre. For instance, a romance novel might revolve around love, while a horror novel focuses on fear.
This is some of the main requirements that you should think about before starting writing your first draft. By understanding these requirements, you can tailor your novel to meet the expectations of the selected category and your target audience and increase its chances of success.