Should I worry about trends? Do I write what I want and hope it sells? Is the mystery, suspense, thriller genre still marketable?
“When we look at the NYT and USA Today bestseller lists, one genre that has surged in popularity is mystery and suspense/thriller.”
Jennifer Silverwood, NQD (Book Designs), 4.25.19
“Psychological Thrillers and True Crime are Taking Over Not Only Literature, but: Movies, Podcasts and TV Shows.”
Columbia.edu. 3.5.19
As of late September 2019, Goodreads.com reports two of their top five bestsellers are in the mystery, suspense, thriller genre. Amazon.com boasts two thrillers in the top six of their bestsellers.
Our genre continues to shine in the big leagues, encouraging news for those of us crafting puzzling mysteries, intriguing suspense, and fast-paced thrills.
Even though our genre remains desirable and marketable, awareness of specific trends in our industry guides us as writers.
Before we draft one word, trends help us select our book’s premise and plot, driving the attention we receive from agents and editors. Eventually, it aids in determining our success in book sales. Don’t waste time pouring our hearts into dead trends like vampires, so popular years ago.
Basic interaction between parent and child, man and woman, humans and natural elements doesn’t change, but specific circumstances do. Instead of placing teenage angst in the midst of vampires and werewolves, repackage the drama in an updated scenario.
Remember, “…the universal theme of “good versus evil” will always be a draw.”
Bestselling author M.J. Rose
If we write based on what’s popular now, our book’s thrust might be irrelevant when our work comes into print, often a year after a negotiated contract with a publisher.
“My suggestion when it comes to writing what you “want” to write is don’t narrow yourself to such a small hook. Authors who fall in love with a genre and then continually explore new and different ideas to write in that genre are far more successful than those who narrow their writing to one simple subject matter.”
Literary Agent Jessica Faust, 8.13.19
What about specifics for your novel?
In perusing top-sellers in our genre, recent ones utilize family drama as their core focus––missing spouse, child, or teens, unexplained illness of a child, domestic violence. Interpersonal trauma informs the plot of other recent bestsellers––disappearance after an internet-arranged date, an avenging sociopath, an apartment complex killer, a corporate killer at a team-building retreat.
What common threads continue in our genre? Great surprises, and good twists and turns keep the reader guessing. Interesting settings, and in some, the location serves as much of a character as the protagonist. Themes rooted in psychological pain, betrayal, and intrigue where no one is who they seem inhabit recent best-sellers.
In fact, one of the most publishable genres today is the psychological suspense thriller.
“Thrillers, by definition, are escapism. There’s a suspension of reality that the reader expects and which allows them to immerse themselves in the thrilling aspects of the story. To leave their troubles for a little while and enjoy the ride. And thankfully, that never gets old.”
Liz Berry
As always, a well-crafted plot with unique premises keeps readers riveted to the page.
What about our industry’s trends as a whole?
According to The Independent Publishing Magazine, people still want paper-in-hand traditional books versus e-books, which as of early 2019, were purported to be on the decline. Good news for those of us who yearn to see our book on the shelves of book stores and libraries. However, we live in a digital age and e-books are here to stay. We do well to offer our books in both print and digital format.
As audiobooks gain in popularity, the Big Five Publishing Houses see them becoming a large part of their digital revenue. For both traditional and independent publishers, the big investment pays off.
Marketing and self-promotion are also a reality. Even if traditionally published, a strong social media presence is vital. Agents and publishers not only note the number of likes our posts receive, but also our level of engagement. Social media includes blogging and podcasting, even for those beginning a writing career.
Promoting is not just about the book, but about you as the author. Be certain what’s on your social media is who and what you want to represent as a writer.
“People follow you, then your book.”
Scott Mathews
A well-written book will find an audience, but research market trends before recording your first word.
Write well, my friends.
PJ Gover encourages her readers to live the thrill…one story at a time, whether through her devotionals or thrillers. She has received eight writing awards including first place in American Christian Fiction Writer’s First Impressions contest and the first place Tar Heel Award from the North Carolina Christian Writers. Write to Publish recognized her second novel with their first place Blue Seal Award. Her one-year devotional book, Celebrate Thee Date, can be found at 4homestore.com. She is represented by Jim Hart of Hartline Literary Agency.
A ranch in Texas serves as home base where she is currently working on a suspense novel set in west Texas. Offer her Mexican food or anything gluten-free and you’ll have a friend for life.
