Creating a book that stands the test of time is a dream for many authors, but it’s often viewed as a privilege reserved for the literary elite.
However, indie authors have a unique advantage when it comes to crafting what Ryan Holiday calls a “Perennial Seller” – a work that remains relevant and continues to sell long after its initial release.
In this post, we’ll explore why aiming for a perennial seller can be a wise business decision and how to approach it.
The Pitfalls of Trends and Seasonality
It can be tempting to jump on the latest trend, weaving in pop culture references or crafting stories around seasonal themes like Christmas.
However, while these books may enjoy short-lived success, they often fade into obscurity when the trend passes or the season ends.
By focusing on a ‘hot topic’ you might gain initial attention, but risk losing relevance as time marches on.
Evergreen Stories: The Cornerstone of Perennial Sellers
The essence of an evergreen story is its universal appeal.
Such stories touch on themes, emotions, or experiences that are timeless and relatable for a broad audience.
Think about classics like “To Kill a Mockingbird” or even more modern stories like “Harry Potter” that deal with age-old conflicts and emotions.
They don’t hinge their appeal on topical events or fads—instead, they delve deep into the human experience, making them relevant across different eras.
Incorporating the latest slang, referencing current celebrities, or focusing on contemporary issues might make your book buzzworthy for a brief period, but it could also doom it to become dated very quickly.
Instead, focus on elements that have lasting relevance.
If your story involves technology, consider how you can describe it in a way that won’t become obsolete in a few years.
The Financial Advantage
Having a perennial seller in your portfolio can serve as a steady income stream.
While trend-based books might offer a quick revenue spike, a perennial seller provides a consistent, long-term return on investment.
This stability is especially valuable for indie authors, allowing them more freedom to take creative risks in other projects.
The Branding Bonus
Being the author of a perennial seller can significantly boost your brand.
Readers who discover and love a timeless story of yours are more likely to explore your other works, new and old alike.
Your perennial seller becomes a sort of ambassador for your brand, continually attracting new readers while keeping your existing audience engaged.
Genre Considerations: The Longevity Spectrum
When aiming to create a perennial seller, your choice of genre can play a pivotal role in determining the longevity of your book.
Different genres age at different rates, and being aware of this can help you make strategic decisions for long-term success.
High Fantasy’s Enduring Appeal
High fantasy, for example, often has a longer shelf life than other genres
By creating worlds that are removed from specific times or places, you sidestep the issue of the book becoming dated.
Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” or C.S. Lewis’s “The Chronicles of Narnia” series are perfect examples of fantasy works that continue to captivate new generations.
The Perils of Near-Future Sci-Fi
Conversely, near-future science fiction and techno-thrillers can become outdated quickly.
What appears cutting-edge today can seem laughably out-of-date in just a few years.
If you opt for these genres, focus on human and ethical issues over technological specifics to add staying power to your story.
The Timelessness of Historical Context
Genres like post-apocalyptic stories, westerns, and historical romance tend to date slower.
These genres rely on settings and themes that are already removed from the present, providing a form of built-in longevity.
A good historical romance or a classic western tale will likely appeal to readers in much the same way today as it will a decade from now.
The Risks of Trendy Modern Elements
Contemporary romance tales that hinge on current social networks for their plots have a built-in expiration date.
Platforms come and go, and a story based on today’s hot app may not resonate with readers in a few years.
If your story relies on such elements, think about how you can make the underlying themes strong enough to survive impending obsolescence.
By understanding how different genres age, you can make a more informed decision when planning your next project.
While no one can predict the future with absolute certainty, being aware of these genre-specific nuances can guide you towards creating a work that not only sells well initially but continues to do so year after year.
This consideration adds another layer to the art of crafting a perennial seller, further proving that achieving timelessness is as much about strategy as it is about storytelling.
Creating a perennial seller is not just a lofty artistic aspiration—it’s a sound business strategy, particularly for indie authors.
Such books don’t just survive; they thrive and continue to generate income and attract new readers year after year.
By focusing on evergreen stories and avoiding the pitfalls of trends and dated references, you position your book to become not just a product, but a lasting asset.
Remember, a perennial seller is a long-term investment in your career and legacy as an author.
Aim for timelessness, and you might just create something that outlives trends, seasons, and even yourself.
Share what steps you’ve taken to ensure your work is still relevant in the future.
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