Every author dreams of crafting a story that resonates—both with their own creative soul and a captivated audience.
Yet, finding the sweet spot between artistic fulfillment and marketability is easier said than done.
There are several schools of thought when it comes to writing a story that sells.
Let’s delve into these different strategies and find out which one aligns with your goals as an author.
Write for Yourself
If creative fulfillment is your ultimate goal, writing a story for yourself can be incredibly rewarding.
This approach involves writing the story that you would want to read, without much concern for market trends or genre expectations.
While liberating, this path can lead to challenges when it comes to selling and marketing your book.
Who is your book for when you’ve only considered a market of one?
But remember, stumbling upon the perfect blend of genre tropes inadvertently isn’t uncommon.
Writing to Market
In this strategy, research is king.
Authors find an underserved but hungry audience, then construct a story around the genre’s tropes and conventions.
While some find this method stifling, others thrive under its structured approach.
If you’re well-aligned with your audience’s desires, this can lead to steady long-term sales and a devoted fan base.
Writing to Trend
Think of this as ‘writing to market’ on steroids.
This is for those looking to catch the wave of a hot genre or trend, writing quickly to fulfill the immediate demands.
Although this approach can bring quick income spikes, the volatility and fickle nature of trends can make it a risky play for long-term sustainability.
Plus, it’s a sure-fire road to burn-out.
My Personal Approach: Evergreen Stories
I prefer a more nuanced strategy that sits between these extremes.
I aim to write stories that are identifiable with a specific genre but have a timeless quality.
I love adding my unique twists to genre conventions, appealing to both my key audience and my creative needs.
For me, the main drivers are freedom and creative fulfillment, balanced by the necessity of generating a sustainable income.
Could I earn more if I wrote to market? Absolutely.
Would I be as creatively fulfilled? Probably not.
But it’s a personal choice.
Because there is no ‘right way,’ only the right way for you and your values.
The X-Factor: Luck
Let’s face it, luck plays a role in any author’s success.
But with a sound strategy, you can tip the scales in your favour.
The key is to align your approach with your personal and financial goals.
What’s your approach?
Do you prefer writing for yourself, to market, to trend, or do you have another strategy that works for you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
CherryEdits 