One basic rule you often hear in the writing world is never to write to a trend. What does this mean? Well, if you're a new writer, don't just jump on the "right now" bandwagon. If vampires are selling in 2010, and you decide you can write a vampire story as good as any out there, the chances that agents and editors will still be buying them in 2011 (if you're a relatively fast writer) are kind of low. Consider that an agent has to pitch your work to a publisher who then will take anywhere from 1-3 years to release it in print. Trends usually fade more quickly than that.
That's why those in the know will tell you to write what you really love, while considering market trends but not following them as gospel. It's also really tough to predict what the next "big thing" might be, which brings us back to the "write what you love" camp.
But here's my latest dilemma: my YA originally was a straight contemporary. Then I looked at the market, thought about how hot paranormal is right now, and decided to give my YA a small (really small) paranormal twist. A few members of my local writers' group really liked the idea. Then I shared the premise with a few online writing friends. Almost 100% of them said they were getting tired of paranormal and didn't think it would still be selling as strongly in the next year or two.
Agent Kristin Nelson reported something similar , that while YA paranormal is definitely still hot, she thinks readers/publishers/agents are getting a little bored by the flooding of that genre.
But then a friend of mine just attended the Long Island Romance Writers' luncheon conference, and she said that every single agent and editor there still wanted paranormal submissions, either in romance or YA.
So what's a girl to do? Looks from these few reports that the jury is still out on what's new, next, and on its way out when it comes to YA.
Sigh.
What do you think??
3 comments:
It's a difficult one but I think you have to stay true to yourself and, like you said, write what you love. If the passion isn't there and you're just writing to fit in with a trend your readers will pick up on it I'm sure. Interesting post!x
I agree with CarlyB! You have to write what you feel, what you love. I've read that by the time you write today's trend, get it off to the publisher, and get a release date, the trend will likely be over.
Write what you want to write and maybe you'll start a new trend?
Post a Comment