I love doing small things to recognize holidays—even St. Patrick’s Day.
But I went too far when my daughter was in kindergarten.
Remembering the tradition that involved the leprechaun playing harmless pranks on children, I put different things in unusual places in our house while the kids slept. So my daughter’s toys went into the bathroom, her backpack was moved into my son’s room, several chairs were moved upside down, and my high heels were placed prominently in my daughter’s room.
It backfired.
My 5 year old daughter came into my room, shaking and crying, in the middle of the night. The leprechaun had been in her room! She felt positively threatened, invaded, and scared. She thought my (very large) high heels belonged to the leprechaun. It boggled my mind that she’d envisioned a malevolent, cross-dressing, giant leprechaun in her room.
My son? Snorted when he saw the leprechaun mischief and rolled his eyes a little at his mom’s nonsense.
Where I went wrong with my St. Patrick’s Day fun was that I didn’t take my audience into account. This was the SAME daughter who’d wanted strong assurance the year before that the Easter bunny limited his activities to the downstairs. She wanted no large rabbits skipping around her room. Having a mischievous leprechaun invade her space was terrifying. I could have done this trick with my son, but not my daughter.
I hate the rules that seem to crop up from editors, agents, and other writers—we all are creative people who need to do our own thing…and want to do our own thing.
But I think it’s incredibly important for us to know our audience…especially if we’re writing genre fiction.
If we don’t there are definitely risks involved. The biggest are that we won’t get our book published at all and that we’ll alienate readers who might skip buying our next book, if we do get the book published.
Let’s say I write a cozy mystery that involves graphic depiction of a child’s murder. Then I ship it off to my editor, Emily, at Penguin’s Berkley Prime Crime.
First of all, she’d think I’d lost my mind. She’d tell me to take it all out. It’s not a cozy mystery at all—it could possibly work for a police procedural or a thriller, but not a cozy. And I’d have missed my deadline and messed up their production schedule because I’d have to do a major rewrite. And I’ve labeled myself “difficult to work with” because I’ve cost my publisher a lot of wasted time.
Let’s say that somehow Emily has lost her mind, too and the book gets published (leaving out the whole editorial board at Penguin…they’d have to be crazy, too.) But let’s say it does happen and it hits the shelf.
Berkley Prime Crime is associated with cozy mysteries. The book would be shelved with cozies. It would have my name on it (my Riley name) and I’m associated with cozies. And my readers, who I’m starting to build a relationship with, buy my books—expecting a book without graphic depictions of violence.
The readers? They’re furious. They’ve been tricked into buying a book that isn’t what they want or were promised. It was specifically sold as a cozy and it’s not a cozy and they’re mad. They take our their disappointment and their anger at wasting money out on me with negative reviews at Amazon, GoodReads, LibraryThing, and DorothyL. It might not be career-ending, but boy, it doesn’t help.
I saw it happen to another cozy writer on the DorothyL list—the readers were absolutely livid with the writer’s departure from cozy standards.
So what have I accomplished? I haven’t done anything to enhance my industry reputation or readership.
It’s important to write what you want to write—but be careful where you send it. If it’s edgy, it needs to be sent to editors and publishers who publish the type of content you’ve written. Don’t think you’ve written a rule-breaking exception to the genre you’re targeting if the publisher doesn’t print stories like yours. If you’ve written horror, don’t send it to a thriller editor. If you’ve written erotica, don’t send it to Harlequin Presents and think that they’re just going to ignore the fact their guidelines weren’t followed.
Finding the right publisher for your manuscript:
Know your genre. What are you writing? Is it horror, fantasy, sci fi, thriller, lit fiction?
Read the genre. Enough to be familiar with it.
Go to the bookstore and spend some time there. Get a bunch of recently published books in your genre. It’s usually fairly easy to tell the gist of the story by flipping through.
Check online. Look at the publisher’s guidelines. See what kinds of things they’re looking for. Now they even have lists of what they’re not looking for.
If you’re already a published writer, making a big genre change, consider a pen name. You can always cross-promote under your real name–mentioning each time that the new book is a departure from your others.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone! :)
Happy St. Patrick’s Day. I’ve been surprised before when an author changed their style of writing without any notice on the book. Then weeks later something is written saying they want to try something different. I was more careful buying their next book.
Elizabeth – Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you, too. As I read your post, I was thinking about how very important it is – vital, even – that we think carefully about what, exactly, we’re writing, and who will read it. Both are critical. It’s very much like marketing anything else, really. If you want to sell to coffee-drinkers, don’t make soda and then call it coffee. And be sure that you really are making coffee, and that you know how to make coffee.
Mason has a point, too! If you’re a coffee-manufacturer, don’t all of a sudden start making apple juice. At least not without any preparation, warning, etc…
This is especially tricky now that we have so many sub-genres and cross-genres. If you are writing a cozy where your little old lady sleuth is paired off with a hard-boiled detective, you’ve got to find a way to suggest “hard boiled” without violating cozy guidelines when you’re in the tough-guy’s pov. But there are other “crime comedy” sub-genres which might pair up those same characters for a different audience.
I think one thing we can do as writers is to try to establish expectations in the first chapters. Is it funny? Is it going to grab you in the gut? It is going to be scary or gruelling? If the first chapters at least hint at that, you are giving a warning to your audience about what they are reading.
That’s a tough one, isn’t it?
I understand the need of writers to experiment, but I would much rather not be “tricked” into buying a “new” book by an author I like. Maybe the solution is to have a pen name, so the book sells on its own stead first, and then the authors get connected.
But yes, absolutely. Writing without an audience in mind is rather pointless.
This is a FANTASTIC post! Wonderful how you made the connection between your personal misstep and the question of audience. I am continually impressed by your articles, Elizabeth.
Also, I must say I never pegged you for the mischevious type. The stunt with the leprechaun cracks me up!
And, of course, you are right about audience. It is most important–not just for getting published, but for maintaining sales. Know to whom you are writing.
Michele
SouthernCityMysteries
This is such sage advice, Elizabeth. And you know, I just realized that it’s not just good advice for us as writers. But it is true for our relationships as well. Whatever message we’re trying to communicate in our lives, we need to know our audience.
karen
Happy St Patrick´s Day!
Very useful advice. I thought about it the other day when I read a manuscript for a Danish crime writer. Her plot is great and I am sure the book will sell well, but in the last chapter she has a long scene tying up loose ends. I didn´t need much of the information so I suggested she considered her audience: how much information would the average reader need here? It is important, though, that she doesn´t just skip it all because *I* don´t need it. I am known for keeping my readers pretty much in the dark most of the time, and I have decided beforehand that I won´t even try to write stories everybody can understand at a glance.
Your poor daughter – you must have felt awful!
I agree – one of the keys is read, read, read in the genre :)
Happy Patty to you too! And again, as usual, very good advice, Elizabeth.
Marvin D Wilson
Readers like to know what they’re getting. If you’re known as a writer of whatever genre then you owe it to your readers to keep to the same formula. If you want to write something else, then I’d suggest writing under another name.
Hello Elizabeth!
I really liked this post. I think a pen name is a brilliant way to handle this. I write in several different genres and I love each one for the way my creativity gets stretched and strengthened. I have a pen name for the genres that vastly differ from my young adult fantasy. My issue is what to query first? But, I’ll cross that bridge when I’m ready to query :)
Sorry the leprechaun disturbed your daughter so. If my parents had tried that, I would have been elated! A real leprechaun in MY room! Huzzah! But, then again, I was a strange child :)
Happy St. Patrick’s Day,
Jen
I smiled all through this post. I love how you compared knowing your audience to your daughter’s fears & reactions. Excellent post, that addresses so many important issues in the world of writing & publishing. (Not to mention creating a family scene that was so real I wanted to read more lol!)
That is a St. Patrick’s Day tradition I haven’t heard of – I hope your daughter is now over her fear of giant Leprechauns. What a perfect story to show the importance of knowing your audience.
Those are wonderful pointers. I write for a specific audience and because of that, I know that I won’t have millions of readers but hopefully I can give my readers what they want.
ann
Excellent post. Never think, oh this is so good, even though it’s not what they usually accept, they’ll love it.
Speaking of loving it, the story about your daughter is wonderful. You do realize she will remember this all her life, long after she’s forgotten last year’s joyful Christmas morning, don’t you?
Helen
Straight From Hel
I want to hug your daughter–poor thing! My daughter is relatively easy to freak out, but anybody bearing gifts is a-okay.
Great advice on knowing the audience, too! Definitely true that the audiences for different cozies (or romances) are TOTALLY different–as I am quickly learning…
Wonderful post! “a malevolent, cross-dressing, giant leprechaun” made me laugh out loud. Your poor daughter… I remember being slightly afraid of the tooth fairy because she would have to come so close to my head to get the tooth from my pillow. Great tips on knowing your audience. I don’t usually write with one in mind, but I should pay attention to that if I want to be successful.
When I was part of the theatre department in college, I was always pulling my hair out at the shows they picked to put on the mainstage – even the black box.
They’re in southern Illinois. The only people who care about theatre in So. Ill are those in the department. So why were they expecting a full house when they put on a terribly slow paced, nails-dragging-on-chalkboard Ibsen play? Why would they put on ‘Shakespeare’s R&J’ (male/male action) to a Bible Belt crowd?
They always wanted to reach a wider audience but in a college town, with a school known for its partying, no student is going to give up a night of drinking to watch ‘Lady from the Sea’.
Yet another lesson I learned from them they didn’t know they were teaching.
I’m venturing into mystery, but since my current genre is romantic suspense, I don’t think the books are really that different.
But I know what you mean about following rules. After I turned When Danger Calls, a romantic suspense, to the publisher (and it was purchased for their romance line), my editor contacted me telling me that using the word “penis” was not permitted, because their audience would object.
Sometimes I feel very fortunate to be a horror writer, because it’s a clearly defined genre that is easier to market than some. Literary fiction isn’t always easy to place, but lots of people love horror. Now if I can just get my work to the right people…
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you too!
Mason–I think you’re a loyal reader to even *consider* buying their next book! I’m like you…I’d have to read reviews, flip through the book, look at the back cover copy before I took a risk with that author again.
Margot–I mean…you hate to think that way. You hate to think about marketing when you’re writing the book. But I couldn’t take a major departure in the middle of either of my series. If I want to suddenly make coffee, I’ve got to have it be a totally different series and probably under a totally different name. Although the idea of having 3 names is making me feel a little sick… :)
The Daring Novelist–You are so right! With the genre-bending that’s going on, it makes it hard. I think there should *definitely* be some consistency within a series. I could see getting a little edgier with other books, but then, if your readers are used to a particular style–pen names really might be the way to go.
I also like your idea of laying the groundwork and reader expectations in the beginning of the book–what type of book they’re going to be getting. Nothing like reading something really sweet and then having a nasty surprise midway through the novel…
Rayna–You made a great point…I amended my post to include the fact that pen names work well for genre changes! I know a mystery writer who writes romance under a different name–and the readers are none the wiser.
Thanks Marvin!
Karen–Thanks so much! I’d read a book by a writer I really admire who went out on a limb…one I didn’t want to go on. I was really disappointed as a reader and I vowed to *try* not to do the same thing. It’s great having a wonderful idea, but letting down our readers is just not a smart move.
Jane–She’s better about it now, but I’ve carefully built up a connection between St Patrick’s Day, leprechauns, and large amounts of chocolate. :)
Michele–Thanks!
Well, the leprechaun stunt was *supposed* to be funny, but…:) The resulting nightmares had me banging my head on the wall!
I think a major mis-step with readers is really, really tough on a writer–whether the author has written a lousy book that isn’t up to her previous standards, or whether she’s let down readers by the content. Like the old sales saying goes: “Easier to keep old customers happy than find new ones.”
Ann–And that’s all the want! A good story, that meets their expectations. And who cares how many people pick it up…the important thing is how much they enjoy it. And then you’ve built up a loyal readership.
Karen–You’re so right…this does apply to conversation and dealings with friends and family, too. If we know where they’re coming from, we can tailor our approach to them.
Helen–I’ve heard writers say that before, and I just kind of winced. Publishing isn’t that flexible. Maybe it used to be, but not these days.
Yeah, my daughter will never forget it! All the cute things I do will be completely forgotten and she’ll still be in therapy as an adult, trying to deal with a leprechaun phobia. :)
Hart–Freaking out is right! :)
And you’re right about cozy audiences..they can be set in their ways. But that’s part of the comfort of the books, I guess…a certain knowledge of what’s in store.
Dorte–And you gave good advice–because every genre needs something a little different. Picture books need one level of explanation to readers, middle-grade books another, literary fiction readers may require something else. A lot of it depends on reader expectation, I think, too…how much they *usually* get.
Jemi–Yes, I think I’m guilty much of the time as a mom! Sigh. One of those feelings we can’t really get away from!
Andy–Ohhh…I can only imagine. It would play that poorly in parts of the South, too. And you know, in some degree, they were happy that they’d satisfied themselves artistically…but what GOOD is it if no one sees it and you’re a performing artist? And, in publishing, it’s no good if no one reads the book (or our subsequent ones.) That’s only true, of course, if a person WANTS to share his writing with the world.
Elspeth–I’m with you. Books are too expensive of an investment to expect one genre and get another.
Jen–Hi there~! Thanks for popping by. I think multiple pen names would be a good way to handle the problem. It gets just a little confusing sometimes (and I just have 2 names), but not too complicated.
I think I’d have loved having a leprechaun visit, too! I was completely puzzled by her reaction…but then I guess she dreamed up something in her head that was a different creature from the benign leprechaun I’d envisioned. :)
B.–I’ve been reading a LOT about horror lately…it seems to me like the audience is growing really quickly. You’ve picked a good genre!
Point well taken.
And I think I’d leave off any April Fool’s Day jokes on your daughter, too.
I guess I’m a creature of habit and don’t care when an author changes their style. Feel free to move within certain degrees of freedom, but also stick to your guns. Stay true to the people who helped with your success.
Stephen Tremp
Bad Mommy!
I tell writers all the time – consider your audience first! I know, I get bashed by people who say “Just start writing” and poo me for thinking so commercial. But why pour so much into a piece with hopes of big things when one hasn’t considered an audience for the work yet?
Julie–I never thought about that! But that tooth fairy does come in awfully close for a landing–and has a bag of sharp teeth with her!
Terry–I’ve heard that romance is especially strict with guidelines–I always make small changes like that, too, when I’m asked. Not that I ever mention penises in my books. :) But I’ve pulled words that didn’t work for the genre.
Alex–Good idea! :) I’ll give her a free pass. Poor thing.
Stephen–Very well put! Readers should be respected.
Diane–I think you’re absolutely RIGHT. If our plan for our WIP is that it’s only written to satisfy ourselves, then we can do whatever we like. If we want to publish, we’ve got to think like a publisher (hard when you’re an artist). But the business side is so important to have a grasp on.
That is all very valuable information. Not that I’m anywhere near that stage, however.
Wishing you Happy St. Pat’s Day. I totally get your daughter’s reaction. It reminds me when parents try to force the tiny tots onto Santa’s lap. They’re terrified, and the photo proves it! I think the little ones just like the “idea” of the holiday figure.
Oh what a great comparison. Know your reader/your daughter’s experience.
Knowing my genre is a paragraph on my blog post at the moment. I am trying to find the right title for the genre I have written in.
Interesting post.
This is great advice!!