If you’re looking to publish a book but are unsure of what publishers are looking for, then this is the video for you. I’m giving you five trends affecting this year and years to come. This way you can navigate this ever-changing industry, and get your book published and straight to the hands of readers.
As an author and library staff, I have the opportunity to see, first hand, what publishers are accepting and producing. And what publishers want is what readers want.
THE 5 TRENDS IN THE PUBLISHING INDUSTRY
Please note that this list is not from best to least or any order; instead I encourage you to take it all in as you work on your writing. (You can view the video content below.)
- Immersive Storytelling.
In other words, “show don’t tell”. There was a time when storytelling had a lot of telling involved. As the reader, you experienced an event and viewed the main character from a third-person perspective. It’s like having an out-of-body experience, even though you’re technically reading from the hero’s side of things.
Today, readers want to be the main character experiencing the events on a deep, personal level. (to camera) Think of it as putting on a virtual reality headset and getting into the head and body of the main character, and tackling problems head-on. (off camera) This is what publishers are looking for. They’re looking for stories that allow readers to take the center stage of the book, hence you have to “show” what’s happening instead of “telling”.
For instance, if you’re writing about a character who has just experienced a breakup, instead of telling the reader “Jane was shocked and heart broken,” you’d show them through Jane’s body language. A better would be: “There was a ringing in Jane’s ears, and her heart stopped beating. It was as if an invisible hand reached into her chest, clenched its fist around her heart, and yanked it out. The hollowness made her throat burn and tears began to fog her vision.”
If you’re currently working on a novel, I highly encourage you to read through one of the chapters and see if you can change the “telling” events into “showing” ones.
- Inclusivity and Representation.
Diversity and inclusion are no longer just buzzwords being thrown around on the internet. They are essential for reflecting the world we live in, resonating with a wider audience.
Publishers are actively seeking stories featuring characters and narratives from underrepresented backgrounds, voices, and perspectives. Think of it as the world is becoming a melting pot, and publishers want to reflect this in the material that they produce.
As a writer, this is an advantage for you, as you get to use your authentic voice and experiences to create stories that readers can relate to. Let’s be honest, your favorite book of all time holds that place in your heart because the character is exactly like you. It’s like you found yourself & your struggles in a book. This is exactly what you want to do for your readers–write them a book that they too can relate to and will want to read over and over again because they are the main character.
- Genre Mash-Ups and Hybrid Formats
The lines between traditional genres are blurring as readers seek unique and unpredictable experiences. Such traditional genres include fantasy, romance, horror, mystery, etc. In such groups, certain elements must take place in order for that story to be considered that category.
(off camera) However, with your genre mash-ups, also known as cross-genres or hybrids, the different elements combine, making for a more intriguing reading experience. Such genres include: sci-fi fantasy romantacy, mystery thrillers, and more. Within these genres you also a more diverse group of people.
Publishers are also accepting storytelling formats like graphic novels, interactive fiction, and podcast series or self-help books. So if you’re one who naturally does not steer towards conventional genres or boundaries, you’re in luck. Start writing your book now and get it published!
- Stepping Away from Tradition
Just like genres, publishing itself is changing for the better. Writers now have more say in their work, allowing them to work either independently or with hybrid publishers. Because of the competition, traditional publishers must also change their game.
If you listen to older authors talk about their publishing experiences, they’ll tell you that there was a time when they had zero say in their books. Once their manuscripts were accepted, the publishers did with it whatever they wanted. Today, authors get to view their book covers, they can agree or disagree with changes that editors suggest, and they have a say in how much they want to be compensated for their work.
On the topic of compensation, some authors have even gone from traditional publishing to self-publishing because they keep more profit.
What does this mean for traditional publishing houses who want to continue to stay in business? Give more control to the authors.
- Power of Community
The rise of social media and online communities has created a vibrant space for authors to engage with their readers, therefore publishers are looking for authors who can build a strong online presence, foster community engagement with their readers, and cultivate passionate reader bases.
From a reader perspective, imagine you’re trying to connect with your parent but they leave you hanging for weeks or months. You’d be bum. Now replace that parent with your favorite author. You’d be deeply hurt if you didn’t hear back from them. And publishers are realizing this gap and wanting to close that by working with authors to keep the bond going between the writer and their readers.
Yes, this does mean more work for you, the author, as you’ll have to participate more in online discussions, in-person events, collaborating with other authors, etc. but you’re connecting with your readers on a personal level and gaining perspective on just how important your writing is to them. You’re a miracle worker, and that’s truly the magic of writing and publishing.
You can view the video content of this information below:
CONCLUSION:
To sum it up, the publishing landscape is constantly evolving, demanding adaptability and innovation from authors. Creating immersive stories that represent a wide range of readers, experimenting with new formats, choosing the publishing path that is right for you, and building strong online communities are essential for success in the ever-changing world of publishing.
By embracing these trends and tapping into the desires of readers and publishers, you can write stories that captivate and resonate not only this year but for many years to come.