Getting your book into the right genre can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options out there. It’s easy to wonder which one will help your story find the right readers and sales. But don’t worry—by choosing the right genre and following its rules, you’ll set yourself up for success and connection.
If you keep reading, I’ll share simple tips on picking the perfect genre, sticking to its conventions, and even how to market your book like a pro within that space. These straightforward strategies will help you craft a book that both meets reader expectations and showcases your strengths.
In just a few pages, you’ll learn how to pick your genre, use genre-specific keywords, and connect with communities that get your story. Let’s get started and turn your writing into the perfect fit for your readers!
Key Takeaways
- Choose a genre that is trending and matches your story’s core elements. Research current popular genres like YA thrillers, sci-fi, or diverse LGBTQ+ fiction to improve your chances in the market.
- Follow genre expectations by analyzing bestsellers. Use genre conventions such as pacing, themes, and tropes but add your unique twist to stand out.
- Edit your manuscript to meet genre standards—ensure pacing, character authenticity, and themes align with what readers expect, especially for subgenres like dark romance or LGBTQ+ fiction.
- Leverage genre-specific keywords and hashtags on platforms like Amazon and social media to help your book get discovered by the right audience.
- Stay updated on industry trends through social media, reports, and conferences. Knowing what’s popular in 2025 helps tailor your story and marketing efforts.
- Analyze successful books in your genre to learn what works—pay attention to structure, character development, and how they handle genre tropes. Use this insight to improve your own writing.
- Build a presence in genre communities and set clear goals for your publishing journey. Experiment with short stories or projects in your niche to connect with readers and refine your approach.
Pick the Right Genre and Sub-Genre for Your Book
Choosing the right genre can make or break your book’s chances in the market. Right now, YA fiction is the hottest among publishers, with over 56 mentions in industry profiles for 2025, especially YA thrillers, sci-fi, and romance. If you want your book to catch attention, pick a genre that aligns with current trends and your interests. For example, if you’re into fantasy, consider writing in the popular romantasy sub-genre, which is still trending thanks to BookTok fans.
To get started, think about your story’s core elements and what readers expect from those categories. If you’re aiming for YA, make sure your tone, themes, and character age fit that reader base. Reading books in your chosen genre also helps you understand the conventions—like pacing, language, and plot devices—that make readers feel at home. Remember, genres like LGBTQ+ fiction are also surging in demand in 2025, so including diverse characters can boost your book’s appeal. Do some research on what’s hot now by checking resources like winter writing prompts or industry trend reports to see what’s resonating.
Follow Genre Conventions and Reader Expectations
Getting familiar with what readers expect from your genre is key. For instance, if you’re writing a dark romance, readers love intense emotions and morally complex characters, while fantasy readers look for immersive world-building and unique magic systems. This means your story should meet those standards to connect with your audience and stand out.
One way to do this is by analyzing bestsellers in your chosen genre. Notice the pacing, chapter structure, and common themes. Think about genre-specific tropes—like the “chosen one” in fantasy or the “opposites attract” in romance—and decide how you want to incorporate or flip them. Editing is also crucial—your manuscript should align with these conventions to make it easier for editors and agents to see its fit. For example, if you’re targeting YA thrillers, your story should pack suspense and quick chapters, aligning with what’s popular in 2025, such as YA sci-fi with action-packed plots.
Remember, reader expectations aren’t about copying but understanding the baseline so you can deliver something fresh yet familiar. When you write, keep your audience in mind—what they love and what they usually want to see in that genre. If you need help, resources like writing in present tense or genre-specific guides can give you tips on fitting those conventions smoothly.
Edit Your Manuscript to Match Genre Standards
Once your draft is done, the next step is to edit it so it fits neatly into your genre. This isn’t about changing your voice but about ensuring your story meets the standards readers and publishers expect. For example, YA novels often have rapid pacing, relatable characters, and clear-cut stakes, so your manuscript should reflect that.
Start by comparing your manuscript with top-selling books in your genre. Are your chapters the right length? Is the dialogue authentic? Do the themes resonate with your target audience? For instance, in LGBTQ+ fiction, authentic representation is crucial—avoid stereotypes and focus on genuine character development. If you’re writing a dark romance, make sure the emotional tension and pacing are consistent throughout.
Editing also involves sharpening your language, fixing plot issues, and smoothing out inconsistencies. Tools like automatic manuscript review software can help identify areas where your book might be diverging from genre norms. Remember, staying true to genre standards while adding your unique twist gives your book the best shot at success in 2025’s competitive market.
Focus on Emerging Subgenres Like LGBTQ+ Fiction and Dark Romance
In 2025, genres like LGBTQ+ fiction are booming, with 49 mentions from agents and editors, showing strong demand for diverse stories.
If you want to boost your chances, consider weaving authentic representation and relatable characters into your work to appeal to these readers.
Dark romance continues to do well, dominating self-publishing sales and attracting readers who crave intense emotional stories.
To stand out, balance the genre conventions with your unique voice, and pay attention to what’s trending—reading current bestsellers can give you a good sense of what works now.
Make sure your plot includes the elements that readers in these subgenres love, like layered characters or immersive worlds, without copying clichés.
Master Genre-Specific Marketing and Keyword Strategies
Using the right keywords can make a big difference in how your book shows up in genre-specific searches on Amazon or other platforms.
Research popular tags and phrases that your target readers are searching for—tools like KDP keyword tools can help you find the best options.
Include genre-related hashtags on social media, especially on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where readers discover new books.
Tailor your book descriptions to highlight elements that resonate with your genre’s audience, like emphasis on themes or tropes they love.
Plus, if your story fits into a hot subgenre, surf that trend by referencing it naturally in your marketing—today’s readers are drawn to #ya thriller or #romantasy posts.
Stay Updated on Industry Trends and Industry Events
In the ever-changing world of publishing, staying in the loop is key—trends shift fast, especially among young readers.
Follow industry insiders and publishers on social media, and regularly check reports like winter writing prompts or literary agency profiles to see what’s gaining traction.
Attend virtual conferences, webinars, or local writing groups to hear firsthand about what editors and agents are hunting for in 2025.
This knowledge can help you tweak your manuscript or marketing plan before you submit or release your book, giving you an edge.
Remember, knowing what’s hot means you can craft stories or pitch ideas aligned with current interests—like YA thrillers or diverse LGBTQ+ narratives—when the timing is right.
Analyze Your Competitors and Learn from Top-Selling Books
Look at what books in your chosen genre are selling well—what do they have that yours might be missing?
Jump into reading the top titles and note their chapter lengths, pacing, and character development.
Pay attention to how the authors handle genre tropes—do they stick closely, or do they do a fresh spin?
Compare your manuscript to these books—are your stakes just as high? Is your dialogue authentic enough?
Use this insight to fine-tune your story, making sure it meets genre standards but still offers your personal touch.
Tools like automatic manuscript reviews can help identify areas for improvement based on genre norms.
Develop Growth Strategies for Your Genre and Subgenre in 2025
When planning your publishing journey, keep in mind the growing preferences for YA and LGBTQ+ fiction, along with the popularity of dark romance.
Set realistic goals for your book’s release, marketing, and outreach—think about building an audience on social platforms popular among your niche.
Consider engaging with genre-specific communities—forums, Facebook groups, or TikTok fandoms can help you connect directly with your ideal readers.
If you’re unsure how to start, experimenting with small projects or short stories in your chosen genre can give you insight and build confidence.
Remember, adjusting your approach based on how the genre evolves in 2025 is vital—what’s trending now might shift, so stay flexible and keep learning.
FAQs
Select a genre that aligns with your story and interests. Consider your writing strengths, target audience, and the themes you want to explore to find a genre that feels natural and exciting for you.
Following genre conventions helps set reader expectations and makes your book more appealing to fans of that genre. It shows that you understand what readers look for in particular styles and themes.
Use keywords and phrases typical of your genre in your marketing. Engage with genre-specific communities online and tailor your promotional strategies to attract the right readers for your book type.
