Genre Expectations in Fiction Writing
By Mary Kole
Mary Kole is a former literary agent, freelance editor, writing teacher, author of Writing Irresistible Kidlit, and IP developer for major publishers, with over a decade in the publishing industry.
As an aspiring writer, you’ve likely heard the term "genre expectations" thrown around when discussing your manuscript or the publishing submission process. But what exactly does this mean? And how do you figure out and fulfill these expectations while still telling a unique and compelling story that doesn’t seem formulaic or creatively unexciting? In this article, I’ll explore everything you need to know about genre expectations in fiction writing. From the definition of genre expectations to common pitfalls writers should avoid, I’ll cover it all.
What Are Genre Expectations?
Genre expectations refer to the set of conventions, themes, and tropes that readers expect to find in a particular genre of fiction. For example, romance readers expect a happy ending (or at least a “happy for now”) and a focus on romantic relationships, while horror readers expect a sense of dread and fear woven throughout a story where the protagonist is in real, mortal danger. In the mystery genre, readers expect clues that lead to solving a crime or puzzle that has already happened, while in thriller, genre expectations dictate that the bad event is yet to come. In science fiction, readers expect future technology or alternate realities, as well as moral issues about the elements in question.
The ingredients of genre expectations include plot structure, character archetypes, setting, themes, and tone. By understanding these key elements of your chosen genre, you can tailor your story to meet reader expectations while still adding a unique twist.
By including these elements in their work, writers can appeal to their target audience and meet their expectations. By fulfilling these expectations, writers can satisfy their target audience's desires and create an engaging reading experience.
Figuring Out Relevant Genre Expectations
When trying to figure out relevant genre expectations for your work, it's important to read widely within your chosen genre and analyze popular books closely. Pay attention to recurring themes, plot devices, character types, setting descriptions—anything that seems familiar across multiple books in your chosen genre. You can also read a book’s marketing materials and reviews. How are various books pitched to readers? What do their descriptions highlight? What do readers respond to well, or what do they think went wrong if a book didn’t meet genre expectations?
Questions to Consider When Fulfilling or Subverting Genre Expectations
When trying to fulfill or subvert genre expectations, writers should consider questions such as: What is the core appeal of this genre? What are readers expecting when they pick up a book in this genre? How can I add my own unique spin on these familiar elements without straying too far from what readers expect?
That’s not to say you need to fulfill all genre expectations and tick every box. This can end up feeling formulaic, like you’re not able to be truly creative. But this can be a self-limiting belief. If you’re aiming for traditional publication and to reach as many readers as possible, try embracing certain genre expectations while intentionally playing with or reversing others.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
While fulfilling genre expectations can be important for creating an engaging reading experience, there are some common pitfalls that writers should avoid. One common mistake is relying too heavily on cliches, tropes, or formulas instead of adding their own unique voice. Another pitfall is breaking genre conventions without a clear reason or purpose. If something is only done for shock value, is it really a choice made in the service of story? By understanding these pitfalls and being mindful of them during the writing process, writers can create a work that satisfies reader expectations while still creating work that feels fresh and original.
Understanding and fulfilling genre expectations can be important for any aspiring writer looking to create an engaging reading experience for their target audience. From analyzing popular books in your chosen genre to asking yourself the right questions about how to fulfill or subvert reader expectations, there are many ways to ensure that your manuscript meets the needs of its intended readership while also fulfilling a writer’s need to be their creative self. By avoiding common pitfalls and staying true to the ingredients of your chosen genre, you can write a work that appeals to fans of your preferred niche while also offering something potentially more marketable to literary agents and traditional publishers.
Ready to expand your writing and publishing knowledge? Covering a wide range of topics for all stages of the writing process, my books will help you navigate the publishing world and refine your craft. The publishing landscape is constantly evolving, and I’m always looking for new and innovative resources to help writers succeed.