The Times They Are A-Changing by Debra H. Goldstein
Bob Dylan wrote his anthem styled tribute to the way the world was changing in the 1960’s. It’s lyrics ring true today, but this isn’t a political blog post. Rather, it is an observation of the changes in publishing and how authors are pivoting to stay relevant (and published).
When I began writing seriously a decade ago, my first books were characterized as academic or traditional mysteries. My Sarah Blair series was marketed as being cozy. The first two books I wrote were orphaned by their respective publishers, which necessitated me writing something different or give up writing. That’s when I came up with Sarah Blair, a woman more frightened of the kitchen than murder.
I was thrilled when Kensington made me an offer for my cozy, One Taste Too Many. I felt blessed. I didn’t know how much that was true until I started hearing about another publisher who was phasing out their cozy line of books resulting in authors scrambling for new homes. Most didn’t find one.
Some gave up writing. Others turned to self-publishing. Many began writing stand-alone suspense and light thrillers. Today, authors of these kind of books are pivoting again because they are discovering that the demand is for more over the top action in mysteries and romantasy.
Does it reflect readers’ desire for escapism? Is it a marketing analysis strategy? I don’t know. All I’m certain of is that The Times They Are A-Changing.
Hopefully, we’ll find a way to keep you as a reader. But tell us, what kind of books do you want to read and why?
I think publishing is constantly changing. It also circles around. Cozies go out of style, then come back in. But yes, the current trend (according to those I've spoken with in the business) is away from traditional mysteries and toward the stand alone suspense/thrillers you mention. But we, as writers, still need to love what we write and write what we love or else it shows on the page.
ReplyDeleteThis is Annette, by the way. I don't know why Blogger won't let me log in this morning.
DeleteAnnette, it is curious that things constantly change and then come back in....but it is often difficult to stay calm enough to write what we like.
DeleteMy tastes in reading haven't changed. I've always loved mysteries, historical fiction, women's fiction, and biographies.
DeleteOne thing to keep in mind is that no genre goes bust. There are millions who still read and prefer cozies, but because of the tendency for publishers (and authors) to chase "trends" the market became oversaturated -- so each cozy sold less well. While others jump for the next great thing, authors who write wonderful cozy series will continue to find readers -- all my opinion, of course. I have no crystal ball.
ReplyDeleteJim, I think you are right, but the changing market means new writers may need to find less traditional ways to get their work out to their particular audience.
DeleteFor sure.
DeleteAnnette is right. While it's a good idea to keep an eye on market trends, writing is personal. I write what gives me satisfaction. If it finds a market, great. I love to share my work. If it doesn't find a market, it is a bit disappointing, but I still meet my main goal, which is creating stories.
ReplyDeleteAnd the love and care shows in each of your stories. I think the frustration for some authors detracts them from continuing to write.
ReplyDeleteInteresting blog, Debra. I find that my reading interests have become darker in recent years, and so has my writing.
ReplyDeleteA sign of the times?
DeleteWe're in a strange business and it's amazing that so many of us stick with it.
ReplyDeleteYour comment made me think of the song in Chorus Line - "What I Did for Love."
DeleteI'm taking a break from series writing for the time being. From novel writing, actually. Doing some short story writing, mostly because I need a sense of completion right now!
ReplyDeleteWith so many things to juggle, one needs to find satisfaction -- and a short piece may be the solution.
DeleteI think cozies and all genres keep on changing. Perhaps evolving is a better word. I know that my cozy books are edgier now, though I still follow the cozy rules. I make sure to never harm a child, an animal, and murders occur off-scene.
ReplyDeleteEdgier is a good description for many of the cozies - so is actions that may be more outside the box...but the trope rules you mentioned still stick.
ReplyDelete