Hello I am Andrew and I wish to become a novelist. I wish to create a book series and am on the path of doing so. My next step is to find out my audience and what they like reading. My genre puts me under Science Fiction and Fantasy or Speculative Fiction. When searching for data on SF&F fans I came across an article by Tina Dubinsky at http://tinadubinsky.com/fantasy-readers/ .
They Survey I wish for SF&F fans to take is a copy and paste from Tina’s. The second half of my survey consists of questions about themes and elements I wish to put into my series. So I would like those who take part in my survey to also take part in Tina’s which is linked at the bottom of her article. My survey can be found at https://goo.gl/forms/zG1XzkpH9V7P3dGx1 and I would like to thank you in advance for taking part of it! And again please also fill out Tina’s survey since the first half of mine is a copy and paste of hers.
If you're focusing on marketability rather then creativity I'm automatically not interested. You should be writing because you have an idea, not because you want to be the next Stephen King or JK Rowling.
I guess that's one way of approaching it. I'd actually be all for something like this if it ultimately gives you ideas. But I don't think tailoring a series like this would work if you're not 'feeling it.' It'll show.
I no longer participate in any surveys. Recent and current events have shown those are motivated by malign agendas and for abuses. Even otherwise benevolent surveys presuppose wanted results: petitio principii, "begs the question," circular logic that assumes the conclusion at the outset and often disguised malevolence.
Personal research is by far a greater method for the self's audience definition. Determine and study what the self most likes to read. If the intent is commercial success, study commercial fiction of the self's preferred successful commercial genre. Look to blockbuster bestsellers that generate word-of-mouth buzz, Buzz, BUZZ, and of proven revenue performance.
If the intent is otherwise, define the intent. Critical acclaim? Timeless endurance of classics? World Wide Web prospector for a like-minded and rare niche community? Moral truth discovery? Melodrama? Moral law assertions? Filthy zero-sum lucre? Or public political ammunition for sick purposes?
Then emulate the best of appeals re-imagined and dismiss the least appeals of whatever.
Hi Lance -
I like to support new writers, so I completed your survey.
I agree with many of the comments above that this isn't the way to go about choosing what to write. Not in the beginning anyway.
I recommend just writing what you like. Become a good writer. Then go on to become a great writer.
People read stories written by competent writers, even if the stories don't align 100% with their areas of interest.
Sounds like you got the passion ...and perhaps some OCDs. ... Time to write!
WOTF Stats
(2014) V31 – R
(2018) V35 – HM
(2019) V36 – HM, SHM
(2020) V37 – R, HM, SHM, Finalist
(2021) V38 – SF, SHM, SHM, HM
(2022) V39 – HM, SHM, SHM, SHM
(2023) V40 - HM, SF, tba, tba
Tailoring was a tempting idea, but ultimately I put it aside. However , knowing the general market thirst can help you start with a direction to write if you're not sure where to begin. Keep in mind that the market can shift at anytime though. That is why I write first (if I already have an idea), then file, then check the markets. But what do I really know? I've been too slow and too cautious to even attempt to do anything with what I write. Ive seen stories that have recently come onto the market having concepts I had thirty years ago. just thinking about it is like gargling bitters. Better to write your own creative ideas down when you have them, then when the winds of the writing gods change, they might just blow your story onto fertile land! hope this helps.
Spiraledpen
Truth is a three edged sword.
Kosh, B5
