I was at a writer’s event last month and I was stunned by how many writers couldn’t name the genre of their book.

Not only that, they were thousands of words—some even had full drafts!—into their manuscripts and still didn’t know.
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If you don’t know your genre, you’re already behind. Genre is EVERYTHING. It’s not just a label–it’s the backbone of your story, your brand, your marketing, your readers.
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Want people to buy your book? Want them to love it? Then let’s get serious about genre.

Why Genre Matters (Big Time)

Look, readers come to a book with expectations. If you’re writing a mystery, they expect suspense and twists. If it’s romance, they’re looking for real stakes and a satisfying ending.
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Knowing your genre doesn’t limit your creativity—it ensures your story works. If you don’t know it? You’re setting yourself up for frustration and confusion.
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Here’s why genre matters:

• Structure: Different genres need different structures. Romance thrives on emotional tension. Thrillers? They need that high-stakes pacing. Know the blueprint.
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• Pacing: The rhythm of your story depends on genre. Fast-paced thrillers keep readers on the edge of their seats, while literary fiction lingers on introspection. You need to match your pacing to what your audience craves.
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• Marketing: Genre helps you identify who’s going to buy your book. You’re not selling a cozy mystery to a dystopian sci-fi fan. Knowing your genre gives you clarity, and clarity leads to readers—and readers lead to sales.

Don’t Know Your Genre? Figure It Out—Right Now

Feeling unsure about your genre? Don’t panic—you’re not alone. But it’s time to get clear.
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Here’s how:

1. Check Your Themes: What’s the heart of your story? Is it about love, justice, redemption? Your theme will point you in the right direction. This is the core of your genre.
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2. Look at your characters: Who are they? What they’re doing and what they want. Are they falling in love, solving a crime, or saving the world? Their goals will tell you a lot about your genre.
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3. Look at Your Bookshelf: What do you read for fun? Chances are, the books you love are a lot like the one you’re writing. Identify their genre, and you’ll probably see a pattern.
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4. Do Your Homework: Research the top-selling books in your genre and see what they have in common. Don’t reinvent the wheel—learn what works, then make it your own.
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5. Ask for Input: Sometimes you’re too close to your own story to see it clearly. Ask for feedback from a trusted reader or critique group. Don’t be afraid to ask, “What genre do you think this is?”
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👉 Need more help? Click here. I’ll send my Genre Cheat Sheet over ASAP. It’s a quick page outlining 10 major genres and 3-5 key tropes or reader expectations for each.

Own Your Genre—and Your Writing

Once you know your genre, own it. This is where the magic happens.
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When you embrace your genre, you’re not limiting yourself—you’re using it as a tool.
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Master the rules, then decide when to break them. Writing within a genre isn’t about putting yourself in a box, it’s about knowing your readers and giving them a story they can’t put down.
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So trust yourself. You’ve got this.
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Define your genre and make it work for you. This is how you create a story that not only works—but one that sells.

Hello!
My name is Jocelyn.

Story warrior, book lover, day dreamer, gardener, and creative. I help serious writers roll up their sleeves, get their novel ready for publishing, and reach readers. When I’m not elbow-deep in the story trenches, I’m outside world-building in my garden and battling weeds with my three criminal mastermind cats.