MAKE MONEY WRITING SHORT STORIES
2. Finding Your Genre and Audience
2. Finding Your Genre and Audience
Popular Short Story Genres
Choosing the right genre is crucial for both creative satisfaction and financial success. Here’s a breakdown of some profitable and popular short story genres:
Romance.
Romance is one of the best-selling genres for short stories. Subgenres like contemporary romance, historical romance, and holiday-themed romances are especially popular.
Example: Short, sweet stories about unexpected love or second chances resonate well with readers.
Mystery/Thriller.
Fast-paced mysteries with a twist are perfect for short fiction. These stories often involve amateur sleuths, locked-room mysteries, or psychological suspense.
Example: A detective solving a case in under 5,000 words keeps readers hooked.
Science Fiction/Fantasy.
Short stories work well for exploring unique worlds or futuristic “what if” scenarios. Fantasy tales with magical creatures or sci-fi dystopias draw passionate readers.
Example: A scientist creating a time loop in their lab, or a magical duel between rivals, can make for compelling short fiction.
Horror.
Horror thrives in short form, where atmosphere and a shocking climax can leave readers thrilled or terrified.
Example: Creepy encounters, haunted objects, or psychological horrors are big hits.
Literary Fiction.
Literary short stories focus on emotional depth, character development, and beautiful prose. They are often featured in literary magazines and competitions.
Example: A reflective story about a chance encounter that changes a character’s perspective on life.
Comedy/Humor.
Short stories with witty dialogue and absurd situations provide light entertainment. Great for readers looking for a quick laugh.
Example: A quirky story about a pet detective solving bizarre animal-related crimes.
Identifying Your Ideal Readers
Knowing who you’re writing for ensures your stories resonate and sell. Here’s how to identify and connect with your audience:
Understand Reader Preferences:
Study bestselling short stories in your chosen genre. What themes, characters, or settings do they explore?
Read reviews to see what readers love—or dislike—about similar stories.
Define Your Target Audience.
Ask yourself. Who would enjoy this story? What age group am I writing for (teens, adults, or a niche like Gen Z)? What emotions or experiences do I want my audience to relate to?
Engage with Reader Communities.
Join online forums, social media groups, or Reddit threads focused on your genre. Engage with potential readers to understand their tastes. Platforms like Wattpad, Medium, or genre-specific blogs offer insights into trending topics and preferences.
Test Your Stories.
Publish a few short stories on free platforms like Medium or your blog. Pay attention to which stories get the most reads, shares, or positive feedback.
Create a Reader Persona. Imagine your ideal reader and describe their preferences. What kind of stories do they seek out? Are they looking for escapism, thrills, or emotional depth?
Tailoring Your Stories to Readers
Language and Tone: Use language that matches your genre. For example, romance readers expect emotional and poetic descriptions, while thriller fans prefer crisp, tension-filled prose.
Length and Structure: Short story readers appreciate tight pacing and satisfying conclusions. Tailor your story length to fit genre norms (e.g., 2,000–5,000 words for romance, under 10,000 for sci-fi).
Experimentation: Once you know your audience, test different themes or twists within your genre to keep them engaged.