Blogger: Rachel Kent
At Books & Such, we love all types of writers. But today, I’d like to tell you about two specific types. Each one has its pros and cons.
The first is The Flexible Writer.
The Flexible Writer is the writer we can go to when opportunity knocks. If an editor contacts us with a request or if they are looking for a certain type of project, we know we can go to The Flexible Writer and he/she will be able to do the job well and get it done on time. The Flexible Writer can often take on work-for-hire projects and/or collaborations in addition to their own writing.
The big concern with The Flexible Writer is that he/she might fall into the unbranded trap. Sales figures and even reputation can be hurt by this. Publishing houses might refuse to work with The Flexible Writer if he/she is stretched in too many directions. And The Flexible Writer can hurt sales by marketing too many completely different projects to one audience.
The second type of writer is The Focused Writer.
The Focused Writer knows what he/she writes. He/She will always write in a single genre and does very well with it. This type of writer is very branded and can easily market to his/her audience because the audience is following the writer because they are interested in a specific type of book. Everything should be smooth sailing for this type of author, except for the fact that…
Genre interest waxes and wanes.
The Focused Writer could be in trouble if the interest for his/her genre disappears for a time. A lot in publishing tends to be cyclical, so the interest in the genre most likely will return, but no one knows how long it could take.
I have both flexible and focused writers as clients, and I am very happy to represent both types. I love ’em!
Do you see yourself as one of these types? Are you a mix of the two or something completely different?
How could a Flexible or Focused writer work to overcome the downside of their type?
Are there any downsides I missed?
Lies Writers Believe
This was an interesting exploration. As I read through it (before reaching your concluding questions) I was pondering, “This seems so black and white. Why could a writer not be a blend of the two?” Then I began considering percentages and wondering if something like an 80/20 mix or even an 85/15 mix where the writer was 85% in genre, but could take on 15% outside their area of focus. With a mix like that, could we resolve the “unbranded writer” concern?
Damon, here’s my take…
I figger cows they is for brandin’,
not a cuttin’ horse like me,
and I ain’t a-gonna ‘bandon
that what gives me dignity.
I kin write in any john-ray
an’ my words they sing an’ dance
if I’se write ’bout risin’ Blu-Ray
or the headless King o’ France.
I own the rights unto tomorry
and hold lease of yesteryear
Want a past or future story?
You kin git one, righty here.
I’ll even do Sci-Fi so hip,
we got Elvis on the Mother Ship.
Rachel, this is for you. The bad things for me may be deferred, but perhaps it’s past time to defer heart and truth.
Your warm and luminous kindness
shines through each word you write
with a backbone, steadfast, righteous
of practiced Christian might.
You lead and you inspire
with a gentle hand and heart
and you understand the desire
of aspiring writer’s heart.
I’m so glad to have met you here
in this vast electron-sea;
your voice of hope calmed writing’s mere
from storm to coherency.
They are saying I’m a goner,
but Rachel…it’s been an honour.
That’s a difficult question … I tend to be focused, to enjoy staying steadily working on the project of my choice, but have been known to mix things up a bit. I wrote my first romance on a dare and will write for specific magazines when I see that the editors will be at a conference I’m attending, even if I have a longstanding project as well.
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For the most part I am a Focused Writer: I write stories with messages for young readers. There are times, however, I just want to write something that is light and entertaining. I don’t ever see myself stepping too far outside my comfort zone–never will be writing sci-fi or fantasy–but the occasional dip into another genre is a pleasant change.