Have you ever felt the urge to write something completely different from your usual work? Maybe you’re a mystery writer with a fantasy novel burning in your imagination. Or perhaps you’ve built your name in romance but dream of penning a thriller.
That’s totally normal. Writers grow, and sometimes that means changing genres. But how do you do that without feeling lost or starting from zero?
Why Writers Change Genres
You don’t have to stick to one lane forever. Writers change genres for all kinds of reasons:
- Creative Restlessness. If you’ve written several books in the same genre, you might feel the itch to try something new.
- Market Opportunities. If your current genre isn’t getting the attention you hoped for, exploring more marketable categories makes sense.
- Personal Growth. Your life experiences shape what you want to write about. Sometimes this means exploring new literary territory.
- Audience Shift. You want to speak to a new age group or reader base.
- Reader Feedback. You might get recurring comments on specific aspects of your writing. This might point to genres where your natural strengths shine.
The Pros and Cons of Changing Genres
Switching genres can have positive and negative effects on your career.
Pros
- Fresh Creative Energy. A new genre brings new problems to solve and stories to tell.
- Skill Development. Different genres have different rules. You’ll need to quickly master new conventions and storytelling techniques.
- Wider Audience Reach. By switching genres, you expose your work to different audiences, potentially growing your overall reach.
- More Opportunities. If one genre feels crowded or slow, another may offer more visibility or better sales.
- Genre and Skill Mixing. The techniques you master in one genre often bring fresh elements to another. For example, a thriller writer might bring pacing expertise to a fantasy novel.
Cons
- Reader Confusion. Your existing fans picked up your books for a reason. If that reason no longer exists, they might not follow you to another genre.
- Learning Curve. Each genre has its own rules, tropes, and reader expectations. You’ll need time to learn these conventions before you can successfully write—or subvert—them.
- Branding Issues. It’s harder to build a clear author brand if your work jumps around. Publishers often prefer authors who build a brand in one area. Your agent or editor might question a dramatic genre shift, especially if your previous work sold well.
- Starting Over. Switching genres means rebuilding your reputation. The credibility you earned writing mysteries doesn’t automatically transfer when you publish romance.
Practical Steps for Changing Genres
If you’re ready to change genres, here’s how to do it in a way that makes sense for you and your readers.
Start Small
Write a short story, novella, or flash fiction piece in your new genre. It’s low pressure and lets you test the waters without diving in headfirst.
Read Widely in Your Target Genre
Before writing in a new genre, become a student of it. Read bestsellers, classics, and recent releases. Notice what works and what doesn’t. Pay attention to:
- Typical story structures
- Common character types
- Expected word counts
- Pacing norms
- Subgenre divisions
Be analytical in your reading. It’ll help you understand the landscape before entering it.
Bridge the Gap
Try blending your old genre with the new one. If you wrote romance but want to write fantasy, write a romantasy. If you were in crime and want to try horror, write a horror mystery. It makes the shift feel more natural, for both you and your readers.
Talk to Your Audience
Your readers follow you because they like your voice. Let them know what you’re doing and why. Some of them might follow you into your new genre.
Consider a Pen Name
A pen name keeps your brand clear and helps prevent reader confusion. If you’re not fully confident yet, it also gives you the comfort of anonymity.
Find the Right Feedback
You’re stepping into new territory, and your usual beta readers or critique partners might not be the right fit anymore. Look for people who read or write in your new genre. They’ll spot genre-specific issues your regular team could overlook.
Don’t Burn Bridges
Just because you’re exploring a new genre doesn’t mean you’re abandoning your first one. Keep the door open. You might return to it later with fresh ideas or combine elements from both genres in future projects.
Stay connected to your original audience. Let your publisher know what you’re working on. Keep in touch with your peers. You never know—they might offer support, guidance, or even opportunities that help you in both genres.
Conclusion
Changing genres doesn’t mean you’ve failed or given up on your writing. It means you’re evolving. Writing is personal, and the stories you want to tell will shift over time. Don’t fight that.
The key is approaching the transition with both creativity and strategy. As you explore new literary territory, remember to keep the core of your writing intact. Your unique perspective and style will set you apart in any genre. The right readers will find you, no matter what shelf your book lands on.
Have you changed genres? Share your thoughts below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- Step Out of Your Comfort Zone: Writing Outside Your Genre
- Why Do Book Categories and Genres Matter?
- The Literary Strange: 10 Lesser-known Genres of Literature
- What is Genre Fiction? Definition, Types, and Examples
Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
