Exactly What Am I Writing?

Now you would think a writer would know what she's writing, wouldn't you? Not always. You would be surprised how many new and aspiring authors I've met who don't know what genre of book they're writing. When I ask they blink rapidly then give me a synopsis of their book. Oh-oh.

The first thing you should do after finishing your great book is figure out what it is. Oh yes, agents and editors will want to know for sure. But you want to figure this out first so you won't look like an idiot, er, I mean novice. See you need to know which agents and publishers are right for your book so you won't send it to the wrong people. Very important. And by the way, if you interest an agent or editor they will ask you. So yeah, it's kinda important that you do your homework.

Here is a great article on the differences between thrillers, suspense novels, mystery novels, etc. at Murder She Writes . C J Lyons is a bestselling author and the guest who summarizes the distinctions.