Whether to write fiction or non-fiction is an important decision for the author with publishing aspirations. If you have inclinations toward both, try both. Write a few chapters, a short story, or an article portraying a true-life event. Then let your imagination flow. Decide which provides more satisfaction, since writing with passion is essential to future success.
The decision to write fiction or non-fiction should not be made without considering an important question: Is it easier to become a published author by writing in one genre or the other?
There is no clear consensus as to whether fiction or non-fiction provides a better stepping-stone to a career as an author, but far more works of fiction are presented to literary agents and publishers than non-fiction. With so much competition, the odds of success for a first-time author of fiction are diminished. This is because publishers realize it is normally the author who is the star since readers return to purchase books by authors whom they have enjoyed before.
Non-fiction may provide more opportunity. First-time authors with a “platform” (expertise in a particular subject) abound, since generally the subject matter is as important as the name of the author on the book cover. Publishers recognized that the true story focusing on discharge of chemical waste by a large corporation portrayed in A Civil Action was the star, not the unknown author, Jonathan Harr. A similar situation occurred following the terrorist attacks on the United States when several books by unknown authors about the Taliban, Osama bin Laden, Afghanistan, and chemical warfare became bestsellers.
As with all rules of thumb, there are exceptions. Non-fiction is a broad genre including how-to and instructional books, biography, inspirational books, humor, and what is known as “narrative non-fiction”—true stories unfolding in much the same storytelling pattern as fiction. Authors of narrative non-fiction can also become superstars with a dedicated readership, as did Jon Krakauer, author of Into Thin Air and Into The Wild, or Stephen Ambrose, author of Undaunted Courage. Editors reviewing narrative non-fiction submissions look for many of the same qualities they seek with fiction—a compelling story with unforgettable characters written in page-turning style.
An exception to the author being the star of fiction may occur when the subject matter of the novel focuses on a headline-making topic. During the period following the Washington D.C. area sniper attacks, novels featuring themes about serial killers were popular.
Marie Butler-Knight, former publisher of Alpha Books, an imprint of Penguin Group USA, believes the genre of non-fiction can make all the difference regarding publishing potential. “Generalizations can be dangerous because there are different types of non-fiction,” she says. “How-to/informational books are easier to break in with if you have subject matter expertise. If you’re a generalist author, you’d better have a subject matter expert as a co-author or you’ll have a hard time convincing a publisher to publish you.”
Regarding biographies and narrative non-fiction, Butler-Knight disagrees with those who believe the genres are totally story-driven. “In order to succeed, these types of books need to tell compelling stories,” she states. “They require the same sort of writing skills as fiction. To a publisher, this sort of work is totally author-driven and every bit as risky as publishing fiction.”
The publishing world’s view toward fiction and non-fiction is symbolized through the comments of Jane von Mehren, former executive editor of Penguin Books. She told Writer’s Digest, “Non-fiction has become a strong, sophisticated area . . . In many ways, non-fiction is easier to publish than fiction because it targets a very definable audience, and it’s easier to package books and target them to specific readers.” She added, “It’s a booming area. In non-fiction, we look for books that will have a long shelf life, offering solid information and advice useful for years to come. It really helps when a non-fiction author is already an expert in his or her field, and the book builds on an existing platform.”
Von Mehren stated, “In fiction, we’re looking for a breakthrough story that will have a long life in trade paperback . . . Trade paperback fiction is gaining momentum, with excellent literary titles getting broader exposure . . . An unknown writer can break through with a great story. For an editor, that discovery is still an incomparable thrill.”
Whether to attempt to dent the traditional publishing industry with works of fiction or non-fiction is the writer’s choice, but John Baker, a fixture at Publisher’s Weekly for years and a noted expert on the book industry, reveals interesting statistics he learned from a top literary agent. “I’m told that 95% of the material that agents receive is fiction,” he said. “And that they sell 5%. Of the 5% of non-fiction that lands on their desk, they sell 95%.”
So, Hemingwaywantabes, listen up, and make your selection based on any number of factors mentioned here. Whether you choose fiction or non-fiction, it will be the quality of your work that makes the difference. Remember – unique book idea + great writing + well-planned publishing strategy = optimization of your publishing chances. And best of all, it only takes one publisher to say “yes” so keep the faith and never give up.
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