Genre guides

Character-driven stories that explore the human condition. Literary fiction prioritises prose style, thematic depth, and psychological complexity over fast-paced plotting. Readers expect nuanced characters, layered narratives, and writing that rewards re-reading.

High-stakes stories built on tension, danger, and the need to know what happens next. Pacing is everything. Short chapters, cliffhangers, and ticking clocks keep readers turning pages. Think: what's at risk, and why should the reader care?

At its heart, romance is about the emotional journey between two people. Readers expect a central love story and an emotionally satisfying ending. Subgenres range from contemporary to historical, paranormal to romantic suspense. The key: make the reader feel.

Stories that explore "what if?" through technology, space, time, or alternate realities. World-building is critical, but the best sci-fi is grounded in human emotion and moral questions. Don't let the tech overshadow the story.

Richly imagined worlds with their own rules, magic systems, and cultures. Fantasy readers love depth — maps, histories, languages. But even in a world of dragons, the characters must feel real.

Stories driven by a puzzle, an investigation, or a crime. The reader expects fair play — clues should be planted, red herrings earned, and the resolution satisfying. Structure matters here more than almost any other genre.

True stories told with the craft of fiction. The best memoirs aren't just accounts of what happened — they explore why it mattered. Vulnerability, reflection, and a strong narrative voice are what set great memoir apart.

Writing for younger readers demands clarity, authenticity, and respect. YA deals with real issues — identity, belonging, first love, injustice — through the lens of adolescent experience. Don't talk down. Trust your readers.