Should You Follow writing Market Trends? The Truth About Writing for Publishers

One of the most eye-opening aspects of working with literary agents is seeing how they balance market trends with individual storytelling. Yes, they track what’s selling and keep an eye on industry shifts. But the best agents don’t just chase trends—they look for fresh voices, original stories, and books that bring something unique to the table.

As a writer, this can feel like a tough balancing act. Should you tailor your book to fit the market, or should you stay true to your vision? The truth is, both matter, but authenticity should always come first.

Lesson #1: Trend-Chasing is a Risky Game

It’s tempting to look at what’s selling and think, I should write something just like that! But by the time you finish writing, revising, and querying your manuscript, the trend may have already passed. Publishing moves slowly, and what’s hot today might be old news in a year.

I’ve seen writers scramble to adjust their books to fit market trends, only to find themselves burned out and uninspired. Agents can tell when a book is chasing a trend rather than telling a story that matters to the writer. Readers can, too.

How to Apply This Lesson

• Don’t write a book just because it’s trending. Write a book because it excites you.

• Consider longevity. Ask yourself: Will this story still resonate in five years?

• Be flexible, but not at the expense of your voice. If your book aligns with a trend naturally, great! But don’t force it.

  
  

Lesson Learned: Trend-chasing can backfire. Focus on writing the best book you can, rather than predicting what will sell.

Lesson #2: Fresh Voices Stand Out More Than Trendy Plots

Agents are always on the lookout for new perspectives, unique voices, and fresh storytelling approaches. While they do consider marketability, originality is just as—if not more—important.

Think about your favorite books. Chances are, they weren’t just carbon copies of what was already on shelves. They had a spark, a perspective, or a voice that made them stand out. That’s what agents and publishers want.

I’ve seen writers break into the industry not because they followed a trend, but because they offered something new. Whether it’s an unexpected take on a familiar trope, a fresh setting, or a deeply personal story, originality sells.

How to Apply This Lesson

• Lean into what makes your voice unique. Your perspective, experiences, and storytelling style are assets—embrace them.

• Don’t water down your book to fit a mold. Instead of making it like everything else, make it undeniably yours.

• Ask yourself: What makes my book different? If you can identify what sets it apart, you’ll have an easier time pitching it.

  
  

Lesson Learned: Agents and publishers are drawn to fresh voices, not copies of existing books. Stand out by embracing your unique perspective.

Lesson #3: Market Awareness is Still Important

While originality is key, it’s still smart to understand the market. Knowing what’s selling, what readers want, and where your book fits in the industry can help you position it more effectively.

Agents appreciate when writers have a sense of where their book belongs. If you can identify your genre, your target audience, and comparable titles, you’ll make their job easier—and increase your chances of success.

How to Apply This Lesson

• Read widely in your genre. Know what’s being published and what readers are enjoying.

• Identify comps wisely. Instead of saying "This book is completely original!" (which agents hear all the time), find 2–3 books that share elements with yours.

• Stay informed but stay true to yourself. Use market trends as a guide, not a rulebook.

  
  

Lesson Learned: Market awareness helps you position your book, but it shouldn’t dictate how you write it.

Lesson #4: Write the Book Only You Can Write

At the end of the day, authenticity is what makes a book memorable. The most successful authors write books that only they could have written. Their passion, voice, and vision shine through.

I’ve seen writers get caught up in what they think the industry wants, only to lose their excitement for their story. But the books that resonate most deeply with readers and agents alike are the ones that feel real, raw, and uniquely personal.

How to Apply This Lesson

• Trust your instincts. If a story idea excites you, follow it—even if it’s not “on trend.”

• Ask yourself: Why am I writing this book? If the answer is because you need to tell it, you’re on the right track.

• Embrace your voice. Your style, your themes, your quirks—these are what make your book special.

  
  

Lesson Learned: Don’t just write what’s marketable—write what matters to you. The market will always shift, but a great book is timeless.

Yes, market trends matter. But so does writing with passion, purpose, and authenticity. The best books aren’t written to fit a mold—they’re written because the author had something to say.

If you balance market awareness with originality, you’ll create a book that stands out—one that agents, publishers, and readers won’t forget.

Your Turn!

Have you ever struggled with balancing market trends and authenticity? How do you stay true to your vision while keeping an eye on the industry? Let’s chat in the comments!