What Kind of Books Should You Really Be Writing?

Every writer eventually faces the same question: Should you follow current writing trends, or focus on creating something timeless? The answer depends less on the market and more on your goals. So, what kind of books should you be writing?

Some writers seek immediate visibility, while others aim for stories that remain meaningful for a lifetime.

Yet, be not fooled, for both paths are valid.

What matters is understanding the difference so you can make intentional decisions and position your book for the readers you truly want to reach.

Different Authors, Different Goals

Imagine that there are two authors who’ve just begun their publishing journeys.

Author No. 1 wants recognition for himself as a writer. Therefore, they hope their book gains traction quickly, connecting with readers who are already searching for similar stories.

For this writer, following writing trends is a strategic move.

Author No. 2, however, dreams of longevity. They want readers to revisit their work years later and still find it relevant or insightful. This author leans toward storytelling rooted in universal human experiences.

Again, neither approach is better. They simply serve different creative ambitions for different kinds of authors.

Writing for Today’s Trends

Publishing moves quickly. Genres rise and evolve alongside culture, technology, and reader habits.

Currently popular directions include:

• Romantasy, where romance and fantasy are blended. With a heavy emphasis on the romance.
• Psychological thrillers, where the horror and the thrill are in the mental and emotional stress that the characters undergo.
• Cozy mysteries, where the mystery is low-stakes but interesting enough to be ventured.
• Self-help focused on mental wellness and productivity.

Books like Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros and The Housemaid by Freida McFadden are proof that trend-aware storytelling can capture attention quickly. They often get published faster. However, timing remains a significant factor.

Writing for Timeless Impact

Books that want to be timeless rarely chase popularity. The exploration of human emotions and the human condition are weighty works that often need time to simmer before they become recognized. When they do, it is always because of their profound exploration of themes like love, identity, morality, etc., which resonates across generations.

Genres that often produce lasting works include:

• Literary fiction
• Historical fiction
• Memoir and reflective nonfiction
• Philosophical narratives

There’s a reason why To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak remain widely read. They tackle universal truths. Yet, writing timeless stories requires patience, and their success takes even more time remain widely read. They tackle universal truths. Yet, writing timeless stories requires patience. Success takes even more time.

What Are the Publishing Trends Right Now?

Today’s publishing landscape has developed way more than we ever imagined, which shapes authors’ decisions. These include:

Reader-driven discovery

BookTok and similar online communities influence sales more than traditional advertising.

Genre blending

Books that combine and mix-and-match genres are getting more popular among contemporary readers.

Shorter attention span

Many readers now prefer faster pacing, immersive storytelling, and even shorter chapters.

Independent publishing

Self-publishing has given authors the freedom to test ideas aligned with their goals.

Authentic Author-Branding

Authors consider how their works resonate with readers and how those shape their public identity. Understanding these shifts allows writers to decide whether to align with writing trends or intentionally move against them.

Finding Balance Between Trend and Timeless

The choice is not always either-or. Many successful authors blend both approaches.

A story can use a trending genre framework while exploring timeless ideas.

For example, a fantasy romance may still explore grief, courage, or personal growth. Likewise, a reflective memoir can adopt modern storytelling techniques to reach contemporary audiences.

Writers benefit from asking practical questions:

• What do I want publishing success to look like for me?
• Do I enjoy adapting to market changes?
• How important is creative freedom to me?
• What matters most to me right now: recognition or resonance?

Your answers shape not only what you write but how you publish.

But don’t worry, because your answers can change anytime.

How ReadersMagnet Supports Every Path

Whether authors follow writing trends or pursue timeless storytelling, support and visibility remain essential. This is where ReadersMagnet plays an important role for self-publishing writers.

ReadersMagnet provides marketing services through book fairs, promotional campaigns, and author-centered marketing services designed to help independent authors reach global audiences.

Instead of forcing writers into a single model, we encourage creative freedom while providing tools that enhance discoverability.

For trend-focused authors, exposure helps books reach active readers quickly. For timeless writers, consistent promotion builds long-term readership and credibility.

Connect with Us

Choosing between this and that ultimately comes down to intention. Some authors thrive by riding waves of current interest, while others build stories meant to endure quietly but powerfully.

The publishing world has room for both. By understanding your goals and recognizing today’s writing trends, you can shape a writing journey that feels sustainable.

Write what aligns with your vision. Whatever it is, know that self-publishing no longer means publishing alone.

ReadersMagnet is here to support you every step of the way. Connect with us for book publishing and marketing expertise!