I feel like I have talked about this in the past, but I think it might be time to bring it up again. As a new author, stick with one genre for a while, or at least have 2-3 stories in the same genre(s) before you start pitching. I get, for some of you, writing in several genres is just a way to figure out what works best for you. For others, you might think that this is a way of showing that you have a diverse background in writing and can pretty much do anything. While both of these sound great, there is a bigger issue when you start submitting. It is time to start thinking like an agent or an editor for a moment.
Let's say you have just received a project from a new author. The story has some merits and you are really thinking about making "the call." This is not one of those stories that you know, signing this person can allow you to retire and never have to work again. This is just a good story that has some potential. You are not looking for a one-hit-wonder but someone who will have a career with you (so that you can eventually retire to the Bahamas). What you need is an author who can create a brand to their name with their style of writing. If you liked book 1, you will love book 2 and 3.
And here is where the problem shows up. This person has a "killer" romantic suspense (sorry, tired), but their other stories are: 1) a fantasy novel about dragons and werewolves; 2) an erotica; and a 3) YA.
You are screwed!
If an editor wants to sign you to a three book contract, that means three of the same genre, style and voice. Not three books in different divisions of their publishing line.
"But Scott," you scream, "Other big name authors do this."
First of all, these are "big name" authors who can do what they want. Secondly, they all established themselves first in one genre AND THEN branched out.
The key here is to learn a genre well. Write that genre well. Build your brand. Get a readership... and then branch out.
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