Is Your Book Idea Too Common? How to Create a Compelling Book Idea
I've read thousands of book pitches over the years, and while some book ideas made me lean in with excitement, eager to delve into the pages of a promising story, others left me wondering how the author could breathe life into an idea that seemed, at first glance, the same as other stories out there.
While there are truly only two types of stories—a stranger comes to town and a hero goes on a journey—it’s how we breathe new life into these story types that make a pitch truly come to life.
Literary agents and readers are looking for “the same but different.” After putting down a book that they devoured and loved, they want to pick up a book that makes them feel the same way. They don’t want the exact same story again, but rather a story that takes them on the same kind of journey.
Crafting a compelling book idea is crucial for grabbing the attention of publishers and readers alike. After reading thousands of pitches, I've come to recognize the art of transforming the commonplace into the extraordinary.
Let's explore the key elements of a good book idea, how to elevate an ordinary book idea, and common pitfalls to avoid.
Is Your Book Idea Too Common? How to Create a Compelling Book Idea
The Key Elements of a Good Book Idea:
Concept:
The concept of a book refers to the central idea or premise that serves as the foundation for the entire story. It's the "what if" scenario or the core theme that the narrative revolves around. The concept is essentially the seed from which the plot, characters, and themes grow.
A compelling concept is vital because it sets the stage for the entire book. It's the initial spark of inspiration that captures the author's imagination and, ideally, the reader's interest. A well-developed concept provides a clear direction for the story, helping to shape its unique identity.
Because a lot of writers are discovery writers, they often don’t think about their concept until deep into revisions (if at all). Waiting this long isn’t necessarily the wrong way to write, but it does mean we might have more rounds of revisions to go through in order to tie the different ideas together into one main concept.
High Concept:
Next, you’ll want to take the basic concept of your story to the next level by distilling it into a concise and attention-grabbing pitch. It's a brief, often one-sentence, description that encapsulates the essence of the book in a way that is intriguing, marketable, and easily understood.
The high concept is crucial for marketing and selling a book, especially in the competitive world of publishing. It serves as a hook that quickly communicates the core idea, making it memorable and enticing. Agents, publishers, and readers often use the high concept to decide whether a book is worth exploring further.
Let’s look at a few examples of popular books in a few different genres:
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn (Mystery)
“What If” Concept:
What if a husband, after the sudden disappearance of his wife, becomes embroiled in a twisted game of deception and manipulation, with each revelation leading to more questions about the true nature of their relationship?
What makes it compelling?
Twisted Intrigue: The concept introduces a husband plunged into a mysterious disappearance, setting the stage for a twisted game of deception. This immediately raises questions about the authenticity of relationships and the hidden facets of human nature.
Constant Uncertainty: This concept suggests that each revelation adds complexity to the narrative, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The uncertainty surrounding the characters' true selves creates an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue.
Why Readers Might Be Interested:
Psychological Depth: The concept promises a deep exploration of characters' psyches, making it appealing to readers who enjoy psychological mysteries.
Unpredictable Plot: The idea of constant revelations and manipulations hints at a plot full of twists and turns, making it enticing for those who love unpredictable narratives.
High Concept:
Now let’s take the “what if” scenario and turn it into an attention grabbing high concept.
In a quiet town, a husband becomes the prime suspect in the disappearance of his wife, unraveling a twisted web of deceit.
Notice how we don’t need extraneous details or names to understand exactly what this book is about? A high concept should be simple and specific, while hooking the reader.
The Martian by Andy Weir (Science fiction)
“What If” Concept:
What if an astronaut, left behind by his crew on Mars, has to rely on his engineering skills, resourcefulness, and a limited supply of resources to survive until a rescue mission can reach him?
What Makes It Compelling:
Survival Challenge: The concept revolves around an astronaut's survival on Mars, emphasizing the struggle to stay alive using limited resources. This sets the stage for a gripping tale of resilience and ingenuity.
Isolation and Resourcefulness: Stranded alone on Mars, the protagonist's reliance on engineering skills and resourcefulness creates a unique and compelling survival story in an inhospitable environment.
Why Readers Might Be Interested:
Realistic Sci-Fi: The realistic portrayal of science and engineering in a space setting appeals to readers who appreciate scientifically accurate science fiction.
Character Triumph: The concept promises a journey of personal triumph over adversity, resonating with readers who enjoy stories of resilience and human determination.
High Concept:
Now let’s take the “what if” scenario and turn it into an attention grabbing high concept.
A lone astronaut, stranded on Mars, battles against the odds using his wit and resourcefulness to survive until rescue.
Your high concept should create intrigue and make people want to know more about the story–in this example from The Martian, the reader is asking how the astronaut can survive in such conditions.
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black (Fantasy)
“What If” Concept:
What if a mortal girl witnesses the murder of her parents and is taken to live in the treacherous faerie realm, where she must navigate the intricacies of faerie politics, deal with the constant threat of danger, and find her own place of power within a world where everyone is vying for control?
What Makes It Compelling:
Faerie Intrigue: The concept immerses readers in the treacherous world of faeries, where the mortal protagonist is caught in the midst of political intrigue, power struggles, and the complexities of living in a faerie realm.
Mortal in Faerie Court: The narrative explores the challenges and dangers of being a mortal in a faerie court, promising a blend of danger, magic, and the clash of two worlds.
Why Readers Might Be Interested:
Magical Realms: The concept taps into the allure of magical realms, appealing to readers who enjoy stories set in enchanting worlds.
Political Intrigue: The promise of political machinations within the faerie court adds a layer of complexity, attracting readers who enjoy fantasy with intricate power dynamics.
High Concept:
Now let’s take the “what if” scenario and turn it into an attention grabbing high concept.
In a faerie realm, a mortal contends with political intrigue, dangers, and her own quest for power, becoming a pivotal force in the tumultuous struggle for control.
You’ll want to highlight what sets your concept apart and emphasize the unique elements that make your story different from others in the same genre. For example, if you’re writing a faerie book, there are so many faerie stories… what makes yours different?
In The Cruel Prince, Jude’s thirst to win a place at court is the main crutch that sets this story apart from others in this genre.
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne (Romance)
“What If” Concept:
What if two coworkers, locked in a fierce professional rivalry, find themselves entangled in a love-hate relationship that blurs the lines between competition and romance, creating a tension-filled dynamic in the workplace?
What Makes It Compelling:
Professional Rivalry Turned Romance: The concept introduces a workplace setting with coworkers engaged in a fierce professional rivalry, adding a layer of tension. The transformation of this rivalry into a love-hate relationship promises a dynamic and engaging romantic storyline.
Blurred Lines: The lines between competition and romance become blurred, adding complexity to the relationship dynamics and creating a tension-filled workplace environment.
Why Readers Might Be Interested:
Dynamic Relationship: The concept offers a unique take on workplace romance, appealing to readers who enjoy stories where characters navigate complex relationships.
Humor and Tension: The idea of a love-hate relationship within a professional context suggests a blend of humor and tension, making it attractive to those who enjoy romantic comedies with a dash of rivalry.
High Concept:
Now let’s take the “what if” scenario and turn it into an attention grabbing high concept.
In the cutthroat world of corporate publishing, two executive assistants engage in a workplace rivalry that blurs the line between hate and love, forcing them to question if it's all just another game.
A high concept hints at ambiguity and intrigue. For example, the phrase "forcing them to question if it's all just another game" adds uncertainty about the characters' true feelings, whole introducing emotional tension and keeping readers engaged, wondering about the ultimate resolution of their relationship.
Turning the Ordinary Book Idea into the Extraordinary:
Turning an ordinary idea into an extraordinary one demands finesse. Because our ideas often come to us in random bursts of inspiration, sometimes we settle for an idea that isn’t fresh and unique.
Lean into your own obsessions and interests. With months, if not years, dedicated to crafting your book, choose a concept that ignites your passion.
An extraordinary idea isn't necessarily a completely original one. It's about discovering a unique angle and infusing your voice, experiences, and insights into the narrative.
As Orson Scott Card says, “Everybody walks past a thousand story ideas every day. The good writers are the ones who see five or six of them. Most people don't see any.” Our goal is to elevate a few of these many ordinary ideas into extraordinary ideas that will resonate with a larger audience.
Find the Unique Angle or Unique Selling Proposition (USP):
The USP is what makes the book stand out from others in the same genre. Agents, publishers, and readers look for something fresh and distinctive. Whether it's a unique perspective, an innovative plot twist, or an unusual setting, the USP differentiates the book in a crowded market.
What about your story stands apart from others like it?
If you have a common idea—for example, I see a lot of fantasy book pitches about Greek mythology, faeries, sirens, angels and demons, etc—how can you subvert expectations and present a fresh perspective?
With millions of books published each year (close to 4 million if you include self-published titles), our goal is to create reader intrigue and grab our a readers’ attention while also setting your book apart in a crowded genre.
To find the unique selling point of your story, consider exploring the following:
Challenge Stereotypes:
If your story involves angels and demons, challenge the traditional roles assigned to these beings. Perhaps the demons are not purely evil, and angels have their flaws. Explore the nuances of their characters beyond conventional stereotypes.
Flip Tropes Upside Down:
In a common theme like a chosen one on a quest, subvert expectations by having the "chosen one" reject their destiny, leading to unexpected consequences. Turn the typical hero's journey into a tale of self-discovery and defiance.
Explore Uncharted Territory:
If your story is set in a well-explored mythological world, delve into lesser-known aspects or characters. Shine a spotlight on myths or beings that haven't received as much attention, offering readers a fresh perspective within the familiar backdrop.
Cross Genres Creatively:
Merge genres in unexpected ways. If your story involves Greek mythology, blend it with a different genre, such as science fiction or mystery. This cross-genre approach can add a unique flavor to the narrative.
Focus on Underrepresented Perspectives:
If a common theme involves a human interacting with supernatural beings, tell the story from the perspective of the supernatural entity. Explore their struggles, desires, and conflicts in a way that humanizes them and challenges preconceived notions.
Inject Humor or Satire:
Take a familiar concept and inject humor or satire. If dealing with faeries, portray them dealing with modern human technology and customs in a humorous way, bringing a light-hearted twist to the narrative.
Play with Time or Structure:
Experiment with the timeline or narrative structure. Instead of a linear progression, use non-linear storytelling or alternate perspectives to keep readers guessing and engaged.
Incorporate Cultural Diversity:
If working with mythological themes, explore lesser-known mythologies or folklore from different cultures. Bring in diverse perspectives, creatures, and legends that aren't commonly found in mainstream literature. This is especially resonant if you’re pulling from your own culture.
Focus on Unusual Relationships:
If your story involves romance, challenge typical romantic tropes. Explore relationships between characters who wouldn't traditionally be paired together, creating a unique dynamic that defies expectations.
Highlight Contemporary Relevance:
Connect your story to contemporary issues or themes. For instance, if dealing with supernatural beings, use them as metaphors to explore relevant societal issues or personal struggles.
Pitfalls to Avoid:
Vagueness:
Avoid being too vague. Clearly articulate the central theme, characters, and plot without giving away too much. Provide enough information to generate interest, but maintain an element of mystery.
Generic Language:
Using generic or overused terms to describe your book may make it sound like many others. Choose specific, evocative language that captures the essence of your story. Avoid clichés and showcase what makes your book unique. And avoid using industry jargon or overly technical language that might alienate readers.
Overcomplication:
Trying to include every plot twist or intricate detail can overwhelm and confuse your audience. Stay focused on the key elements of your book. Avoid including unnecessary details that might distract from the main selling points.
I also see stories that are bogged down by too many plots that don’t thread well together because there isn’t a main concept or message that ties everything together.
Lack of Emotional Connection:
Focusing solely on the plot without conveying the emotional journey of your characters can make your pitch feel flat. Highlight the emotional arcs of your characters. Help your audience connect with the personal struggles, triumphs, or conflicts that drive the story.
Tiffany Grimes (she/they) is the founder of Burgeon Design and Editorial, a queer founded boutique editing and design house for the creatively audacious. At Burgeon, we specialize in book editing, coaching, and web design for the individualists, nonconformists, and trailblazers of the literary world. If you’re a maverick, outsider, rebel, renegade, dissenter, disruptor, or free spirit, you’ve come to the right place.
