Writing the Novel that Sells
As an author, it’s the question that keeps you awake at night. Is there a magic formula? Is there a fool-proof way to know your novel has the chops to catch an editor’s attention?
Yes. I believe there is. In the next few minutes, I’m going to lay out the information that you need. With this, you can construct a book that sets itself above the crowd. What you choose to do with the information is up to you. But I encourage you to get ahold of this concept. How far will you go? Are you ready for the challenge? It’s time for you to write a high concept novel.
Here are the facts. There are more opportunities for writers than ever before. More books being written and published than ever before. That means there is … more competition to be unique than ever before. You have to stand out from the pack. To do that, you need a high concept idea.
So, what exactly is a high concept novel?
My husband came up with the simplest, most elegant definition for high concept. “TWO WORLDS THAT SHOULD NEVER MEET BUT DO.” ~ John Burch, husband extraordinaire
–Write this down! It’s the key to writing the novel that stands out from the crowd!
A story that has a high concept is a story that has an added element that many can relate to or are affected by. It’s an idea that speaks to the masses rather than a few.
High concept stories—though complex—are easy to tell in one sentence.
Here are a few examples
JURASSIC WORLD. An island of genetically created dinosaurs are unleashed on unsuspecting theme park visitors.
What are the two worlds that should never meet? Dinosaurs and Modern day man.
THE FAULT IN OUR STARS. Two terminally ill teens fall in love.
What are the two worlds that should never meet? First love and terminal illness.
SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK. Bi-Polar disorder meets true love.
What are the two worlds? Mental illness and falling in love.
THE HUNGER GAMES. Children and teens meet a fight to the death.
What are the two worlds? Teenagers and a death match.
ME BEFORE YOU. A quadriplegic with a death wish meets a young woman who needs to learn how to live.
What are the two worlds? Quadriplegia and falling in love.
IF I STAY. The death of an entire family and a comatose teen’s decision to stay or die.
What are the two worlds? A decision to live or die meets a comatose teen who has lost her family.
These all show two worlds that should never meet. You can see we’ve traveled across multiple genres. High concept can and should be found in stories of every genre. Whether it’s women’s fiction or science fiction, horror or mystery.
All of the classic storylines began as high concept ideas. Let’s take a look at Cinderella. What makes her storyline a high concept idea? Well, think of the times. For a cinder girl to capture the heart of a prince and end up in the palace was unheard of. You might say, two worlds that should never meet. But this concept is no longer a new idea. In fact, the “Cinderella” concept is a common writing trope. So, to write a Cinderella story and make it relevant for today’s market, you’d need to add another high concept element. There’ve been many of these over the years. Highly successful novels and movies that offer a Cinderella concept with a high concept twist. Let’s look at a few.
Keep in mind, the Cinderella concept is–Servant becomes royalty.
There’s a novel that released a few years ago titled CINDER. It’s a Cinderella story, except it takes place in the future and she’s part cyborg.
A KNIGHTS TALE- same concept-He’s a commoner. He has no right to fight in the games, but he becomes the best.
CINDERELLA MAN—A dirt poor fighter lifts the spirits of a hurting nation by becoming number one. The tagline for that movie was something like this … When Americans were on their knees, he brought them to their feet. (One man comes from nothing to end up at the top.)
At their root, there is a “Cinderella” theme in each of these titles, even though the stories couldn’t be more different.
Another fact about high concept novels is that the concept is often in the title. Here’s a tagline. Can you name the book?
A hobbit, the most humble of beings must carry a ring with the power to either save or destroy the world he loves.
The answer? LORD OF THE RINGS ~ The concept is in the title.
Now I want to challenge you to go out and find your high concept idea. Maybe it will hit you while you’re having your morning coffee, while you’re on a walk in the park, or just before you drop off to sleep. Remember, ideas are everywhere. High concept ideas are found when two worlds that should never come together collide. What two worlds can you explore? How can you take your current work in progress and give it a high concept twist? This is a topic I’m passionate about! Thanks for inviting me to share it. Happy writing!
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Category: Contemporary Women Writers, How To and Tips
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