When I write these, I don’t even consider writing them for regular publishers. I only market my more easily definable stuff to agents, magazines and publishers. But now that ebook publishing has made small press and self-publishing really viable, I am self-publishing some of this work. Which leads to the problem of marketing and blurbs and covers.

In terms of branding, these oddball stories do fit well in tone and the kind of humor and characters I write in more standard work.

For mainstream and literary, the style and oddities of a particular author often ARE the brand – at least until there is enough other work to lump it together. (Chick lit didn’t exist until there were enough of that same tone to break it apart from the bigger category of “Women’s Fiction.”)

In some ways my question is more commentary and philosophical than something that needs a pat answer. And it’s probably of interest to main

Just want to get an idea what info you’re looking for, and I’ll try to get some answers and input for you in an upcoming blog.

The authors that have done this successfully have been prolific, and also have been persistent – writing a lot over a long period of time.

What I’d like to know is how to brand and promote books that don’t fit in a current category. Books that cross-genres in ways that don’t have a current sub-category. I like your suggestion of establishing some cred in one of the base genres, and then easing into another.

I think anyone who chooses the multi-genre path has a longer, more difficult road ahead, especially within genre, commercial fiction. From a branding perspective, it’s more difficult.

From a readership perspective, as you said, it will take longer. People read different genres for different reasons, so as a new writer, you’re working on ultimately, simultaneous careers — whether you brand under one name or not. Branding multi-genres under one name is a tougher road, IMO. While someone may enjoy historicals, they may not like paranormal or contemporary or fantasy or whatever else you write. It makes it that much harder to hit someone’s “auto-buy” list.

Setting yourself up as a multi-genre writer from the start is something you should brand immediately. Even if you focus on 2-3 books in one genre (which I agree with), let your readers know that a change will come at some point. Make the promise upfront, and they won’t feel let down.

I know a lot of “big” writers who are diversifying now and their fans are dividing into genre camps. I think you’re right about new writers establishing what expectations might be from the get-go.