Writing for the Market? + Cozy Mystery Review + Speculative Short Story
Headline: Writing for the Market?
Here’s the big question: Why are you writing?
Are you writing because you have a particular story to tell? Because you have fun making up stories? Because you want to make money as an author?
All of these are legitimate reasons to write, but the last is a long shot unless you write for the market. If you have expertise that can be sold as non-fiction and followed up with appearances, that’s one reasonable route. But fiction is a bit more difficult.
I started out writing stories I wanted to tell. My first novel was edgy realistic YA fiction. When I started pitching it, Twilight was still the rage. (I was five or so years ahead of the market.) I self-published and it did better later. It’s now available in two forms: Running Away - Maggie’s Story and Running Away** - School Edition. Since it went through too many editions, the online stats don’t reflect that it’s sold reasonable well and keeps selling a few each year, without any direct promotion. However, it’s not enough to live on, that’s for sure.
I also write because it’s fun making up stories. My short stories include a wide range from fluffy romances and mysteries with a twist to some really dark tales. So, if I want to make money as an author? Romance always sells, though the dark and other-worldly stuff that’s popular now isn’t really my thing. Cozy mysteries and series do really well… but I’d have to develop a character I wanted to keep playing with through multiple novels. Maybe…
Geri Krotow has over thirty books on the market, many of them with Harlequin. However, she’s also writing cozy mysteries with Tule Publishing, a small traditional publisher. The book I’m reviewing today is a “page-turner woman sleuth cozy mystery” per the heading on Amazon. It’s doing well in three categories: Small Town & Rural Fiction, Cozy Animal Mystery (yes, there are critters involved), and Cozy Animal Mysteries. It’s book 2 of 3, so it’s also a series.
She’s writing books for the market and, I suspect, still having fun.
Heads Up
Free Books
Let me know when you’re doing a free or reduced price promotion and I’ll post it here!
Those with Kindle Unlimited may still read Tom Huggler’s The Woman She Left Behind. I reviewed this book January 13 and thoroughly enjoyed it - really well done. The book reviewed today, Geri Krotow’s A Midsummer Murder is also on KU.
Resources to check publishers, publicity offers, etc.
I’ve decided to keep these posted each week, as the need keeps arising. If you know another good site, let me know and I’ll add it.
https://writerbeware.blog (search on right)
https://authorsguild.org/resource/publishing-scam-alerts/ (most recent first)
https://www.allianceindependentauthors.org/watchdog/ (scroll down to view ratings links)
Free Learning Opportunities
The Indie Author’s Guide to a Standout Amazon Listing is available on Jane Friedman’s YouTube channel, along with a ton of other great informational material.
The Pros and Cons of Launching a Book Without a Publicist is a clear analysis useful for anyone (including me) about to launch a book.
Conferences & Organizations for Writers
WNBA (Women’s National Book Association) is an organization that offers a lot of benefits for writers. The San Francisco Chapter’s Pitch-o-rama is going to be virtual this year (April 25). If you don’t want to do it all yourself, this is a good place to start pitching. Early bird prices expire January 31st, 2026. Members, of course, pay less than non-members. Membership is also discounted until January 31st. Check out these links to learn more about the benefits of WNBA-SF membership and join the chapter’s community! As a senior, my $45 membership has paid for itself.
Independent Publishers of New England (IPNE) has their 14th Annual Conference 2026 Online, February 20-21. I get free admission for judging their awards contest and last year it was definitely worth the time spent reading and evaluating books. The non-member cost of $145 is not bad for the program they have lined up, and it includes one year of IPNE membership as well as access to recordings of all sessions. There’s also a benefit for group registration - if 3 or more people from your group register, they’ll give you a $20/person discount! Details here.
It’s early days on this one, but I’ve signed up for Author Nation in Las Vegas, November 2026. I’m also on the wait list for the Sacramento Book Festival in April.
Call to Action - Get your indie book reviewed!
Sometimes I’ll review books that help writers with their craft or self-publishers with their business, but I’ve been judging books for Independent Publishers of New England the last few years and I’d like to help readers and indie authors connect. I’ve had a great response since mentioning this on an Authors Guild discussion. I have, however, learned to “read sample” or “look inside” before saying send me the book - if the opening doesn’t grab me, I probably won’t finish or review it.
Details are explained in this website blog.
Book Review:
A Midsummer Murder by Geri Krotow, Tule Publishing.
A Midsummer Murder is a fun cozy mystery. Geri Krotow has a retired military female protagonist who keeps getting involved in solving murders in her small town. She has a pet bird and a dog. Good fun, well written & produced. This is book 2 of 3.
Fiction:
Death & Evil in Ponderosa Pines
A social commentary. You can read this on my website blog or listen to it here.
©Sheri McGuinn
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Oh, and yes, all of these stories are mine, unless otherwise noted.
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Thanks.
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