Writing What You Love vs. Writing What Sells: Can You Do Both?
Every writer, at some point in their journey, faces the ultimate creative dilemma: Do I write the stories that ignite my soul, or do I write what readers are actually buying? It’s passion vs profit. It’s a question that can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to turn your passion for storytelling into a sustainable career.
The good news? You don’t have to choose just one. But you do need to understand how to balance passion with marketability if you want to find success in both creativity and sales.
The Passion vs. Profit Dilemma
Many writers start their journey because they have a story inside them that demands to be told. Maybe it’s a childhood dream, a character who won’t stop talking in your head, or a world so vivid that you need to put it on paper.
But then comes reality: the books we love to write may not always be the books readers are actively searching for.
So, how do we navigate this?
Writing What You Love
- Offers complete creative freedom
- Allows you to tell the stories that excite and inspire you
- Helps you build a dedicated audience that appreciates your unique voice
Writing What Sells
- Means studying market trends and reader demand
- Often requires following genre expectations and tropes
- Increases the chances of financial success and a broader readership
Reality Check: You Don’t Have to Choose Just One
The key is understanding your goals and expectations as an author. If you write purely for the joy of storytelling, that’s amazing! But if you want financial success, it’s important to align your work with market realities.
Finding the Overlap Between Passion and Profit
If you’re looking for a way to merge your love for writing with the realities of book sales, consider these strategies:
1. Know Your Market
If your dream is to write epic poetry about moonlit nights and existential dread, but readers are flocking to spicy romance or cozy mysteries, you may struggle to sell books. That doesn’t mean you have to abandon your passion—it means you need to find a niche where your love of storytelling meets a hungry audience.
2. Genre Expectations Matter
Readers expect certain elements in specific genres. If you love writing historical fiction, but you ignore historical accuracy, you may alienate your ideal audience. If you write romance but don’t deliver the required HEA (happily ever after), romance readers won’t come back for more.
? TIP: Study bestsellers in your genre. What themes, lengths, and styles are resonating with readers?
3. Branding & Positioning Can Bridge the Gap
Your book doesn’t have to fit into a rigid mold, but how you market it can make all the difference. Even if your book is a genre-bender, finding the right keywords, audience, and messaging can help you reach the right readers.
? Examples of Success Stories:
- Colleen Hoover: Wrote the books she loved but positioned them for commercial success, becoming a viral sensation.
- Brandon Sanderson: Built a career writing epic fantasy with his unique twist while still aligning with genre expectations.
- Indie Romance & Cozy Mystery Authors: Found success by balancing what they love writing with what readers devour in their chosen genres.
Being Realistic About Your Expectations
Before diving headfirst into your next book, ask yourself: What do I want from my writing career?
If you’re writing solely for passion:
- You may not see instant financial success—and that’s okay!
- Focus on building a niche audience who loves what you do.
- Explore alternate income streams (Patreon, Kickstarter, teaching, speaking gigs, etc.).
If you’re writing for commercial success:
- Stay on top of market trends and be willing to adapt.
- Create a consistent publishing schedule to keep up with demand.
- Expect to focus on marketing, branding, and positioning as much as writing.
If you want to do both:
- Find ways to infuse passion into market-friendly genres.
- Be intentional about your storytelling choices and marketing strategies.
- Build a long-term author brand that readers connect with.
Final Thoughts: The Best Approach is YOUR Approach
There is no one-size-fits-all strategy in publishing. Your best path forward is the one that aligns with your goals, values, and creative joy.
? Ask yourself:
- Am I writing for self-expression or financial success?
- How can I merge passion with marketability?
- Am I willing to adapt, learn, and refine my approach over time?
? Remember: You can be a storyteller who follows their heart and a business-minded author who understands their audience. The key is clarity, consistency, and creativity.
What are your thoughts? Do you write what you love, what sells, or a mix of both? Let’s talk about it in the comments!
? Need help refining your author platform and marketing strategy? Check out On The Page Author Services for expert guidance!
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