Genre tags help tell me where the story lives. I appreciate them as they help me make my final decision.
However, there have been far too many times where a genre has been listed and it’s just not there. One page mention of a genre element does not make that genre alive in the book.
Let’s take a look at – Romance mystery.
I expect the majority of the story to be romance. Mystery being a strong second. Say a 70-30 or 60-40 split, a stretch for me would be 80-20.
One page does not make a mystery.
I can’t stress enough how vital it is to be clear and honest with your genre listings when it comes to requesting reviews. Reviewers do not want genre surprises.
If you romance is sexually active – let me know.
If your family drama involves the ugliness of abuse on any level – off or on page – let me know.
Rape – let me know.
Strong religious elements – pro or con – let me know.
These are story elements not genres.
Yes, genre information plays into my reviews. The information I receive from the start sets up my expectations going into the read.
Does the author reach the promise of the genre they are telling me their book fits? This isn’t something they’re just telling me but also what they are telling their audience. Possibly my same audience who are placing their trust in me as well.
Yes, I have felt – and not often thankfully – I was sold a bill of goods with the told genre tags. Told something simply as a marketing tool…no one likes being marketed to when building a working relationship. It’s a sure fire way to turn me away from accepting any future requests from you. Yes, I will and have remarked on this in my review.
Not fair?
Sorry, we’ll have to disagree.
While you are trying to distinguish your book from all the other books out there, you could/are over-reaching in order to garner my interest in your book…at the risk of receiving a less than positive review.
Look at your book in genre percentages. If a genre element is say less than 20%, really it isn’t that genre, just an element.
And if it is that genre, make sure it’s fully that genre. It requires fleshing out just as much as the major genre.
Basically…let the story surprise me, not the genre, or lack of.