How to Generate Story Ideas
By Mary Kole
Mary Kole is a former literary agent, freelance editor, writing teacher, author of Writing Irresistible Kidlit, and IP developer for major publishers, with over a decade in the publishing industry.
Writing a book can be an exciting adventure, but one that often starts with a question: Where do I begin? A successful novel starts with a book idea, but not all ideas are created equal. Crafting a book idea that stands out and attracts readers is key. I'm excited to share my insights into crafting story ideas for a novel here. Whether you’re just starting out or have been writing for years, these tips will give you the tools to create marketable and compelling story ideas.
How Do I Find Story Ideas?
Before we dive into the ingredients of marketable story ideas, it's important to understand what they are. A book idea is the foundation of your story, a core concept that summarizes what your novel is all about in a single sentence or phrase, sometimes called a premise statement, logline, or elevator pitch. It's the book hook that draws readers in and gets them interested in your story (as well as publishing gatekeepers like literary agents and acquiring editors). A strong book idea can make the difference between a published novel and a draft manuscript that never sees the light of day.
Ingredients of Marketable and Compelling Story Ideas
There are several essential ingredients that make up a marketable and compelling book idea. First, your premise should be clear, concise, and specific. It needs to be something that can be summarized in a single sentence or phrase and easily communicated to potential readers (and literary agents and publishers, if you plan to submit traditionally). The second ingredient is something that resonates with the reader, whether it's an emotion, experience, theme, or relatable character. Thirdly, you will also want to make sure it fits an established genre or category that has a target audience. Fourth, a marketable and compelling book idea needs to be original and unique, but it doesn't have to be completely new, because you can use existing tropes in your storytelling that will help you know how to create a story structure. Finally, it should be able to be developed into a full-length novel with a clear plot and a beginning, middle, and end. Within these parameters, you will be able to play around and find your writing voice. But if you don’t meet these criteria, you might need to do some more thinking, especially at this early stage.
Options for Story Ideas
There are a variety of options for story ideas, including adapting real-life experiences you’ve had (“write what you know” is a very common bit of writing advice), exploring dreams or brainstorms you’ve had, or starting with a plot structure or formula that you resonate with and developing characters and settings to build a story that flows the way you want it to. If you're having trouble coming up with story ideas, consider new perspectives on familiar concepts, writing a retelling or adaptation from a lesser character’s point of view, and exploring themes that are near and dear to your heart. The possibilities are endless, and the best ideas often come from unexpected places.
Combining Multiple Story Ideas into a Multi-Layered Pitch
Sometimes a single book idea isn't enough to carry an entire novel. You may need to combine multiple ideas to create a multi-layered pitch. Combining story ideas can add depth, layers, and complexity to your story, making it more engaging for readers. However, it's important to ensure that each idea works well together and that they complement each other in the story. For example, you might want to pair a romantic comedy plot with a science fiction setting, including a lot of unique world-building.
One of the most common mistakes writers make is creating a book idea that's too vague or generic. It's essential to create a specific, engaging book idea that stands out from the crowd. Another mistake is trying to please everyone with the book idea. Not every reader will enjoy every book, so it's important to stick to your guns and not compromise your vision, unless you enjoy writing to market and serving your audience’s desires, which is also totally valid. Finally, you may end up with too many disparate story ideas that you want to write, and you’ll be tempted to jam them all into one manuscript. Sometimes the best book idea emerges from whittling elements away and knowing what doesn’t belong in a specific concept.
Crafting a book idea for a novel can seem like a daunting task, but by following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating marketable and compelling story ideas. Remember, a book idea is the foundation of your novel, and a strong one can make the difference between a published book and a manuscript that never sees the light of day. Whether you're just starting out or are a seasoned writer, these insights can help you with brainstorming story ideas that stand out and attract readers.
Click here to purchase Writing Irresistible Kidlit, my book on fiction craft for MG and YA novels, out from Writer's Digest Books. This will show you my writing craft philosophy and give you lots of valuable advice, including tips for the novel revision process and self-editing. There are over 35 example novels cited and discussed throughout. It’s a valuable resource for any writer’s toolkit.
Click here to purchase Successful Query Letters, my book on query letters, including over forty examples with comprehensive notes on each one. There’s a ton of submission advice, best practices, and insider information in these pages, and you’ll really enjoy seeing what other writers are doing in the slush.