If you’re an aspiring writer, you have probably been advised to follow literary trends and try to cash in on their success. Is it worth it to chase literary trends? Can a literary trend do harm?

Jumping on the bandwagon can be dangerous

You may have been told to pay attention to literary trends to get ahead. A literary trend can do harm if you try to jump on the bandwagon and end up being second-rate. Even if you write a really good book, if you’re not the first author to do it, there is a very real possibility that fans of the trendsetter will end up hating your book.

You will never catch up

A literary trend can do harm because it leads aspiring authors to think that they can cash in on currently lucrative trends. Remember: literary trends, by their very nature, are quite flighty. Trying to chase them is futile. How long does it take you to write a book and have that book published? Two years? Three? What are the chances that a literary trend will last that long? Close to zero. The trend will likely be over before you even finish your novel. Don’t bother chasing after it. The train would have already left the station.

It kills your creativity

Especially if you choose chasing a trend over developing your own style, you will find that a literary trend can do you harm. As a writer trying to break into the field, it is important to be aware of the trends and to know what’s happening in the literary market. However, what’s really important is that you write a good book – no matter what it is about or whether or not it is in a style or genre that is in vogue. Write the book that you want to write. Write what you know; write what you feel. Concentrate on your craft and on honing it, not on trends that nobody will be interested in by next year.

Trends don’t really matter

You know what does? Originality. A strong voice. Multidimensional characters, solid storytelling, and plain old good writing. Talent and hard work. An impeccable and interesting book proposal. These are the things that agents look for. Sure, they also keep an eye on literary trends, but ultimately, what they are on the lookout for are good writers. A literary trend tends to be harmful, especially if you focus on it and forget the other (more crucial) aspects of writing.

Given all these arguments, it is evident that jumping into a literary trend can indeed be harmful. But, this is only if you are not careful. Although it is advisable to check in on trends every now and then, do not be a slave to these trends. Once you recognize that a particular literary trend is on its way out, you can make a conscious effort to avoid it. Also, the publishing industry is in a constant state of flux. Having some knowledge of publishing trends will not only impress potential agents, but will also be instrumental in your own success in navigating the industry and getting published.

Be aware of literary trends but don’t get caught up in them. Focus on improving your own stories.