Memoir or Novel?

[harrisbloom]

Not that either is an "easy" sell, but is it EASIER to sell a memoir (assuming the person isn't famous) or a novel.

I'm writing a memoir but thinking about changing events and making it a novel...then again, why can't I just call it a novel even if it is true? (Assuming covels are easier to sell)

Thanks for any replies

[Cathy C]

Unless you've lived a spectacular life or had an incredible, never-before-seen event happen to you (think something similar to performing your own masectomy at the South Pole or cutting off your own arm in the wild and making it back to civilization alive), then you're better off writing a novel. Memoirs are particularly difficult to sell, even if the story is good; perhaps even great. Extraordinary, news-worthy memoirs can do well but, even then, unless you made the national news with the story, (think Amber Fry) it will be a hard sell. Novels are difficult to sell all by themselves, but far easier than a memoir. I'd definitely turn it into fiction. You can MAKE a memoir extraordinary through careful insertion of fictional events. Good luck! :)

[harrisbloom]

Thanks Cathy C!

The only reason I thought that maybe the memoir was the route to go was because I always hear about how hot that genre is.

Hmmm, maybe I'll try to get famous first...and THEN write my memoir.

I guess I just find truth more interesting than fiction (it's also stranger from what I hear), so I'm just more interested in writing a memoir.

I guess I'll think about it further while trying to achieve fame.

Thanks again,

Harris

[thewritingbug]

Most people think they can write a story about their lives and it will be interesting (I dont' mean you, I just mean in general). But I've read a lot about this and it usually says others won't find your story as interesting as you do. I guess it depends on what has happened to you so far in life. You could always take some of your real-life adventures and mix it with fiction.

Lisa

[OneTeam OneDream]

Just my 2 cents, because my agented book is a memoir.


If you are trying to write about your ENTIRE life, like they said, unless you are super duper famous, it probably wouldn't be as interesting as the writer thinks.

Now, if you have 1 or 2 events that happened over a short period of time (1-4 years) then you could certianly "spice up" those events and write a very good book.

I gave major consideration to changing my memoir to a novel, but I cherished those events in my life and held them in higher regard than "getting a book deal." My opinion was if it was meant to be read, it would. Its not published yet, but I do have a legitimate agent, so I've taken a good step.


However, if ever faced with the same decision again, I would certianly opt for taking true pieces of my life and making it into a fiction work.

[harrisbloom]

Thanks a lot Chris. Your comment helps.

Harris