I'm a huge fan of The Wedding People and I like how you highlight the way in which the protagonist grows throughout the story as the real hook. We love transformations, don't we? This is so helpful!
-- you're entirely welcome. it was too good not to share! made me think about the novel i just began, how *not* upmarket it is. now i'm trying to figure out how to steal some of that steam!
Great question, Cassandra. Beyons That, the Sea is definitely an upmarket book. I’d say most historical novels are classified upmarket because they usually deal with compelling thematic issues. WW II is undergoing a bit of lull because the category got oversaturated.
I laughed when I read you loved God of the Woods because I absolutely hated it from the get-go and pushed myself to suffer through it. Had guessed the main plot twist from the start, found the writing forced and was interested in absolutely none of these characters. The timelines changes pissed me off so much. Again goes to show how one book wonder can be somebody else’s book hell ah ah
I didn’t guess at all but I don’t read many thrillers. And I loved the writing. Reminded me a little of the Secret History. But I know how that goes. Two books I disliked that most people love are Wedding People and Remarkably Beautiful Creatures.
Your analysis is full of insights, thank you so much, Karin! I think I finally understood what upmarket really means ... In Germany (and in France) we have totally different categories for literature, and they more or less follow the lines of "art=to be taken seriously" and "just entertainment", with some compartments in between. Strange, isn't it?
Thanks for the fantastic examination of upmarket fiction, Karen. I've been calling my work upmarket for the past five years, and I'm still not exactly sure if it's the perfect descriptor. It's a great reminder that there is not just one type of upmarket novel.
I'm a huge fan of The Wedding People and I like how you highlight the way in which the protagonist grows throughout the story as the real hook. We love transformations, don't we? This is so helpful!
Thanks, Alexandra. I’m delighted you found it helpful and yes, I adore a satisfying character arc.
It's the perfect combination of character development and plot, right?
--karin, you are so generous with all you know, and you present it incredibly well. thanks for this.
Thanks, Lulu. That’s so kind of you to say. Also I appreciate the share.
-- you're entirely welcome. it was too good not to share! made me think about the novel i just began, how *not* upmarket it is. now i'm trying to figure out how to steal some of that steam!
A very helpful analysis! Where do you think historical fits in here? Thinking about "Beyond That, the Sea" by Laura Spence-Ash.
Great question, Cassandra. Beyons That, the Sea is definitely an upmarket book. I’d say most historical novels are classified upmarket because they usually deal with compelling thematic issues. WW II is undergoing a bit of lull because the category got oversaturated.
My novels are on the cusp of commercial and upmarket. I’m serializing one here, The Gist. It’s a tricky place to be!
I hope that’s working well for you, Scott.
I laughed when I read you loved God of the Woods because I absolutely hated it from the get-go and pushed myself to suffer through it. Had guessed the main plot twist from the start, found the writing forced and was interested in absolutely none of these characters. The timelines changes pissed me off so much. Again goes to show how one book wonder can be somebody else’s book hell ah ah
I didn’t guess at all but I don’t read many thrillers. And I loved the writing. Reminded me a little of the Secret History. But I know how that goes. Two books I disliked that most people love are Wedding People and Remarkably Beautiful Creatures.
I read too many thrillers ;) I read what Wedding People was about and was like oh no, hype won’t have me read that.
Absolutely love your analysis and insights - thank you so much for sharing!
You’re welcome. So glad it was helpful!
Great read!
Thanks, Scott!
Your analysis is full of insights, thank you so much, Karin! I think I finally understood what upmarket really means ... In Germany (and in France) we have totally different categories for literature, and they more or less follow the lines of "art=to be taken seriously" and "just entertainment", with some compartments in between. Strange, isn't it?
You’re welcome, Anette. Strange is right. Upmarket is a fairly new term. Maybe around for 15 years or so? It’s a great sweet spot in fiction.
Super helpful, as always. Interesting to see the cross-over between upmarket and high concept. Something I'm hoping to pull off with my new book.
It occurs more than I would have imagined, Fran. Good luck with your work.
The Karin.
Relatively new to your newsletter and so glad I found it. Thank you!
Thanks, Kelly. I'm so happy you like it.
Your article is packed with good info.
Thanks, Helen. Miss you. Looking forward to the next gathering.
All the great classics were what we now call upmarket. Where are today's classics?
Hard to know what they are. We need distance.
Yes Karin thanks
Great post Karin, your Stack is always so insightful - thank you!
Thanks, Scott. That means a lot.
Your vital information and insights make Mondays a little easier to take. Thanks!
Thanks so much, Eli.
Wow, I learned a lot today. Thank you.
I’m so delighted it was useful, Michael.
I estimate I’m two years out from the pitch, but I will follow your information.
Thanks for the fantastic examination of upmarket fiction, Karen. I've been calling my work upmarket for the past five years, and I'm still not exactly sure if it's the perfect descriptor. It's a great reminder that there is not just one type of upmarket novel.
Thanks for ths share, Jason. It’s a big umbrella for sure.
Yes! Big and beautiful! My favorite genre, by far. I posted a note about it this morning.