Memoir, Middle Grade, and the Underdog Genres

Writers’ Favorite Genres: What’s Often Overlooked?

It’s easy to get caught up in the overwhelming popularity of certain genres—especially in an era where genre fiction dominates the writing world. According to a recent survey we conducted of 50,000 writers, 31.4% report that genre fiction is their preferred genre to write. With poetry, literary fiction, and nonfiction following behind, genres like memoir, middle grade, and even young adult (YA) seem to be sliding under the radar. But that doesn’t mean they don’t matter! In fact, these “underdog genres,” despite being less frequently chosen by authors, are far from irrelevant.

Underdog Genres

So, what’s happening in these spaces? Are memoir and middle grade truly underexplored, or is there an untapped market waiting to be filled?

These genres may not dominate the writing world the way genre fiction does, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t full of potential! They could be the perfect space for writers looking for fresh opportunities and readers searching for something authentic. Memoir continues to resonate with readers, middle grade is crying out for more authentic and diverse stories, and YA is evolving in a way that calls for new approaches. These underdog genres might just be the next big thing for writers looking to make their mark.

What Makes Memoir an Underdog Genre?

While memoir accounts for only 9.3% of the genres authors prefer to write, this underdog genre has a surprising amount of staying power with readers. Memoir’s appeal lies in its ability to offer a deeply personal, raw, and authentic glimpse into the human experience. From the rise of celebrity memoirs to the growing market for self-discovery and recovery stories, memoir continues to resonate with a wide range of readers.

Memoir’s Enduring Popularity with Readers

A survey from Publishers Weekly reported that memoir is among the most sought-after genres for readers, particularly those interested in personal stories of resilience and overcoming challenges. Memoirs often offer a lens into the lives of those who have experienced extraordinary circumstances—whether it’s a celebrity recounting their rise to fame or an ordinary person navigating a personal transformation.

In a world inundated with digital content, readers are increasingly seeking deeper, more meaningful narratives. They’re craving stories that connect on an emotional level, and memoirs provide that connection better than many other genres. With topics ranging from addiction and mental health to historical accounts and personal recovery, memoir offers readers the chance to walk in someone else’s shoes and feel the highs and lows of their experiences.

Memoir as a Niche with Growing Potential

For authors, memoir can offer a unique opportunity to share a personal story in a way that resonates deeply with others. However, the trick is to approach it with authenticity. Whether you’re writing about overcoming hardship, reflecting on a transformative moment, or recounting a piece of history, your story needs to connect emotionally.

As memoir continues to gain popularity, especially with growing interest in mental health, recovery, and personal growth, this genre’s underdog status is well worth considering for those looking to make an impact with their writing.

Why Is Middle Grade an Underdog Genre?

Middle-grade books (ages 8–12) often seem to be overshadowed by their older counterparts, like young adult fiction or even picture books. Yet, despite being preferred by only 5.7% of the surveyed authors, middle grade is one of the most powerful and necessary genres in today’s market. And here’s why: it serves as the foundation for young readers to form lasting relationships with literature, all while helping them navigate the complexities of growing up!

Why Does Middle Grade Matter Now More Than Ever?

One of the most crucial aspects of middle grade is that it’s a genre dedicated to creating diverse, authentic, and relatable stories for young readers. This demographic is in a critical stage of development—emotionally, socially, and mentally. They’re beginning to understand who they are, what their values are, and how they relate to the world around them. Middle-grade books help foster that growth by offering stories that reflect a range of experiences and identities.

Middle grade is also becoming increasingly diverse. Readers are demanding stories that reflect their realities, and the industry is responding with more inclusive characters and narratives. Whether it’s a story about a young immigrant adjusting to life in a new country or a tale about a child navigating their gender identity, middle grade is offering a unique space for young readers to explore the world through different perspectives.

Middle Grade’s Need for Authentic Stories

The demand for authentic voices in middle grade is crucial for both readers and writers. Middle-grade readers are far from naïve—they can spot a fake story a mile away! They crave honesty in the characters they read about and in the situations they face. Stories that speak to their real-world challenges—like dealing with friendships, school, and family—will resonate most. As a writer, the key is not to underestimate their intelligence, but rather to offer them stories that challenge them while still speaking to their emotions.

What’s Happening with YA (and Why It Might Be Shifting)

Young adult (YA) fiction has been a genre in the spotlight for some time now, but like all trends, it’s beginning to shift. While YA remains a highly popular genre, it accounts for only 6.9% of authors’ preferred genres according to the Atmosphere Press survey of 50,000 writers. However, the evolution of YA reflects broader changes in how authors and publishers approach the age group and the themes that resonate with young readers today.

Why Is YA Still Important?

YA fiction has always been about capturing the voice of adolescence—the excitement, confusion, joy, and turmoil of growing up. It offers young readers an opportunity to see themselves reflected in stories that also explore real-life issues, such as identity, relationships, and mental health. Despite its evolution, YA still plays a key role in helping teens navigate the challenges they face!

However, as the genre matures, so do its themes. YA has grown to include more sophisticated topics like complex moral dilemmas, societal pressures, and nuanced explorations of mental health. In many ways, YA is shifting toward a space where young adult readers are expecting stories that mirror their more mature experiences. While the genre is still alive and well, authors are beginning to face the challenge of keeping it fresh and relevant.

Shifting Expectations: What Does This Mean for Writers?

For authors looking to write YA, the key lies in authenticity. Teenagers today are highly self-aware, and they are demanding more from the books they read. They want to see their struggles and experiences reflected in ways that feel truthful and relevant. Whether it’s through exploring issues like social justice, mental health, or even climate change, YA is expanding beyond traditional tropes to tackle the hard-hitting topics that matter most to teens today.

Are These Genres Underexplored or Just Undervalued?

At the heart of the discussion surrounding memoir, middle grade, and YA is the question of whether these genres are truly underexplored…or are they simply undervalued? The answer likely lies somewhere in between. Each genre has its own unique set of challenges—whether it’s finding the right voice, crafting relatable characters, or addressing complex themes—but these challenges are also what make these genres so rewarding to write and read.

If you’re an author, editor, or publisher looking for fresh opportunities, the “underdog genres” offer a goldmine of untapped potential. The market for memoir is growing, especially with a demand for authenticity. Middle grade is ripe for diversity and relatable stories that reflect the evolving lives of young readers. And YA, though ever-evolving, remains an essential genre for connecting with the next generation.

“Other” Underdog Genres

For those interested in other genres, it’s also worth noting that 5.4% of authors in our survey indicated they write in genres that fall outside the primary categories.

These “other” genres include everything from self-help and how-to books to spirituality, short stories with happy endings, and even niche categories like biblical parapsychology and folklore. The creative possibilities in these underappreciated genres are vast, offering more unique avenues for writers to explore and audiences to discover!

The Underdog Genres Are Ready for Their Spotlight

While memoir, middle grade, and YA may not be the most popular genres to write in today, they offer a wealth of opportunity for authors who are willing to take on the challenge. These genres are ripe for fresh voices, authentic stories, and new perspectives that resonate with readers in meaningful ways.

So, if you’re looking for a space to explore that goes beyond the traditional favorites, consider embracing one of these underdog genres. After all, some of the best stories are the ones that don’t immediately seem like the obvious choice.

Erin K. Larson-Burnett, Production Manager at Atmosphere Press (submit your manuscript here!), is a born-and-raised Southerner currently living in Katy, Texas, with her husband and their small domestic zoo. She is an avid ink drinker who lives and breathes books—during the day, she works remotely with authors around the world, honing and perfecting books published through Atmosphere Press. By night, she crafts her own stories…or at least tries to. The Bear & the Rose is her debut novel.