Finding the Plus Factor for Your Novel

Part of the process of thinking through your novel is coming up with what many novelists and creative writing instructors call the plus factor.  I hit on this in my blog about knowing how you have a winning story.  The plus factor is that special something that sets your story apart from all the others.

It separates those who sell their work from those who don’t.  Editors can’t just publish good stories; they must publish great stories, or their competitors will. Publishing is a business, which means there is a marketing aspect that cannot be ignored.

So, how do you find the plus factor for your story?  I wish I could give a magic formula for coming up with it. But, I can give you some pointers.

First of all, you must analyze the bestsellers to figure out why they were or are the bestsellers.  For instance, do you know what set Star Wars apart from all the other space stories?  For one, two words: the Force.  The Force is what kept Star Wars from being just another story about fighting aliens.  

Or take the Twilight series.  What set it apart from the many other vampire stories?  What kept it from becoming just another neck-biting thriller?  In short, the author was able to add a different twist to an old theme. Instead of having vampires just being vampires, the author created vampires who had renounced their lust for human blood and were bent upon stopping other vampires.  This, coupled with an engaging love story, has made Twilight an enduring success. 

Next, after you have read the bestsellers, determine what has not been done that could be done in a way that provides that special something.  In other words, look for gaps in the market.
  
It is even helpful to pay attention to locations and professions.  Is there some place in the world that is rarely, if ever, used as a location for a novel or short story?  Is there a unique job or career that would be conducive to an interesting story? 

Another thing you must consider is your own unique experiences.  Could something you have experienced add a special dimension to your story? (Just remember however that true stories often make bad fiction.) 

Plus factors are always there.  You just have to learn to recognize them.  And when you do, your chances at success in the marketplace will grow.