Upmarket Fiction: Bridging the Literary Genre Gap

Have you ever come across the term “upmarket fiction” and wondered what it really means? Perhaps you're an aspiring writer seeking to strike a balance between literary and commercial storytelling. But what exactly is upmarket fiction, and how do you write it?

In this post, we’ll define upmarket fiction, break down its key elements, and explore how you can craft a story that appeals to both readers and critics. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what sets this genre apart and how to write it.

What is upmarket fiction?

The term "upmarket" is not a genre in itself, but is typically used by publishers to classify the market for a novel. Upmarket fiction is often described as a blend of literary and commercial fiction. Literary novels tend to prioritize elegant prose, complex characters, and deeper themes, while commercial fiction leans toward fast-paced plots, broader appeal, and mass-market success. 

Literary fiction versus commercial fiction

To understand where upmarket fiction fits, it helps to understand the two categories it bridges.

Literary fiction typically emphasizes beautiful or thought-provoking prose, complex characters, and layered themes. These books often focus more on internal conflict than plot, and they’re more likely to earn critical acclaim or win awards than top the bestseller charts.

Commercial fiction, on the other hand, is written with a wide appeal in mind. These books are often plot-driven, fast-paced, and designed to entertain. Think of genre fiction, such as romance, thrillers, sci-fi, or fantasy. The writing is accessible, the stories hook you quickly, and they’re often bestsellers.

Upmarket fiction sits between the two. It combines the thoughtful, well-crafted writing of literary fiction with the accessible storytelling and compelling premises found in commercial fiction. These stories often explore universal themes, such as love, grief, or identity, while remaining page-turners. This balance of depth and accessibility makes upmarket fiction popular with all kinds of readers. It’s sometimes even called “book club fiction” because it invites reflection, discussion, and emotional engagement.

Now, let’s explore how to write it!

Blend quality writing with a high-concept hook

At the heart of upmarket fiction is an engaging “what if?” premise paired with strong, polished writing. The hook should be easy to grasp, emotionally resonant, and rooted in a situation that immediately raises questions for the reader. What would you do in that situation? How will the characters handle it? If you're planning to query literary agents, your story's hook is extremely important!

Jodi Picoult is a prime example of an upmarket author who blends emotional, high-concept premises with thoughtful prose. In Small Great Things, Picoult tackles issues of race, privilege, and justice. In My Sister’s Keeper, a family’s moral dilemma invites readers to wrestle with difficult questions about medical ethics and personal autonomy. Each novel delivers a gripping premise with literary care, making them both thought-provoking and widely readable.

When crafting your own upmarket story, regardless of its genre, consider your premise and prose as equally important. A strong hook will pull readers in. Quality writing will make them stay. 

Create a character-driven story

In upmarket fiction, character development takes center stage. Unlike a thriller or mystery where plot often drives the action, upmarket novels are propelled by characters—their inner struggles, relationships, and growth.

Gail Honeyman’s Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine follows a quirky, socially isolated protagonist whose gradual emotional transformation becomes the beating heart of the story. Honeyman immerses readers in Eleanor’s internal world, crafting a narrative rich with empathy and personal discovery.

Liane Moriarty’s Big Little Lies takes a multi-POV approach, exploring the intersecting lives of several women whose personal secrets slowly unravel. By using multiple perspectives, Moriarty deepens emotional stakes and provides readers with a broader, more nuanced look at relationships, community, and trauma.

Whether you’re writing from one character’s perspective or many, the key is emotional depth. Your characters should feel real, complex, and central to the story’s momentum.

Explore universal themes

One of the hallmarks of upmarket fiction is its focus on universal themes—the kinds of emotional truths and experiences that resonate with a broad audience. Love, loss, grief, identity, family secrets, forgiveness—these themes give your story heart and help readers connect with your characters on a deeper level.

Celeste Ng’s Little Fires Everywhere explores motherhood, privilege, and the complexities of family in a quiet suburban setting. Her nuanced examination of personal and societal tension gives the novel literary weight while remaining accessible to a broad readership.

Sally Rooney’s Normal People navigates young love and personal identity through a deceptively simple relationship. Her prose is spare but emotionally loaded, and the story resonates because the complex themes are so profoundly human.

When writing your own upmarket fiction, consider what emotional truth lies at the center of your story. What question are you exploring that will matter to a wide range of readers?

Draw from real-world scenarios

Real-world issues and headlines often serve as inspiration for upmarket fiction. These stories reflect the concerns and conversations already happening in society, making them both timely and relevant. They also spark meaningful dialogue, especially in group settings like book clubs.

Tayari Jones’s An American Marriage tells the story of a couple whose lives are upended by a wrongful conviction. The novel explores racial injustice, the emotional cost of incarceration, and the strain placed on love in the face of trauma. It’s a deeply personal story rooted in systemic issues.

Lionel Shriver’s We Need to Talk About Kevin tackles the disturbing topic of school violence through the lens of a mother reflecting on her son’s actions. The novel is gripping and literary, forcing readers to confront uncomfortable questions about guilt, nature vs. nurture, and responsibility.

Stories that stem from real-world scenarios often invite readers to ask, “What would I do in that situation?” That emotional engagement is a powerful hallmark of upmarket fiction.

Ready to write upmarket fiction?

If you're drawn to stories that combine emotional complexity with broad appeal, upmarket fiction might be the perfect fit for your writing style. To get started, focus on a thought-provoking premise that’s easy to grasp. Craft emotionally rich, character-driven stories. Weave in universal themes that matter to your readers. And draw inspiration from the real world to spark curiosity and reflection.

By mastering these elements, you’ll be well on your way to writing a story that connects with both critics and readers, and earns a place on nightstands and book club lists alike.