Do you love reading books about dragons, elves, and magic? If you do, then you are not alone. The fantasy genre is one of the most popular genres in the world.
In this article, we will discuss the target audience for fantasy novels and why they love these stories so much.
So if you are a fan of fantasy novels, or if you are thinking about writing one yourself, keep reading!
Why Do We Love Fantasy?
Fantasy has a way of transporting us to other worlds and giving us a break from reality. In fantasy, we can be anyone we want to be and do anything we can imagine.
For many of us, reading fantasy is like living in another world for a little while. It allows us to escape the mundane tasks of our everyday lives and explore new places and cultures.
Fantasy stories often have complex plot lines and interesting characters that we can root for. We become emotionally invested in these stories and can’t wait to see how they will play out.
The types of people that make up the target audience for fantasy novels are those looking to be immersed in a mystical world existing outside the constraints of their own reality.
Who is the Target Audience for Fantasy Novels?
To better understand the target market for fantasy novels, we will look deeper into some of the reasons why people reach for fantasy novels over other works of literature.
By better understanding what fantasy novels can offer a reader, we find that the target audience for fantasy novels includes:
- People who already love fantasy novels
- People who want to be immersed in another world
- People who enjoy magic (and the occasional dragon)
- People who want a story about humanity
- People who enjoy science fiction (sci-fi)
Let’s take a closer look at each of these audiences for fantasy novels.
#1. People who already love fantasy novels
This group of people is by far the easiest target audience for fantasy novels to please. And even though they are dedicated fans of the genre are always looking for a fresh fantasy world to explore.
Therefore, it should be of no surprise that one of the major target audiences for fantasy novels is the people who already read and enjoy them.
Whether it is the magic, the complex characters, the well-developed worlds, or the epic quests, this segment of people has fallen in love with fantasy novels.
These readers crave the fantastical. Fantasy is their go-to genre, and they are always looking for more reasons to pick up their next great adventure.
As a result, these people can also be more receptive to new fantasy novels on the market and new writers in the fantasy novel genre.
#2. People who want to be immersed in another world
Whether it be Harry Potter, The Lord of The Rings, A Song of Ice and Fire, or The Kingkiller Chronicle, the people in this segment have one major thing in common and that is they read fantasy novels to be immersed in another world.
This segment of people enjoys the signature, fantastical world-building that fantasy novels offer. In addition to a deep, engaging plot, these readers long for rich histories, geographical politics, diverse languages, and even global currencies that make fantasy the perfect choice for this segment.
The world itself becomes as much of an attraction as the main characters and the story, allowing these readers to dive into a world that feels unimaginable, yet crystal clear in the imagination.
The power of fantasy gives this segment an outlet to another universe, one that is fresh, unexplored, and just begging for an adventurer, or a bookworm, or a wizard —that is the remarkable power of fantasy world-building and why these people choose fantasy novels.
#3. People who enjoy magic (and the occasional dragon)
While not every fantasy novel has dragons, most of them have at least some form of magic. This leads us to this next target audience of fantasy novels, those who enjoy magic.
Portals to other worlds, magical creatures, mages, and looming dark forces are just some of the magic-based elements that have these people reaching for fantasy novels.
These readers want to let magic into their lives, enchanted by mystifying arts that bring great and terrible consequences to the world.
These readers find comfort and hope in the boundless possibilities magic can offer. Magic’s reach can be limitless, and as such, it should come as no surprise that this segment of people is under its spell.
#4. People who want a story about humanity
Escapism is fantastic for some, but it can have a limited shelf life for others. This target segment is looking to enjoy fantasy novels that tackle real-life conflicts in unreal realms.
From tragedies and sacrifices to celebrations and victories, these people are looking to relate their emotions to those of fantasy novel characters. These readers are not slaying dragons or making deals with the devil to save the ones they love, hopefully.
Yet, self-sacrifice and drive to enhance our loved ones’ lives are as real as breathing to every person. Great quests to better oneself or drive to beat our inner demons are real stories that people face every day.
Fantasy novels offer these people relatable stories on a fundamental level, and package those stories in a world of might and magic.
#5. People who enjoy science fiction (sci-fi)
Even though this segment may not be the primary target audience for fantasy novels, with more people taking an interest in the blended genres of science-fiction fantasy and science fantasy, this sci-fi segment, including the market for sci-films, is an emerging key target market.
While sci-fi and fantasy are two distinct genres that draw upon separate foundations, they tend to share some core components. These genres both incorporate fictional works using creative, imaginary elements that appeal to the reader looking to explore a world outside of their own.
Also, sci-fi and fantasy authors pride themselves on creating vast and immersive universes. Due to this overlap, people in this segment would likely be interested in fantasy novels as well.
Conclusion
From the fantasy fanatics to those simply looking for a little magic in their lives, there is no lack of people interested in fantasy novels. With such a wide audience, it is not surprising that fantasy novels garner such popularity.
When it comes to the target audience for fantasy novels, there are plenty of segments to reach. With the right marketing strategy, your fantasy novel can find its perfect nook to thrive.
