Writing Break

High-Concept vs. Low-Concept Stories


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Is your story high-concept or low-concept? Understanding this difference can help you refine your pitch, strengthen your storytelling, and position your book effectively in the publishing industry.

🎙️ In this episode, we’ll cover:

✍️ what makes a story high-concept;

✏️ what defines a low-concept story;

✍️ how to tell which one you’re writing and why it matters; and

✏️ examples from books and films to illustrate both concepts.

As always, I’ll share the latest publishing industry news, including trends, controversies, and shifts that could impact authors.

  • 7 Literary Conflicts Explained (Clip Show #11) - Writing Break
  • New Jersey Star-Ledger will end print edition in 2025
  • ‘Sign our own death warrant’: Australian writers angry after Melbourne publisher asks them to sign AI agreements | Australian books | The Guardian
  • Demand for page-turning ‘romantasy’ fuels boom for books
  • Waiting for the Paperback? Good Luck - WSJ
  • Gains in the religion and adult fiction segments helped to offset softness in other areas, leading to a 6.5% sales increase at publishers who report to the Association of American Publishers’ StatShot program.
  • Free Style Sheet Templates
  • Free Writing Tips

Music licensed from Storyblocks:

“More Jam Please” by Raighes Factory

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Writing BreakBy America's Editor