“The writing world is a business full of busy people with short attention spans. You usually get one shot when an agent, an executive or producer wants to read your material or meet you. So, pick a lane and lead with your best manuscript in one genre. It’s easier to identify you as a procedural writer than as a procedural writer who also writes historical drama.”The writing world is a business full of busy people with short attention spans. You usually get one shot when an agent, an executive or producer wants to read your material or meet you. So, pick a lane and lead with your best manuscript in one genre. It’s easier to identify you as a procedural writer than as a procedural writer who also writes historical drama.

If you focus on one style and your sample hits strongly, doors will open. Terrific. Once you’re working, establish yourself and get known for that style, then try to branch out later on.

Meanwhile, discover your strengths. Develop what you bring to the table. Try to find a common thread between your genres of interest. If your reputation is for writing intimate relationship dramas, for instance, but you’re itching to write action and sci-fi, show how your skill is finding the emotional core of a story. You could become their go-to character writer while getting the chance to spread your wings in another genre. Remember, people always need to invest in and care about the characters, no matter what type of show.” TV writer Eric Tuchman (The Handmaid’s Tale, Stitchers)