Questions and input on shapeshifter books

[Koda]

Hello all, I hope everyone is having a great week and some good reads! :) I was looking for some people's opinions on some questions, I do apologize if you are seeing this on more than one group you are in as I am trying to get various thoughts and opinions on this.

From what I have seen, most books that are about or even vaguely consisting of shapeshifters seem like there is only one or two types at a time. On top of that, they seem to typically consist of wolves, bears, lions, dragons, maybe the occasional tiger... Are there any books with all types of animal shifters or do they mainly focus on one type?

Is there any interest in an actual world of animal shapeshifters? Or do readers want more magical beings as well such as vampires, witches, and other mythical type beings and beasts?

Do readers tend to prefer a longer book or a series of shorter installments? I suppose the better question to ask would be Do readers feel more comfortable purchasing a book from a first time author if it is offered in shorter installments (therefore giving a cheaper price to "try" them out)? Or do readers prefer to just buy one larger book?

Thank you for your time and input. Any opinions you share are most appreciated!

[Pike]

One that comes to mind is LKH's Narcissus in Chains. This one featured multiple kinds of shifters, even a "Swanmanes". I really enjoyed the earlier books for the hard-boiled approach and whenever Edward made an appearance.

[Martin]

Write the book that you want to read. Make it the best you can. Don't try to satisfy some generic reader out there.

Just write it.

[Melissa]

As Martin said, write the book you want to read. I always say that there's going to be an audience for it no matter what, so don't worry about anything else.

That said - and if it helps as motivation - I have come across books on Amazon that deal with a wide range of shape-shifting, although those books had all been romance/erotica, which I don't read so I can't say if they were any good. But there does seem to be a market for shifter romance (I have a friend who writes it and is doing well with it ), and it doesn't seem to matter what animal the people turn into.

There's a Manga called Fruits Baskets about a group of people who turn into the animals of the Chinese Zodiak whenever they come into physical contact with the opposite sex (a brief touch and, bam, they're an animal), and that Manga was pretty popular.

And I do know shapeshifting in fantasy is always popular, so a world of shapeshifters would go over pretty well.

[Koda]

@ Pike I've seen a lot of people talking about the Anita Blake series, I will definitely have to look into it. What sorts of shapeshifters are in that series? You don't have to rack your brain to name them all, just any that come to mind. Actually, I just googled it and found her wiki page about some of her shapeshifters. Lycanthropes, panweres, weredogs, weretigers, weresnakes, etc. Sounds very cool. Even the swanmanes have a special story behind them. Thank you for the insight and recommendation!

@Martin I get what you are saying. I am not trying to get people's opinions to write something for the masses. What I have in my head has been there since I was younger. You can't please anyone by trying to please everyone. I am just looking for more books out there that aren't just about a regular girl who hooks up with a werewolf. There's a million of those, and that's great for those readers that enjoy that. I however do not. I would prefer and find it more believable that there would be many types as opposed to just one randomly existing. All of the questions I asked are to get people's opinions because I find them interesting.

@Melissa Yes, most of the books I have come across seem to be romance/erotica. I don't mind some romance but most seem to be a bit heavy on the erotica! Which isn't my personal preference and I'm not knocking anyone that prefers their books that way. It does seem like there's a big market for them and I'm glad they've found success in it. Regardless of how large that market becomes, it just isn't my scene so I wouldn't cater to it. As I said before, I just like reading other's thoughts and opinions on that matter especially since I have been having a hard time coming across books offering a bit more in the subject let alone any sort of large variety. I've never heard of that Manga but the premise is definitely different and could be an interesting read.

Thank you all for taking the time to read and respond!

[Pike]

I know some folks balk at Wikipedia but they have lots of lists that I enjoy checking out. If you look up Anita Blake on the site it will take you to a page on Laurel's Weres. Someone created a page dedicated to Laurel's Weres and even the laws of her creatures.

As mentioned above, have fun creating your own rules; that's one of the fun aspects of writing. But sometimes it helps to see what others have done and how they approached it. It gives you a little perspective and confidence to launch from.