Genre Guide — Science Fiction
Genre Guide — Science Fiction

Steampunk Beat Sheet

Export All to RTF Copy All to Clipboard Section Your Notes Gears and Goggles (Approx. 0-2,000 words): Introduce the protagonist in a world of gears, steam, and clockwork contraptions, highlighting their unique skills, inventions, or place within a society powered by steam technology. Dig Deeper The protagonist, a brilliant inventor, a daring airship pilot, or a resourceful mechanic, is introduced in a world where steam power reigns supreme. Their unique skills, inventions, or their position within a society driven by gears, cogs, and clockwork contraptions are established, painting a picture of a character who is both a product of and...

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Space Opera Beat Sheet

Export All to RTF Copy All to Clipboard Section Your Notes Introduction of Protagonist(s) (Approx. 0-3,000 words): Introduce the protagonist(s) against the backdrop of a vast galactic civilization, highlighting their unique skills, backgrounds, and the personal or political conflicts that motivate them. Dig Deeper The protagonist(s), whether they are daring space pilots, cunning diplomats, or rebellious freedom fighters, are introduced in a galaxy teeming with diverse alien races, advanced technology, and interstellar conflicts. Their individual skills, backgrounds, and motivations are established, setting the stage for their involvement in a galactic struggle that will determine the fate of civilizations. The Galaxy...

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Post-Apocalyptic Beat Sheet

Export All to RTF Copy All to Clipboard Section Your Notes The World After (Approx. 0-2,000 words): Introduce the protagonist in a desolate and transformed world, highlighting the catastrophic event that led to its collapse and the challenges of survival in this new reality. Dig Deeper The protagonist, a survivor of a global catastrophe, is introduced in a world ravaged by war, disease, natural disaster, or some other cataclysmic event. The remnants of civilization are depicted, showcasing the destruction, the loss of life, and the struggle for survival in a world where resources are scarce and danger lurks around every...

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Military Sci Fi Beat Sheet

Export All to RTF Copy All to Clipboard Section Your Notes Introduction of Protagonist (Approx. 0-2,000 words): Introduce the protagonist, a soldier, officer, or military specialist, highlighting their skills, rank, and the challenges they face in a futuristic military setting. Dig Deeper The protagonist, a hardened soldier with a troubled past, a decorated officer with a strong sense of duty, or a specialist with unique skills in technology or warfare, is introduced in a futuristic military setting. Their rank, their expertise in combat or strategy, and their personal motivations are established, setting the stage for their involvement in a conflict...

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Cyberpunk Beat Sheet

Export All to RTF Copy All to Clipboard Section Your Notes Neon-lit Streets (Approx. 0-2,000 words): Introduce the protagonist in a gritty, neon-drenched city, highlighting their skills, augmentations, and place within the dystopian society. Dig Deeper The protagonist, a skilled hacker, a streetwise hustler, or a cybernetically enhanced mercenary, is introduced in a sprawling metropolis dominated by towering skyscrapers, holographic advertisements, and a constant stream of data flowing through the virtual networks. Their unique skills, augmentations, and their position within the city’s complex social hierarchy are established, painting a picture of a character who is both a product of and...

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Should I Write Apocalypse Thriller?

Apocalypse thriller is where SF and action meet. Anything can happen and does in these books. Comets barreling down on the earth. Pandemics turning people into monsters. Climate disaster. Nuclear destruction. Can you think big? World-ending big? And then make it even bigger?

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Colonization/Exploration/First Contact Study Materials

Remember to read the articles in the Essentials section. These cover all the essential skills you’ll need as a self-published author. They are not just for beginners either. They go in depth on how to successfully write, publish, and market your own books.

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Should I Write Colonization/Exploration/First Contact?

You should consider writing in one of these genres if…

You love reading them.

You watched (and loved) The Expanse, For All Mankind, and Alien

You find yourself constantly looking at the stars and wondering "What if...?"

You should probably try a different genre if…

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Should I Write Dystopian?

Dystopian fiction is not for the faint of heart. Not necessarily horror, it still has a darkness that creeps into your soul — then burrows in. Even if the hero triumphs — not a guarantee in this genre — the knowledge of how close we will always be to this kind of future remains. If you can handle that darkness, or if you already swim in it, then dystopian novels might be a natural fit for you.

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