Two ideas for next novel - please help me choose which to write.

[Imbimba]

1. Son of family has disappeared. Told from sister's perspective very close (in time) to his disappearance. Drugs involved, mystery, underworld. Hidden things in family history which sister finds out in trying to find him.
   

1. More lighthearted - about a same sex couple asking a heterosexual couple to be sperm/egg donor. Told more from hetero couple side. (Slightly based on true life as do and I were asked this by a same sex couple we know!)
   

I'd really appreciate which one you think sounds like something you might enjoy reading (or not!) I've sort of started both, but want to focus and keep changing my mind.

My first one was about a teacher-student relationship which went wrong. It is with an agent now for consideration.

Thanks!

[TheCountessofFitzdotterel]

Imagine going to see the agent who has your first book, and they go 'What else are you working on?' Which one makes the most sense in relation to your first book?

[ImperialBlether]

The Countess has good advice there.

When I was at the MN publishing day, the agents were saying they wanted authors to stick to one genre (while they were beginning, at least) - they said if you've got a YA, a thriller and a romance on the go at the same time, they can't market you.

I know some people don't like that advice but it does make sense (to me.)

[Imbimba]

Thank you, that's interesting and makes sense. I guess my 2nd idea would fit better.

[ImperialBlether]

Both ideas are great, though - sorry, I should have said! I would happily buy either of them so let me know when it's written!

[Imbimba]

Thanks Imperial!

[JohnFarleysRuskin]

I would probably try and shoe-horn the other idea in as back story or secondary story.

(But that may be why I haven't been published for a long time.)

Subject-wise both seem to fit with a follow up of a teacher-student relationship ie. character led, contemporary issues. However, one is dark, one is light so very different in that way...

As a reader, I'd go for the second, but I know lots of people love a good disappearance.

[OutrageousFlavourLikeFreesias]

The Countess speaks words of wisdom. What's your first book like? Is it fluffy and light-hearted? Or is it more dark and gritty?

If it's fluffy and light-hearted - the second idea. If it's dark and gritty - the first.

Although if you have an agent interested, the best idea of all might be to wait until you meet with them, pitch both ideas and ask which they think would make the best package.

And best of luck, by the way!

[ImperialBlether]

I read your OP that you had an agent reading it but hadn't specifically expressed an interest. If they have, then first of all congratulations and secondly just ask him/her what they think. They can give you the best advice.

[ImperialBlether]

I don't think they'd work together as one story, tbh.

[Imbimba]

Wow, thanks for all the replies.
The agent has confirmed receipt and said she's reading it, so not exactly expressed interest...yet (fingers crossed!)
The first one is a little dark, just because the motives of each party are a bit dodgy.
I'm leaning towards the 2nd one.

Thanks again.

[ImperialBlether]

I heard (second hand) some very good advice from a well known agent:

1. Just finish the book before you start editing it
   
   
2. When in doubt, go darker
   
   Two good pieces of advice, I think!

[TheCountessofFitzdotterel]

LOL @ 'when in doubt, go darker'. I've never heard that before but I love it.

[ImperialBlether]

He said it to a woman who was writing psychological thrillers who kept making jokes in her book!