Reading Debut Fiction: why you should take a chance on a new author

Quite a while ago, I read article about debut fiction. The writer had been at a conference where some panelists told hopeful authors, “We can’t sell you as debut authors if no one is buying debut fiction. If you want to get published, do your part and buy some books written by people like you.” Well, I do my best to do that–and here’s why you should also take a chance on a debut novelist.

Why Take a Chance on a New Author?

I’m like most people—if I’m browsing at a bookstore, I tend to gravitate towards the books whose authors names I recognize. Especially if I’m in a huge bookstore where I hardly know where to start looking. It’s safest to grab a book by an author I’ve read and loved than to take a chance on someone I’ve never heard of before.

Yet as I thought about that, I also thought about all the debut books I’ve read lately—and really liked. Probably top of my list is Bonnie Grove’s Talking to the Dead, an amazing debut novel about a young woman working through the grief of losing her husband. Susan Young di Biagi’s debut novel Cibou also jumps to mind as an excellent work of historical fiction by a new author. I’ll definitely be looking for more work by these authors.

You Might Discover Your Next Favourite Author

Every bestselling author was once a debut novelist. Before readers were lining up for the newest book from their favourite writers, someone had to take a chance on that first novel. Reading debut fiction gives you the chance to discover talented authors early in their careers. There’s something special about watching a writer grow, seeing their confidence develop, and knowing you were there from the beginning.

For example, I was following Miralee Ferrell’s blog when she released her first novel, The Other Daughter. Since then, I’ve watched Miralee write a sequel and then branch out into historical fiction and young adult novels. I feel as if I’ve gone on this journey with her, cheering her along the way to success as an author, because I read her first book.

While there are a few amazing writers whose first novel was an instant success, many writers grow into their craft. Not every debut novel is perfect in terms of plot or characterization or even spelling. Even if a young author makes a few mistakes in his or her first book, there’s still much to enjoy about debut authors—and the next book is sure to be better.

Debut Authors Bring Fresh Stories

Established authors often have a recognizable style, which is one reason readers love them. But debut authors have the freedom to surprise us. They may introduce a character we haven’t seen before, explore a topic from a new perspective, or tell a familiar kind of story in a completely unexpected way. Some of my favourite reading discoveries have come from authors whose names meant nothing to me when I first picked up their books.

Readers Help Shape the Future of Publishing

Publishing is, at its heart, a business. Publishers need to know that readers are willing to try new voices before they invest in more books from those authors. When readers buy debut novels, request them from libraries, leave reviews, and recommend them to friends, they help show publishers that there is an audience for new writers.

First Novels Often Come From the Heart

Many debut novels represent years of work, rejection, and perseverance. For some authors, that first book is a story they have carried for decades before finally sharing it with readers. Knowing the journey behind a debut novel can make the reading experience even more meaningful. You’re not just reading a book—you’re holding someone’s dream in your hands.

Reading Debut Fiction Keeps Your Reading List Fresh

It’s easy to fall into the habit of reading the same authors over and over. There’s nothing wrong with returning to a favourite series or picking up the latest release from a beloved writer, but discovering new authors keeps reading exciting. A debut novel might introduce you to a genre you never expected to enjoy or a writing style you wouldn’t have otherwise encountered.

How to Find Great Debut Novels

If you want to read more debut fiction but don’t know where to start, there are plenty of ways to discover new authors. Ask your librarian for recommendations, follow book bloggers like me who review new releases, browse publisher lists, or look for debut author awards. There are also numerous authors on Instagram now who are sharing behind-the-scenes look at their writing processes, character inspo or original artwork, and more. Local writing communities are also a great place to discover talented authors who may not yet be household names.

Debut Fiction I’ve Enjoyed:

• Miss Fortune by Sara Mills (an Alberta author)
• Running Toward Home by Betty Jane Hegerat (an Alberta author)
• The Other Daughter by Miralee Ferrell
• Dance, Gladys, Dance by Cassie Stocks
• The Lion Cubs by Chrissy M. Dennis (a Saskatchewan author)
• Come Sunday by Isla Morley
• Blink and We’ll Miss It by Ginny Kochis
• Rules for Mothers by Julie Swendsen Young

Some of these authors have gone on to publish many more books, while others remain newer voices I hope to read more from in the future. Some of those books (Cibou and Miss Fortune) I read because of recommendations from a friend. Others I read because I knew or met the authors (Running Toward Home and One Smooth Stone). And some I was simply able to read through being a book review blogger (Dance, Gladys, Dance and Come Sunday). Either way, I’ve really enjoyed all of them.

Do you pick up debut fiction? What work of debut fiction have you read and enjoyed recently?