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How to Write Best Fantasy Books for Adults

Understanding the Best Fantasy Books for Adults Genre

What Makes Adult Fantasy Different from YA or Epic Fantasy?

When we talk about the best fantasy books for adults, it’s important to first understand how they differ from other types of fantasy, like Young Adult (YA) or traditional Epic Fantasy. Adult fantasy isn’t just about having older protagonists or more explicit scenes. It’s more about the complexity of the themes, the depth of character development, and the mature tone of the storytelling.

In YA fantasy, the focus is often on identity, coming-of-age struggles, and first experiences. Adult fantasy, on the other hand, delves into layered psychological profiles, moral ambiguity, societal constructs, and the emotional toll of life’s decisions. The best fantasy books for adults often contain political intrigue, darker themes, philosophical exploration, and deep-rooted conflicts that mirror real-world issues like oppression, trauma, or corruption.

The pacing is often slower in adult fantasy because it spends more time building world lore, character backstories, and ethical dilemmas. Think about works by authors like Patrick Rothfuss or N.K. Jemisin. Their novels don’t just entertain; they challenge readers intellectually and emotionally.

If you’re aiming to publish on platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or BookBaby, you’ll notice that adult fantasy is a popular niche that readers actively search for. They’re not just looking for escapism—they want to be moved, disturbed, and enlightened. So if you’re writing in this genre, ensure your story offers more than just dragons and swordplay. Offer reflection, transformation, and realism, even if it’s wrapped in magic.

Common Tropes and Expectations in Adult Fantasy

You might think tropes are overdone, but when used effectively, they’re tools that readers actually crave. For the best fantasy books for adults, tropes like the morally gray hero, the reluctant savior, the fallen kingdom, or the corrupt ruling class are classics because they work. Readers of adult fantasy often expect intelligent subversion of these tropes rather than their complete avoidance.

One key expectation in adult fantasy is thematic depth. A quest might be less about retrieving an artifact and more about discovering one’s ethical limits. Romance, if present, is usually nuanced—dealing with trauma, betrayal, and healing rather than first kisses and fluttery feelings.

Another powerful element is world consequence. Actions in adult fantasy have long-lasting effects. When a character kills or lies or chooses power, there’s a cost. This emotional gravity is what separates casual tales from truly gripping, mature narratives.

Keep these in mind as you outline your novel. Readers of adult fantasy aren’t afraid of complex narratives. They embrace them.

Define Your Audience and Intent Clearly

Why Knowing Your Reader Matters

Before you even write your first page, you need to identify who you’re writing for. If you’re targeting readers searching for the best fantasy books for adults, know this: these are discerning, seasoned readers. They’ve likely devoured dozens—if not hundreds—of fantasy novels. They’re not impressed by surface-level plots or flat characters.

Defining your audience helps you craft stories that resonate. Ask yourself:

Is my reader interested in political intrigue?
Do they enjoy morally ambiguous characters?
Are they more into dark fantasy or magical realism?

By answering these questions, you’ll avoid writing a generic book. Instead, you’ll create something tailored—something that feels like it was written just for your audience.

This also plays into marketplace targeting. For example, platforms like IngramSpark or B&N Press often cater to readers seeking hardcover collectibles or print editions. These readers might prefer dense, lore-heavy tomes. In contrast, Kindle Direct Publishing readers might favor faster-paced, digital-first experiences. Knowing where your book will live affects how you write it.

So, define your intent clearly. Are you trying to explore the concept of power? Critique colonialism through fantasy metaphors? Offer escapism with a darker undertone? Whatever it is, let your audience know. They’ll reward you with loyalty and word-of-mouth marketing.

Creating Reader Personas for Better Storytelling

A reader persona is essentially a fictional profile of your ideal reader. It helps guide everything from tone to plot structure. If you’re aiming for the best fantasy books for adults list, this step is non-negotiable.

Let’s say your reader persona is:

Name: James
Age: 36
Occupation: Software Developer
Reads: Joe Abercrombie, Brandon Sanderson, Tamsyn Muir
Prefers: Grimdark, sarcastic narration, intense world-building, no filler

With this persona in mind, you’ll avoid writing flowery romance arcs or teenage angst. Instead, you’ll inject your book with gritty realism, dark humor, and tightly woven themes.

Building personas also helps with marketing. If you know what your reader watches on Netflix (e.g., “The Witcher” or “Game of Thrones”), you’ll have a leg up on crafting compelling ad copy and book blurbs. This applies to platforms like Draft2Digital and Kobo Writing Life, where discoverability often depends on metadata and category targeting.

Remember: you’re not writing for everyone. You’re writing for someone. Make that someone feel like the hero of their own reading experience.

Build a Complex and Believable Fantasy World

Rules of Magic Systems and Societies

World-building isn’t just about naming cities and drawing maps. It’s about creating a functioning, breathing ecosystem where readers can lose themselves—and believe in it. If you’re writing the best fantasy books for adults, your world must have rules, limitations, and consequences.

Start with the magic system. Is it soft or hard? Does it have a cost? Is it accessible to all or hoarded by elites? Brandon Sanderson’s famous “laws of magic” emphasize that limitations make systems more engaging. So, if magic can solve every problem, you risk boring your reader. But if using magic causes memory loss, moral decay, or public scrutiny, it gets interesting fast.

Next, focus on society. How is your world governed? What are its social classes, religious beliefs, and legal systems? Are there prejudices? How do economics and technology interact with the fantasy elements?

A believable fantasy world reflects the complexity of our own but in exaggerated, symbolic ways. Your readers will appreciate the parallels and subtle critiques.

The best part? A well-built world enhances marketing. Descriptions like “Set in a society where magic is currency and empathy is outlawed…” practically write your book blurb for you. And on sites like PublishDrive or StreetLib, where categorization is crucial, this clarity boosts discoverability.

Geography, Culture, Politics, and History

Let’s dig even deeper. Think of your world like a massive RPG. It needs geographical logic—rivers near cities, mountain passes that influence trade, or weather that shapes behavior. Culture comes next. Who wears what? What languages do they speak? What holidays do they celebrate?</span>

Politics adds tension. Maybe there’s a crumbling monarchy or a rebel faction with legitimate grievances. And don’t ignore history—your current events should be shaped by wars, legends, and societal shifts from centuries past.

This depth will make your book stand out on platforms like AuthorHouse or Blurb, where readers often search for niche, richly imagined fantasy. Plus, world-building helps create sequels, spin-offs, or even companion maps and glossaries to upsell on platforms like Amazon.

Develop Deep, Multi-Layered Characters

Creating Flawed Yet Relatable Protagonists

Characters are the heart of any great fantasy novel. If your reader can’t connect with them, they’ll never finish your book—no matter how cool your magic system is. For the best fantasy books for adults, protagonists should be relatable yet deeply flawed.

Don’t give us perfect heroes. Give us people torn by past traumas, driven by internal conflicts, or burdened with impossible choices. Maybe your mage once betrayed their family for power. Maybe your knight is secretly illiterate. These human flaws make readers care.

And don’t forget growth. Adult fantasy readers love watching characters evolve—morally, emotionally, or spiritually. The arc matters. Redemption, corruption, enlightenment—these are the hallmarks of a satisfying character journey.

Make your protagonist’s goals clear but layered. A simple quest for revenge might evolve into a broader moral reckoning. This complexity adds emotional richness and helps your book stand out in crowded marketplaces like Amazon KDP and B&N Press.

Writing Realistic Villains and Antiheroes

Villains shouldn’t just be “evil for the sake of it.” They should believe they’re the hero. Maybe they want to save the world in their own twisted way. Maybe they suffered injustice and now seek retribution. The best fantasy books for adults feature antagonists who mirror the protagonist—flipping morality on its head.

Antiheroes are especially popular in adult fantasy. Think of characters like Geralt from The Witcher or Thomas Covenant. They’re not good or bad—they’re real. Writing these gray-area characters invites readers to question their own ethics and decisions.

This not only deepens engagement but also makes your story memorable. On platforms like IngramSpark or StreetLib, where darker and more nuanced stories thrive, this character depth can be your competitive edge.

Crafting Mature and Thematic Storylines

Tackling Adult Themes: Morality, Power, Identity

In adult fantasy, storylines are not just a vehicle for action—they’re a mirror reflecting society, belief systems, and the very human experience. If your goal is to write one of the best fantasy books for adults, then your story should dig into mature, sometimes uncomfortable, but universally compelling themes.

Start with morality. Your protagonist might face decisions where there’s no clear right answer. Do they sacrifice a few to save many? Betray a friend to achieve a greater good? This moral ambiguity is what keeps adult readers turning pages. It’s less about slaying monsters and more about questioning what the monster really is.

Next, explore power. Who has it? Who wants it? What are they willing to do to keep or steal it? Power dynamics—whether political, magical, or emotional—can form the backbone of your narrative. It adds stakes, tension, and realism.

And let’s not forget identity. Themes of self-discovery, cultural alienation, or existential crisis are incredibly resonant. Maybe your protagonist questions their heritage or their role in a prophecy. Maybe they’re torn between loyalty and independence.

These themes don’t just make the story richer—they make it relatable. Platforms like Kobo Writing Life and Draft2Digital, where adult readers look for emotionally complex and thought-provoking fiction, are ideal places to launch a story that doesn’t just entertain but matters.

So don’t shy away from depth. Dive into the gray. That’s where unforgettable stories live.

Weaving Subplots Without Losing the Main Arc

Subplots are your secret weapon. They give your story dimension, help with pacing, and deepen the characters. But they can also derail your main plot if not handled correctly. The best fantasy books for adults excel at weaving subplots that complement—not complicate—the primary narrative.

Here’s how to do it:

Make it personal: A subplot about a strained sibling relationship can add emotional gravity to a main quest.
Let it echo the main theme: If your story is about power, a subplot involving a minor character’s rise or fall can reflect that theme.
Use it for pacing: After an intense battle, switch to a quieter subplot about political scheming or internal conflict to let readers breathe.

The trick is to ensure subplots always serve a purpose. They must evolve, resolve, or twist in a way that feeds back into the central storyline.

Also, subplots give you the chance to build outside characters who might star in sequels or spin-offs. If you’re publishing via IngramSpark or AuthorHouse, where series and boxed sets sell well, planting seeds for future installments is both artistic and strategic.

Done right, subplots can transform a good fantasy novel into a deeply immersive epic that readers don’t want to leave.

Pacing, Structure, and Chapter Flow

Creating Strong Openings That Hook Adult Readers

First impressions matter. Your opening chapter is your best chance to grab a reader’s attention and prove that your story is worth their time. For the best fantasy books for adults, that opening should be a blend of intrigue, stakes, and character.

Start in the middle of something interesting. Maybe it’s a mysterious ritual, a prison break, or a forbidden meeting. Avoid pages of exposition or backstory. Adult readers don’t need hand-holding—they want to be dropped into your world and figure things out through context and clues.

Introduce your protagonist early, and show—not tell—their internal struggle. Let readers feel the tension, the urgency, the stakes. Your job isn’t to explain everything in Chapter One—it’s to create just enough questions that the reader needs to find the answers.

The tone you establish here sets the stage for the rest of the novel. Is it dark and gritty? Lyrical and mythical? Funny but tragic? Be deliberate, because consistency in voice is key.

Platforms like Amazon KDP rank books based on reader engagement, and nothing kills engagement faster than a slow start. So revise that first chapter until it sings. Your readers—and your royalties—will thank you.

Structuring the Plot for Emotional Impact

Structure is more than just beginning, middle, and end. It’s the emotional rhythm of your story. For adult fantasy, where plots can get complex, it’s essential to craft a structure that delivers payoff after payoff, with just enough rise and fall to keep readers emotionally invested.

Here’s a flexible structure that works wonders:

Hook – Introduce conflict and tone immediately.
Inciting Incident – Something happens that forces the protagonist to act.
Rising Action – Subplots deepen. Tensions grow. Stakes increase.
Midpoint Shift – A revelation or twist changes everything.
Dark Night of the Soul – The lowest point, emotionally and plot-wise.
Climax – A high-stakes confrontation, both internal and external.
Resolution – Tie up loose ends and deliver emotional closure.

Each part should be written with emotional beats in mind. What does your character feel? What does the reader feel? By mapping emotional highs and lows alongside plot points, you ensure the story hits hard where it needs to.

This kind of intentional structure not only satisfies your readers but also makes it easier to write blurbs, summaries, and synopses for platforms like PublishDrive or Blurb, which require tight, compelling marketing material.

Dialogue and Language That Reflects Maturity

Writing Believable, Purpose-Driven Dialogue

Dialogue is where your characters reveal themselves. And in adult fantasy, it needs to feel natural, intelligent, and layered. Readers aren’t looking for melodrama—they want subtext, subtlety, and meaning behind every word.

Avoid exposition dumps in dialogue. Instead, let characters speak with intent. Are they trying to deceive, manipulate, inspire, or confess? Each line should have a purpose—moving the plot, revealing character, or building tension.

Match dialogue to setting. A street thief won’t speak like a royal adviser unless that’s part of the twist. Pay attention to speech patterns, slang, and pacing. Use contractions for casual tone, and longer, more structured sentences for formality or authority.

Adult fantasy readers appreciate clever wordplay, political banter, and poetic metaphors—but don’t overdo it. Strive for balance: smart, but accessible.

Also, think about what’s not said. Often, what a character withholds reveals more than what they say. Silence, pauses, and interruptions can add layers of emotion and tension.

Great dialogue scenes are often what readers remember most. And when it comes time to submit your manuscript to Barnes & Noble Press or StreetLib, strong dialogue can be the tipping point for reader reviews and professional endorsements.

Editing and Refining for a Professional Finish

Self-Editing Techniques for Fantasy Authors

Editing is where your rough draft becomes a polished, compelling piece of literature. If you want to compete with the best fantasy books for adults, you can’t skip this step—or rush it. After finishing your first draft, put it aside for at least a week. Let your brain reset so you can come back with fresh eyes.

Start with macro-editing. Look at the structure, pacing, character arcs, and theme consistency. Are there plot holes? Do the subplots resolve meaningfully? Is the climax emotionally satisfying?

Next, move to micro-editing. Fix grammar, sentence flow, and dialogue tags. Watch for repetitive phrases, passive voice, and weak verbs. Tighten everything.

Use editing tools like Grammarly, ProWritingAid, or Hemingway to catch technical errors. But remember, these are tools—not final authorities. You still need to read your manuscript out loud. This will catch awkward phrases and unnatural dialogue better than anything else.

Additionally, get feedback from beta readers—ideally those who enjoy adult fantasy and are willing to be brutally honest. Their insights can help you fine-tune your story for maximum impact.

For platforms like Amazon KDP or Draft2Digital, where readers often leave immediate feedback in the form of reviews, a clean, error-free manuscript will significantly boost your chances of 5-star ratings and higher sales.

Hiring Professional Editors and Sensitivity Readers

While self-editing is crucial, a professional touch can elevate your work from great to exceptional. Professional editors understand not only grammar and syntax but also genre expectations, pacing, and reader psychology. If you’re serious about placing your book alongside the best fantasy books for adults, this investment is non-negotiable.

There are different types of editors:

Developmental Editors help shape your plot, characters, and themes.
Line Editors focus on the flow of your sentences.
Copy Editors fix grammar, punctuation, and consistency.
Proofreaders catch last-minute typos before publication.

Additionally, consider hiring a sensitivity reader if your story includes cultures, identities, or trauma you don’t personally experience. This ensures authenticity and helps avoid unintentional harm.

Platforms like IngramSpark and BookBaby expect professional-grade submissions, especially for print runs. A polished manuscript not only helps with approval but also boosts your credibility as an author.

Think of editing like polishing a gem. The story might be brilliant at its core, but it needs refinement to truly shine.

Publishing on Top USA Fantasy Book Marketplaces

Choosing the Right Self-Publishing Platform

There are several fantastic platforms where you can publish your adult fantasy novel, each with unique strengths. The most popular include:

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP): The king of reach. You get instant access to Kindle readers and the possibility of Kindle Unlimited income. Use categories and keywords smartly to get discovered.
BookBaby: Great for those who want print services and distribution across multiple retailers.
IngramSpark: Ideal for wide distribution, including libraries and brick-and-mortar stores.
B&N Press (Barnes & Noble Press): A solid platform for reaching Nook readers and print book fans.
Draft2Digital: Aggregates your book to Apple Books, Kobo, and more excellent for reaching international readers.
Blurb: Specializes in high-quality print books, especially those with visual elements.
PublishDrive: Expands your reach to Google Play, Apple Books, and smaller global markets.
StreetLib: Perfect for international distribution and lesser-known markets.
Kobo Writing Life: Big in Canada and Europe, ideal for digital sales.

Each has its pros and cons. Consider your target audience and how you want your book to be consumed—digitally, in print, or both. If your book has a lot of depth and re-read value (which many best fantasy books for adults do), consider hardcover or print editions through platforms like IngramSpark.

Research royalty structures, distribution networks, and formatting requirements before choosing. In many cases, combining Amazon KDP with Draft2Digital or PublishDrive gives you the best of both worlds.

Formatting and Uploading for Maximum Visibility

Once you’ve chosen a platform, formatting becomes the next hurdle. Most platforms prefer EPUB for digital books and PDF for print. Use tools like Vellum (Mac), Reedsy Book Editor (free), or Atticus (PC/Mac) to format your manuscript professionally.

Key tips:

Use a readable font (Garamond, Georgia).
Justify your text and use proper indentation.
Avoid orphaned lines and blank pages.

Don’t forget to include a clickable Table of Contents, especially for long novels. Add end-matter such as:

About the Author
Other Books by You
Email List or Social Media CTA

Optimize your book description for SEO. Use your target keyword (like “best fantasy books for adults”) strategically without overstuffing. Think like a reader: What would make you click that “Buy Now” button?

Upload your high-quality cover in the required dimensions. Many platforms have built-in cover creators, but custom design wins every time. Sites like Fiverr or 99Designs can help you find affordable cover artists.

When you hit “Publish,” double-check every preview file. A single formatting error can ruin the reading experience—and your reviews.

Marketing and Promoting Your Fantasy Novel

Launch Strategies That Drive Early Sales

The days of “publish and pray” are over. If you want your book to compete with the best fantasy books for adults, you need a plan—a launch strategy that builds buzz, garners reviews, and climbs the charts.

Start your marketing at least 4–6 weeks before release:

Build a mailing list and tease your audience with character art, first chapters, and cover reveals.
Schedule a preorder if possible. This gives you time to gather reviews and early buzz.
Recruit ARC readers to leave day-one reviews. The more 5-star ratings you have at launch, the better.
Host virtual events like Facebook Lives or Twitter AMAs. Engage with fantasy book groups.

Use countdowns, giveaways, and social media posts leading up to launch day. Partner with other authors in your niche to cross-promote. Consider running discounted promos through sites like BookBub, Freebooksy, or Bargain Booksy.

If you’re publishing on Amazon KDP, enroll in Kindle Unlimited early to boost page reads. Make sure your categories and seven backend keywords are perfectly optimized.

Once you’ve launched, don’t go silent. Keep posting. Keep promoting. Stay connected.</span>

H3: Building a Long-Term Author Brand

A great launch is only the beginning. If you want to be known for writing the best fantasy books for adults, you need a recognizable author brand.

Choose a genre-consistent pen name, logo, and cover style. Your author website should include:

A strong bio
A newsletter signup
Links to all your books
A blog or resources for fellow authors/readers

Post regularly on your preferred platform (Instagram, TikTok, Twitter) and engage with other fantasy fans. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your writing life. Build a community, not just an audience.

Consider running ads on Facebook, Amazon, or BookBub. Test small budgets and tweak based on performance.

Your brand is what readers remember. It’s what makes them buy your next book without reading the blurb.

Conclusion

Writing the best fantasy books for adults isn’t just about crafting magical worlds or unforgettable characters—it’s about intention, depth, and connection. From understanding your audience and building a believable world to structuring emotional narratives and mastering self-publishing platforms, each step is a building block to long-term success.

This guide gives you the tools, strategies, and mindset you need to not just write a book, but build a legacy in the adult fantasy genre. The path from idea to publication is challenging—but with persistence, professionalism, and a passion for storytelling, your name can one day appear on a list of the best fantasy authors writing today.

FAQs

What word count should I aim for in adult fantasy novels?

Aim for 90,000 to 130,000 words. Adult fantasy readers expect longer more developed stories that fully explore world-building and character arcs.

Should I use a pen name when publishing fantasy novels?

It’s optional, but using a genre-specific pen name can help with branding and reader expectations, especially if you write in multiple genres.

How do I get reviews for my fantasy book after launch?

Use ARC teams, reach out to book bloggers, engage on Goodreads, and incentivize reviews via reader magnets or mailing lists.

Is Kindle Unlimited a good option for fantasy authors?

Yes. KU readers love epic and dark fantasy, and you get paid per page read, which benefits long-form fiction.

Can I turn my fantasy book into a series?

Absolutely. Fantasy thrives on series formats. Build your world with this in mind and leave room for sequels, prequels, or spin-offs.