If you’ve noticed survival stories, crumbling societies, and bleak futures returning to bookshelves, you’re not imagining it. Dystopian and post-apocalyptic fiction is making a comeback (and we love to see it). These genres speak to our fears and our resilience. They show us we can overcome difficult times. 

But—despite their overlapping vibes—dystopian and post-apocalyptic fiction are not the same. Understanding their differences is key to writing a compelling story that stands out in a flooded market. 

What is the difference between dystopian and post-apocalyptic fiction? 

Dystopian fiction has the illusion of society: Though these societies are typically extremely oppressive, there is an “order” that the protagonist begins to question. Think The Hunger Games or The Handmaid’s Tale. Society is still functioning, but not fairly. The antagonist is a government system. The tension begins with rebellion. 

Post-apocalyptic is after the fall of society: These stories take place after society has burned to the ground. Whether nuclear war, zombies, or a climate disaster caused it, the old ways are gone. Now, everyone must survive and rebuild. Think Mad Max, A Quiet Place, and Bird Box. The threat comes from the environment and lawless survivors. The tension comes from resilience. 

So how can you make your book stand out in the resurgence? 

In my opinion, agents and editors seem to be looking for more post-apocalyptic than dystopian, especially any high concept pitches that lean on cli-fi/eco-fantasy. Think about how culture forms after the fall, not during it. (Consider the mountain scenes in Yellowjackets.) Rebellion stories are super overdone. Not that you can’t write it, but since so much of that is already on the market, rebuilding the world is a lot more compelling than burning it down. 

Regardless of the topic you choose, your story needs two key elements:

a strong emotional core: Who is the main character without the apocalypse? high concept with real-world resonance: Agents and editors want books that make people think, feel, and talk. Ask yourself if your book could be a book club pick: The Dream Hotel, Scythe, etc. 

Other subtle ways to stand out:

Consider your aesthetic: Create unique atmospheric world building like the myth-infused dystopia in These Vengeful Gods or the cozy apocalyptic vibes in The Last Bookstore on Earth. Be weird and bold: We’ve all seen wastelands and war. What if makeup influencers are responsible for holding the world together? Think Black Mirror. Your main character doesn’t have to be a typical rebel. They could just be trying to keep a bookstore going (like The Last Bookstore on Earth–I obviously loved this book). Offer a twist on hope: Hope doesn’t have to look like victory. Maybe the real win is letting society fall apart. Think about the ending of Weathering With You. Readers of this genre aren’t necessarily looking for happily ever afters; they want meaning. 

Overall, the key to making your book stand out is knowing what your book is really about. Grief? Corruption? Survival? Identity? The strongest stories will have readers questioning our current world. 

What are your favorite dystopian and post-apocalyptic reads? Have you ever written in these genres?

My fantasy dystopian series BAD BLOODS blends a moody midnight cityscape aesthetic with a gritty, supernatural edge, where magical outcasted teens form secret families to fight for freedom and each other. 

When I set out to write Bad Bloods, I wanted to explore X-Men themes in a darker, more realistic way. (I leaned on Among the Hidden.) These are teens who didn’t choose how they were born—and unlike other dystopian stories I’d read, they don’t have the privilege of rebellion. There’s no resistance army, no safehouse, no magical school—just survival on the streets, where they are hunted. I wanted the story to feel grittier, more intimate, grounded in grief and quiet hope. The tension doesn’t come from war, but from an election that will determine whether they live or die (and, of course, they’re too young to vote). Their fate rests in the hands of politicians who aren’t like them (and probably don’t know anyone like them). Even their magical powers aren’t for combat; they’re reflections of who they are, often more isolating than empowering (like how Daniel’s ability to heal others makes him more vulnerable to illness; his care for others as a flock leader is slowly wearing him down). I wanted a true sense of helplessness because sometimes the most powerful stories come from those who’ve had everything taken from them but still find a reason to hold on.

You can read book 1 for free. 

I’d love to hear about your stories! Tell me in the comments!

~SAT

Free Kindle Book: Bad Bloods: November Rain