70 Book Ideas to Inspire Your Next Bestseller

There’s nothing worse than staring a blank page and having no idea where to start. Every writer needs inspiration if they want to write a book, and if yours is feeling a little empty, look no further than this list of book ideas to get your creativity flowing. 

From genre to theme to plot, these ideas will get your mind into gear and help you write that story you’ve always dreamed of writing. 

And if you’re not into fiction? There’s an entire section filled with writing prompts to help you write a story based on your own experiences. 

Let’s get inspired!

Character Book Ideas

1. A reclusive author, once celebrated for her bestsellers, now struggles with severe writer’s block. She begins to question her own sanity when she starts receiving letters from the characters in her unfinished manuscript.

2. A charismatic politician with a dark secret: he was once involved in organised crime. His charm and intelligence fuel his rise to power, but his past constantly threatens to unravel everything.

3. A young firefighter who fears fire more than anything else, yet becomes a local hero when he saves a child from a burning building. He’s brave but haunted by the fire that took his family.

4. A successful CEO, once ruthless in her pursuit of power, undergoes a spiritual awakening after a near-death experience. She decides to give up her empire to live a life of minimalism, but her former life keeps pulling her back.

5. A brilliant surgeon with dissociative identity disorder, who is unaware that her alter ego is sabotaging her career by performing illegal surgeries at night. As the walls between her identities begin to crumble, so does her life.

6. A former gang leader, now released from prison, returns to his neighbourhood determined to mentor at-risk youth and prevent them from making the same mistakes he did. His old gang doesn’t take kindly to his new mission.

7. A young prince, who has spent his life avoiding responsibility, suddenly finds himself the last surviving heir to the throne after an unexpected tragedy. As he tries to lead the kingdom, he discovers a gruesome family secret. 

Plot Book Ideas

8. In a world where time flows in reverse, the elderly grow younger and memories are a future prediction rather than a recollection. A historian grapples with the implications of a society that forgets its past as it “remembers” the future, and uncovers a shocking truth about humanity’s origins.

9. A cyberterrorist hacks into global defense systems, forcing a group of international agents to make split-second decisions. One wrong move could trigger a nuclear war, but their greatest enemy might be someone within their own ranks.

10. A private investigator with a spotless record is secretly behind a string of unsolved murders. As she gets closer to cracking the cases, she struggles to maintain her double life, especially when her closest colleague starts to suspect her.

11. A grieving widow, a failed musician, and a runaway teenager each experience strange dreams that seem connected. As their lives begin to intersect, they realise they’re all linked to the same tragic accident that happened years ago in a small town.

12. In a dystopian city where rebellion is brewing, a trusted government official starts a fire in a crowded building to distract from a crucial resistance operation. The act, meant to save lives in the long run, haunts him as he watches innocent people suffer from his actions.

13. A struggling single mother, desperate for money, agrees to drive a suspicious package across state lines. As the journey unfolds, she realises she’s in way over her head, and each mile takes her deeper into a criminal underworld she can’t escape.

14. The novel opens with a young man’s body floating in a river, his last moments replayed through the fragmented memories of those who knew him. As the narrative progresses, the drowning is revealed to be both a literal event and a metaphor for the overwhelming guilt that consumes each character.

Theme Book Ideas

15. In a near-future society where social media has evolved into a government-controlled network that tracks every citizen’s thoughts and actions, a rebellious teenager uncovers the dark consequences of a world where privacy no longer exists and conformity is mandatory.

16. A seasoned journalist is faced with a moral dilemma when they discover that the whistleblower they’re protecting is also responsible for a series of heinous crimes. The narrative delves into the grey area of justice—when does protecting the truth become more harmful than hiding it?

17. A young lawyer from a prestigious family of judges is expected to follow in their footsteps, but when they’re offered a chance to work on a groundbreaking case that challenges the very laws their family upholds, they must choose between honouring their family’s legacy or forging their own path.

18. A first-generation immigrant raised in a small Midwestern town travels to their ancestral homeland for the first time. There, they uncover family secrets and traditions that challenge their understanding of identity, forcing them to reconcile their American upbringing with their cultural heritage.

19. In a world where everyone is born with a date tattooed on their wrist that marks the moment they will meet their soulmate, one man defies his “fated” match to pursue a different path, challenging the very foundations of destiny in a society where free will is considered an illusion.

20. After the sudden death of their matriarch, a once-close family begins to unravel as each member processes grief in their own way. Through alternating perspectives, the novel explores how loss reshapes relationships, brings hidden resentments to the surface, and ultimately forces the family to redefine itself.

Fantasy Book Ideas

21. In a vast, medieval realm where dragons are revered as gods, humans live as their subservient slaves. A young human slave, who secretly possesses the rare ability to communicate with dragons, stumbles upon a prophecy that foretells the end of the dragon reign. 

22. Magic is a forbidden art that slowly consumes the user’s soul but a young sorcerer finds a hidden book that promises ultimate power in exchange for his humanity. As he rises through the ranks of a secret magical society, he begins to notice the toll it takes on his soul—his emotions fade, his memories blur, and his moral compass disintegrates. 

23. In a sprawling modern metropolis, mythical creatures like centaurs, mermaids, and fairies live among humans in disguise, hiding their true identities. A young detective stumbles upon their existence while investigating a series of supernatural crimes. As she delves deeper into the hidden world, she uncovers a conspiracy that could expose the mythical beings to the human population and spark a war between species.

24. In a land cursed by perpetual darkness, a motley crew of outcasts—a disgraced knight, a runaway princess, a cynical thief, and a mysterious sorcerer—must band together to stop an ancient evil from resurrecting and plunging the world into eternal night. 

25. The seasons change unpredictably and without warning, the land’s inhabitants live in constant fear of sudden, extreme weather shifts. A young farmer with an innate connection to nature finds that the chaotic seasons are being manipulated by a vengeful spirit. 

26 The ruling class has the power to manipulate time—speeding it up, slowing it down, or even reversing it—the monarchs must pay a steep price for their abilities: they age rapidly, burning through their lives in a matter of years. When a young prince, next in line for the throne, uncovers the truth behind his family’s short lifespans, he seeks out an ancient relic that could break the time curse. 

27. In a dystopian society where dreams are harvested, manipulated, and sold as commodities, the rich live in luxurious fantasy worlds while the poor suffer in nightmarish realities. A young dream-weaver, who can craft vivid dreams from nothing, finds that her most popular creations are being twisted into weapons of psychological warfare. 

Mystery Book Ideas

28. A reclusive billionaire invites a group of seemingly unconnected individuals to his remote mansion for a weekend. When a storm traps them inside and one of the guests is found dead, the survivors must unravel each other’s dark secrets to identify the killer before more bodies start piling up.

29. A seasoned detective finds himself in a psychological battle with a criminal mastermind who always seems to be one step ahead. As the detective closes in, he begins to question his own sanity—are the clues leading him to the criminal, or into a trap designed to destroy him?

30. A cold case from the 1920s involving a missing heiress resurfaces when her bones are found during a modern-day excavation. Using cutting-edge forensic science, a young criminologist reopens the investigation, uncovering a conspiracy that spans generations and threatens powerful families.

31. A retired schoolteacher in a quiet, seemingly idyllic town becomes an amateur sleuth after a neighbour is found dead under suspicious circumstances. Little does she know that she unwillingly played a part in the murder. 

32. A detective reopens a decades-old murder case after receiving an anonymous tip, only to find that the main suspect—presumed dead for years—might still be alive. The investigation forces him to confront a series of lies and deceptions that span the victim’s family and the detective’s own past.

33. A private investigator is drawn into a new case that eerily mirrors a crime from his youth that was never solved. As he delves deeper, he realises that someone from his past is using the case to manipulate him, forcing him to face the unresolved trauma that has haunted him for years.

34. When a young woman dies in what appears to be a tragic accident, her fiancé begins to suspect foul play. As he digs into her life, he finds a web of lies and deceit that leads him to realise her death was no accident, but a meticulously planned murder with him as the next target.

Historical Fiction Book Ideas

35. An epic novel set during the final days of the Roman Empire, focusing on ayoung soldier caught between his loyalty to Rome and the rising power of barbarian tribes. As the empire crumbles, he must decide whether to defend the city or flee with his family to safety.

36. A group of modern-day historians accidentally triggers a time-travel device, sending them back to pivotal moments in history. They must navigate the past without altering it, but when they witness atrocities that could be prevented, they’re faced with the ultimate moral dilemma: change history or preserve it?

37. In 16th century Japan, a Portuguese sailor is shipwrecked on the shores of a remote village. He becomes deeply entangled in the lives of the villagers, navigating cultural differences while he teaches them scientific advances from Europe and transforms their fishing village into a trade centre. 

38. A novel that reimagines the life of Vincent van Gogh through the eyes of his long-suffering brother, Theo, who must balance his own ambitions with his role as Vincent’s caretaker. The story explores the untold struggles behind Vincent’s masterpieces and the deep bond between the brothers.

39. A war-torn European country in the 1940s serves as the backdrop for a story about two soldiers—one from the Allies and one from the Axis—who form an unlikely friendship. As the war ravages on, they must confront the horrors of battle, their own prejudices, and the possibility of betrayal.

40. In an alternate history where the American Revolution never succeeded, a group of rebels in the 19th century reignite the fight for independence. The novel follows the intertwined lives of a British loyalist and a rebel leader as they battle for the future of the colonies.

41. A servant in the court of Queen Elizabeth I secretly chronicles the life of the queen, capturing her private moments and political decisions. Through the servant’s eyes, readers witness the rise of the British Empire and the personal sacrifices made by the queen to secure her legacy.

Children’s Book Ideas

42. A curious kitten named Bark embarks on a series of adventures in a bustling city, finding new sights, sounds, and friends along the way. Through Bark’s eyes, young readers learn about the importance of curiosity, kindness, and courage.

43. A group of four friends stumble upon a hidden door in their school that leads to a magical world. Together, they must solve puzzles and defeat mischievous creatures to protect both their school and the magical realm from a dark force.

44. In a choose-your-own-adventure book, young readers take on the role of a brave hero tasked with saving their village from a looming threat. Every choice leads to a different adventure, teaching the value of decision-making and consequences.

45. In a modern twist on Cinderella, Cindy is an aspiring tech entrepreneur who must overcome her stepmother’s sabotage to launch her groundbreaking app. With the help of her quirky fairy godmother, Cindy learns that hard work and ingenuity are the keys to success.

46. A shy child befriends a dragon living in the woods behind their house. The dragon helps her face her fears at school, whether it’s bullies or a test, teaches her how to be brave and how to act like a ‘dragon’ in the world. 

47. Two siblings, who constantly bicker, must set aside their differences when they find that their sleepy hometown is the last safe haven for magical creatures. Together, they embark on a thrilling adventure to protect the town from an invasion.

48. A delightful story about a group of animals in a forest who must work together to build a new home before winter arrives. Along the way, they learn the importance of friendship, teamwork, helping others and how to stay alive in the winter.

Romance Book Ideas

49. In the fast-paced world of a New York City tech start-up, a brilliant coder and a driven marketing executive must collaborate on a high-stakes project. As they clash over ideas, sparks fly, and they discover that love can blossom even in the most competitive environments.

50. During the height of the French Revolution, a noblewoman on the run from the guillotine finds herself hiding with a group of revolutionaries. She falls for a passionate, idealistic soldier, forcing her to choose between her privileged past and a future with the man she loves.

51. A romantic comedy where two strangers keep meeting under the most unfortunate and hilarious circumstances—missed flights, food mishaps, mistaken identities—until they realise that fate might be trying to bring them together for a reason.

52. In Victorian England, a spirited young woman is forced into an arranged marriage with a wealthy but brooding gentleman. As she uncovers his hidden vulnerabilities and he discovers her fiery independence, they slowly fall in love, defying societal expectations.

53. Celebrity Sofia, despises the paparazzi who hound her every move. But when she’s forced into a confrontation with Jake, a stubborn and principled photographer who is fed up with her diva antics, further confrontations lead to something neither of them anticipated. 

54. A time traveller from the 22nd century, tasked with observing pivotal moments in history, accidentally reveals his identity to a brilliant, independent-minded woman in 19th-century Paris.
As they fall in love, he must choose between staying with her in the past or returning to his own time, knowing their love is impossible.

Still Feel Uninspired? Let Your Life Be The Inspiration

As William Faulkner said, “If a story is in you, it has to come out.” Sometimes, the best book is already inside you, so here are some prompts to help bring out your story: 

55. Use a significant personal experience as the foundation for your story.

56. Think of a difficult time in your life. How did you overcome it? 

57. Write about something you observe in your everyday life—whether it’s your neighbourhood, a regular event, or an interesting person.

58. Dive into your family’s past and fictionalise a story based on real events.

59. Transform an ordinary day in your life into an extraordinary tale.

60. Create a story based on a snippet of conversation you’ve heard in public.

61. Write a book centred around something you love doing, like cooking, gardening, or a sport.

62. Turn a memorable travel experience into a short story that captures the essence of a place and the people you met.

63. Reflect on a mentor or teacher who shaped your life, and write a memoir that celebrates their impact on your personal and professional growth.

64. Compile a series of essays on lessons learned from your most challenging moments and publish them as an ebook to inspire others facing similar struggles.

65. Use a collection of old letters, journals, or diaries to create a literary narrative that explores the thoughts and emotions of your past.

66. Write a story that reimagines a pivotal moment in your life, asking, “What if I had made a different choice?”

67. Document the evolution of a hobby or passion, detailing the ups and downs of your journey, and share it as a motivational book.

68. Chronicle a year in your life, highlighting the significant events, changes, and personal growth, and turn it into a compelling memoir.

69. Write a literary exploration of your cultural heritage, blending history and personal stories to create a story that honours your roots.

70. Think of a recurring dream or nightmare, exploring its deeper meaning and how it relates to your life.

You’ve Picked Your Novel Idea – What Next?

You like one of these ideas or maybe a dozen. Great! Now to the writing part.

What inspires you the most about the idea? Is there a certain scene you feel drawn to in? Personally, I find it way less overwhelming to write one scene that I can visualise clearly than to worry about structuring an entire novel. I also remind myself constantly that I can edit later to avoid eternal writer’s block!

In fact Elizabeth Strout, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Olive Kitteridge and other novels states, “I have never written anything from beginning to end”. 

So take the pressure off and let your novel naturally unfold. Soon, your book’s structure and plot will come together. 

Pick Your Story Idea And Start Today

There you have it—77 book ideas that are brimming with potential. Perhaps you’re drawn to the thrill of mystery, the imaginative possibilities of fantasy, or want to draw on your own experiences.

It can be easy to feel overwhelmed by all of the choices; but the one that resonates with you the most is the best way to go, so don’t overthink it.

Now, it’s time to take that first step—start writing! There’s a bestseller waiting to be written.