According to the Bookseller, at least:
Commissioning editors say they are looking for books with an “unmissable pitch” to stand out in the tough climate of 2012. New takes on familiar stories and books that help people lose themselves and forget their worries are also on editors’ current wishlists, according to interviews posted on the Andrew Lownie Literary Agency website…
John Murray m.d. Roland Philipps said he was looking for engaging storytelling that would take readers “away from what I expect to be a gloomy news year.”
Creative writing types read on. I’ve often said that sure, it’s good to write a book about whatever you want, but if you want to be published, you have to have half an eye on what editors are looking for. Publishing is where an art meets business.
There’s actually a lot of publishers who just publish rite true art-lit, also. I used to be in the business of giving them grants. It’s rather if you want to make money that you should care what others want.
I don’t think anyone would write to make money, Ben.