5 Ways Reading Fiction Could Enhance Your Marketing Skills

• Inspiring Creativity

• Understanding the Marketing Funnel

• Boosting Emotional Intelligence

• Connecting Us with Others

• Sharpening Focus

As a marketing professional, I’ve had countless conversations about business books, click rates, metrics, and the latest trends, like AI (everyone loves talking about AI these days). One topic I rarely hear mentioned, though, is fiction.

Now, I’ll admit I’m biased—I was an English major in undergrad and have always loved reading. From the classics to contemporary novels, you can usually find me with a good book in my hands (and probably ignoring my to-do list because just one more chapter).

But here’s a thought that surprised even me recently: Fiction makes me a better marketer.

Curious, I decided to dig into research and see if the science backs this up. Spoiler alert: I’d say the data strongly suggests it does. 

As we head into 2025, embracing creative strategies is more important than ever for marketers. So, whether you’re a fellow bookworm or simply a marketer wondering how a fiction novel could possibly sharpen your skills, this one’s for you.

1. Fiction Inspires Creativity

Marketing is storytelling at its core. Just like a novelist blends stories with real human experiences, marketers aim to connect with audiences in ways that feel authentic—not just transactional.

According to the World Literacy Foundation, reading fiction actually enhances our imagination by stimulating our brains to visualize different scenarios and develop creative thinking. Immersing ourselves in fictional worlds strengthens our ability to generate our own unique ideas, a skill marketers are tasked with in finding strategic ways to connect with their audiences.

2. Fiction Mirrors the Marketing Funnel 

Have you ever connected two ideas that seem completely unrelated and discovered a surprising common ground? I do that all the time. Recently, I noticed something interesting:

When you break down how stories are told, they closely resemble the Marketing Funnel, a framework often used to map a customer's buying journey. Both use an engaging narrative arc to guide their audience toward a meaningful outcome.

Here’s what I mean:

• Beginning = Awareness Stage
  A novel starts by introducing characters and setting the scene. Similarly, the awareness stage introduces a brand or product to potential customers.This is where you are trying to really capture attention. 

• Middle = Consideration Stage
  As a story continues to unfold, the plot thickens, with challenges and conflict pulling readers in. In marketing, this mirrors the consideration stage, when customers compare options and engage deeper with your brand.

• Climax = Decision Stage
  In a novel, the climax is that pivotal moment where everything hangs in the balance. In marketing, it’s when customers weigh their options and make their final decision. They might hesitate, abandon their cart, or leave your site altogether. This is where retargeting ads, cart abandonment emails, or time-sensitive offers come into play. Fiction teaches marketers how to build excitement and emotional investment during these important moments, keeping readers—or customers—hooked until they (hopefully) take action. 

• Resolution = Loyalty Stage
  After the climax, a story wraps up with a resolution, giving readers closure (or leaving them excited for the next book in the series). For marketers, this is the post-purchase step. Thoughtful follow-ups like thank-you emails, personalized recommendations, or stellar customer service can build loyalty and keep your customers invested in your brand.

3. Fiction Boosts Emotional Intelligence

Social listening tools can tell you what people do, but they can’t always tell you why they do it (no shade to AI tools—they’re good, but they aren’t human). This is where storytelling comes in. 

By immersing readers in characters’ thoughts and emotions, fiction sharpens our ability to understand motives and authentic feelings—skills necessary  for creating campaigns that truly resonate.

In fact, many studies suggest that reading fiction improves theory of mind—our ability to understand others’ beliefs, emotions, and intentions—and increases empathy.

4. Fiction Connects Us with Others

Stories are powerful bridges for human connection. It’s amazing how a simple conversation about favorite books or characters can lead to insights about someone’s problem-solving style, imagination, or even teamwork. Stories, especially those rooted in fiction, often carry universal themes that resonate with others and create a sense of familiarity and warmth.

For example, mentioning my love for Harry Potter (Ravenclaw here!) has turned casual networking chats into deeper discussions about creativity, leadership, and shared experiences.

So, the next time you’re at a networking event and can’t think of anything to say, try bringing up a favorite book. You might be surprised at how quickly it can break the ice and pave the way for a meaningful exchange.

5. Fiction Sharpens Focus

In a world of constant distractions, reading fiction trains your brain to focus.

Unlike scrolling through quick fixes like memes or short videos, reading a novel requires time and commitment. On average, it takes about one to two minutes to read a page—meaning you’re fully immersed in the story, sustaining your attention for longer periods.

When you’re engaged in a novel, you practice sustained attention—a skill marketers need for tackling complex projects, analyzing data, or brainstorming creative campaigns.

Next Chapter! 

Fiction isn’t just an escape—it’s a tool. It teaches us to think creatively, empathize deeply, and focus clearly. So the next time you pick up a book, don’t just think of it as leisure. Think of it as professional development wrapped in a great story. 

If you’re not a fiction reader but want to give it a shot, start small! Try a bestseller, a short story collection, or maybe a classic. Maybe even start with a goal that doesn’t feel overwhelming, like starting with 5 pages a day. 

Want to see what I’ve been reading? Check out my goodreads to browse my current library and join me in creating your own 2025 Reading Challenge! 

Disclaimers:

• The ideas expressed in this blog are based on personal experiences and observations as a marketing professional and avid reader.

• References to "Harry Potter" and associated terms are for illustrative purposes only and do not imply affiliation with or endorsement by J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros., or associated entities.