How specific must a novel's genre be?

by john quarterman
27th May 2015

I have written the first draft of my ms (as described in my profile). It of necessity combines several genres. 1 It is a historical novel spanning 1676 -1745. 2 It is a fantasy novel told from the pov of Jonathan Swift's real life animals. 3 It is a political thriller addressing the politics behind the end of the Stuart Dynasty and the military extinguishing of Louis the Sun King. 4 It is a reinterpretation of Gulliver's Travels to reflect the true personal lives of many of its satirical characters.

The question is this: altho it all hangs together since it is based on the events of Gullivers Travels, will an editor baulk at the mix of genres?

Replies

Your book sounds very interesting. Have you posted any samples here on "shared work". If so, post the URL as a reply to this, please.

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Jimmy
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Jimmy Hollis i Dickson
30/05/2015

John, I believe that the genre of your novel is fantasy, because talking-animals are central to the novel. The historical and political aspects are parts of the storyline and theme of your novel.

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Adrian Sroka
28/05/2015

John, this is the other answer!

My shoulder is well on the mend after nearly two years - not full movement yet, but that will come with use (or so I'm told).

Golf? I'd never hit the ball. Got to be able to see it first. Mowing I can do. I suspect it's possible to get a one-handed typing machine, but that would overload the used hand and then where would we be?

Hope yours mends fully - though still not sure about that cricket cure!

Lorraine

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Lorraine Swoboda
28/05/2015