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?
Hello Lorraine,
Thank you for your thoughts. Yes, Historical Fantasy has a certain ring to it ! I'll check out the Magazine.
Best
John
ps I couldn't find your 'other' answer?
pps I am now calling myself a writer because I too have a shoulder issue !. Apart from gentle physio the two cures i have found are 1 cricket batting 2 mowing. Both have the large motion relatively unloaded action which seems to free it up! I suppose you could think of your own versions.... golf driving ...? or try typing with your other hand ....!?
J
Historical fantasy? The politics part comes under history, and the animals part is fantasy. Perhaps that's how you should pitch it.
Since the advent of self-publishing, there have been so many undefined genres out there that basically anything can be published (if only by the authors themselves). You need a progressive publisher, not a traditional one. Until maybe five years ago there was no such thing as steam punk, for instance, but now there's a huge market for it, with certain publishers handling only that. Try looking in Writing Magazine, which covers all sorts markets and genres and sub-genres.
Hello Victoria,
Thank you for your reflections. I think I shall focus on the relationship between the principal animal character and Jonathan Swift as they live the 'real life' of Gullivers Travels. Which I suppose makes it a historical novel ....
Stylistically it would be contemporary, however. Such a naturalistic approach might raise fewer eyebrows regarding genre.
Thanks for the emphasis on focus !
John