Anthropmorphic Fiction (any market?)

SirTimberWolf · Jun 8, 2009

So this may be going out on a limb but I'm generally curious if there is any viable market for Anthro fiction outside of the niche of furry fans. Most people, when I introduce the concept react with either mild amusment or some level of disgust at the very idea of a five foot tall animal talking. Go figure, huh? hehe

I've decided to write a story, consequences be damned but I'm curious if there would be any market for it, should I get to a point where it could be sold. Lot of factors go into deciding such a thing, I know but as I said, this is general curioisty.

Thanks

Sarpedon · Jun 8, 2009

Well, the wind in the willows was a rousing success.

cubed · Jun 8, 2009

I hope so, I'm writing a novel right now that lacks humans or humanoids.

Kitty Pryde · Jun 8, 2009

Well, they're remaking Thundercats in a couple of years, so I say ride the wave of furry media that will follow in its wake!

But seriously, yes. Charles de Lint has a lot of those sorts of characters. And the Maximum Ride series. I think I see that type of character more in anime/manga, and cartoons and comics, but there are plenty in recent urban fantasy too. If that's what you're inspired to write about, go for it.

Given that you can write fantasy/SF about the sex lives of zombies, robot assassins ten thousand years in the future, or creatures made of superheated gas who live inside gas giant planets, some furries are not really that out there. I think you're talking to the wrong people.

Gray Rose · Jun 8, 2009

Check out Renard's Menagerie.

sunandshadow · Jun 8, 2009

If the anthros are aliens who happen to resemble animals, that's quite standard for science fiction. There's also a fairly large market for erotic romance featuring animalistic aliens, shapeshifters, or humanoid fantasy creatures like mermaids and centaurs.

Zoombie · Jun 8, 2009

There BETTER be a market!

drachin8 · Jun 8, 2009

If you're talking about short stories, I'll put a second motion in for Renard's Menagerie (first mention goes to the esteemed Gray Rose). They are a semi-pro anthro market with very friendly editors. I sold a sword and sorcery piece with some anthro elements to them a couple of years ago. I'm not aware outside of that of any other markets that are semi-pro or above and actively seeking anthro stories, but that doesn't mean you can't sell an anthro story to them. Just write the best story you can, make sure the elements fit, and start submitting.

If you're talking about novels, I know anthro novels exist, though I haven't read many myself. No reason I can think of why you ought not go for it.

-Michelle

Matera the Mad · Jun 8, 2009

Tad Williams -- Tailchaser's Song

MumblingSage · Jun 9, 2009

Renard's Menagerie is closed to submissions for the foreseeable future, I'm sorry to say.

Danjreid · Jun 9, 2009

I'm of the opinion that there's a market for anything that happens to be a great story.

However, there also seems to be a market for complete drivel, too, so what do I know?! I like to stick to my belief in point one, though. Naive or not, I think its the best position for a writer to take.

After all, if you want to job for money's sake alone, become a banker (or not, as the current climate is!) As a writer, write what you love to write first and if its good, try and sell it.

So long as you love it, its always worth it, IMO. (But still, assume point one is true at all times. It makes you feel better!)

AceTachyon · Jun 10, 2009

The Hoka stories fit under anthro, right?

And Cherryh's Chanur novels?

veinglory · Jun 10, 2009

If you don;t write to to niche tastes and assume the author knows furry canon, of course it can reach a broader fantasy audience.

Anthropmorphic Fiction (any market?)

SirTimberWolf

Hiding between the covers.

Sarpedon

cubed

Kitty Pryde

i luv you giant bear statue

Gray Rose

Beware of the Thorns!

sunandshadow

Impractical Fantasy Animal

Zoombie

Dragon of the Multiverse

drachin8

post-apocalyptic bunny

Matera the Mad

Bartender, gimme a Linux Mint

MumblingSage

Inarticulate Herb

Danjreid

AceTachyon

Odd person

veinglory

volitare nequeo