Are agents sick of vampire novels?

natpenna · Jun 10, 2009

With the arrival of the vampire books in the Twilight series experiencing a great success the production of vampire novels has surely increased. It's both admirable and depressing at the same time. Before I had heard of these books I had started a vampire trilogy for young adults, the first of which has now been completed, but now I am rather concerned that as soon as an agent sees this come in they'll think of it as jumping on the bandwagon.
I'm trying to find an agent who will take on an unpublished writer with a trilogy of vampire/mystery novels but I don't seem to be getting anywhere at all. Does anyone have any suggestions or an agency they can recommend?

Cyia · Jun 10, 2009

Remember that the "bandwagon" in question has been rolling for years. (what you see on shelves now is the result of purchases 2-3 years ago.) In another couple of years, who knows what readers will want.

Make it a knockout vampire novel with relatable and memorable characters and someone will want it. (but you might not want to pitch it as a trilogy. Just sell them on the first book as a stand alone, then you can tell them you have sequels in the works.)

No matter what anyone thinks, agents are still reading vampire MS.

CrissyM · Jun 10, 2009

Vampire novels have been around for years, and they will continue. It's simply the love of the mystery, and the wonder that surrounds them. Paranormal romance centers a great deal on vampires and werewolves. Then there is Anne Rice, and of course Twilight. Before that there was Bram Stoker, and any number of other writers.

I'd almost go so far as to say that vampires are an evergreen topic. It will always turn up, just like parent magazines will always have articles on tantrums and teething.

The trick is to make your story one apart from the others. Why did twilight succeed? What made Anne Rice's vampires set apart? What makes yours so different?

I've written my own vampire short stories, and even published a vampire poem, so it's possible, even if you have to wait a little while.

Writer2011 · Jun 10, 2009

CrissyM said:
Vampire novels have been around for years, and they will continue. It's simply the love of the mystery, and the wonder that surrounds them. Paranormal romance centers a great deal on vampires and werewolves. Then there is Anne Rice, and of course Twilight. Before that there was Bram Stoker, and any number of other writers.

I'd almost go so far as to say that vampires are an evergreen topic. It will always turn up, just like parent magazines will always have articles on tantrums and teething.

The trick is to make your story one apart from the others. Why did twilight succeed? What made Anne Rice's vampires set apart? What makes yours so different?

I've written my own vampire short stories, and even published a vampire poem, so it's possible, even if you have to wait a little while.

I agree...there have been Vampire novels out there for years--you see influxes of them though. And it's the mystery of Vampires and what if they were real!!

Example-- True Blood

Need I say more

natpenna · Jun 10, 2009

It's very reassuring to hear all of this, thanks so much you've put my nerves at ease x

Writer2011 · Jun 10, 2009

You're welcome..Like I said, people (the ones I know) have always been fascinated with Vampires. For example you have True Blood, Twilight, Interview With The Vampire, Dark Knight..and so on

As long as the story in engaging and original!!! Go for it.

Danthia · Jun 11, 2009

I think agents are sick of them because they see so many (grin), but readers are still clamoring for more, so editors will still buy. I was just reading something (forget where, sorry) that said to stand out, it really has to be exceptional in some way. A fresh angle, a strong voice, a great plot. Something above and beyond.

I think if people read your query and think "this sounds like Twilight/True Blood/Buffy/Anne Rice" then you'll have troubles. But if it doesn't make you think any of the biggies, you stand just as much of a shot as any other book.

Libbie · Jun 11, 2009

Not being an agent, I can't speak for any of them. But my suspicion is that given all the people out there right now who are absolutely nuts for Twilight, a good portion of those folks have convinced themselves that they can write a vampire book, too. Maybe some of them can, but with so many people going ape-poop over vampires at the moment, odds are good that agents have seen a huge number of absolutely awful manuscripts (or queries.)

I'm sure they're sick of THOSE vampire books. I would be, too. I AM, and I'm not an agent, as already noted. But if yours is really, really great and has more going for it than "wow, look, vampires," then there shouldn't be any reason why you can't grab the attention of an agent or two.

Twizzle · Jun 11, 2009

I think I just saw a trilogy deal on PM. Maybe someone else knows. I remember it was very cool twist-had to do w/the Tudors, I believe. Anyway, my point is probably that they are still selling, but.

Are agents sick of vampire novels?

natpenna

Cyia

Rewriting My Destiny

CrissyM

Writer2011

natpenna

Writer2011

Danthia

Libbie

Worst song played on ugliest guitar

Twizzle

Cluck that.