Confusing Genre question. I have a hybrid!

[ANNIE]

Just wondering how you decide what Genre to market your story in if it has elements of sevral different ones?

My story is about a time traveler (Sci-fi), who finds he has the chance to correct the mistakes of his past changing his future but possibly at the expense of his own existance, he also has to battle a bad guy from his own time who follows him from the future and wants him very dead (Maybe a little action-adventure), He also meets a woman who teaches him that love may be more important than simply surving(Romance)

I know it's difficult without actually reading the MS, But any suggestions or rules of thumb for pigeon holing wotks like this? My editor suggested Time travel/romance, but not all agencies have this particular category listed- very few as a matter of fact and I don't really coinsider it a romance.

What to do- what to do?

Any suggestions?

[Irysangel]

I don't think your book is a romance per-se.

Take the romance plotline out of your book. Still work? Still whole? Still make sense?

If so, then it's not a romance, just a book with strong romantic elements.

[ANNIE]

I happen to agree with you, but then what genre would you place it in, I don't thimk it's totally sci-fi, or even fantasy and it doesn't contain al the elements of action/adventure. ARRG!

[Saanen]

It sounds like the plot revolves around the time travel in one way or another (if you took the time travel element out the story would collapse), and that'd make it a SF story. It sounds interesting, too! :)

[ANNIE]

Saanen- thanks! That was the direction I was leaning towards, but I wasn't certain.:idea: It's difficult when your story has several diffrent genre's in it. I guess you go with the strongest one, Yes?:Shrug:

[Danger Jane]

Mm, I'd still call that sci-fi. A lot of times the romance is important, but it isn't the main thing. Unless of course it is written solely as a romance, like The Notebook or something.

It might help you to take some time and write down all of the themes and influences in there. If most of it seems to be time-travel related, for example, then I'd call it a sci-fi book primarily. If most themes are pertaining to love, it's a romance. And so on.

[ANNIE]

Thanks Nancy, That's what I though too. Time travel is most defintely the main theme, but it takes place in the here and now. But like you said if you take the time travel element out of the story it falls apart.;)

[Danger Jane]

Lists are our friends, most definitely.

[Sharon Mock]

I'd market it as SF or possibly mainstream (e.g. The Time-Traveller's Wife), depending.

One good thing about the SF/fantasy genre is that it has a lot of room for hybrid stories.

[Jewel101]

Sci-Fi. Sci-Fi can have romantic aspects and are best with a little action/adventure. Sci-Fi, most definitly.

[ANNIE]

Thanks guys!:banana: I knew you all would come to my rescue. I've only been on this board since june but the wilingness to share and help still amazes me.


Thanks again
Annie

[James D. Macdonald]

If it's science fiction, I'd called it "science fiction" or "SF," not "sci-fi."

[Jewel101]

why, exactly?

[Saanen]

Sci-Fi is generally considered a derogatory term for some reason. I've never been bothered by it, but I use SF instead out of respect for those who are (and SF can also stand for the broader term speculative fiction, which is useful).

[Danger Jane]

I only meant it as an abbreviation. Apologies?

[alaskamatt17]

My next major project is a hybrid: fantasy medical thriller.

[Danger Jane]

That sounds intruiging. I can only imagine...