Urban Fantasy without the Creatures?

[Sorin]

So I decided that I wanted to write a novel that I would like to read, so initially, I gave no thought to genre. Now that it is complete and I'm ready to query agents, I'm wondering what genre it fits into. The three main characters all have certain gifts--for example, my MC can teleport. The action takes place in "modern day" St. Louis and LA, but in the world of my book, a very small percentage of the population has these gifts, and they are a persecuted minority group. There is also a lot of hot and steamy bedroom business going on between the MC and her boyfriend and the MC and her girlfriend.

So my first thought is that this is urban fantasy, but it seems like true urban fantasy includes some kinds of creatures (werewolves, vampires, faeries, etc.). My book is creature-free, but does take place in contemporary cities. I was also wondering if the book could be pitched as paranormal romance since the novel is primarily character-driven and hinges on the relationship among these three characters. However, there is a lot of action going on at the end of the novel.

So, wise writers of UF, does this sound like an UF novel a PN novel, or some weird something else?

[Question]

You said the plot hinges on the romance, but to what extent? If there's a bigger focus on the romance than the actual plot then it's PN (or PNR, as everyone likes to call it). It's UF if the plot (or aspects other than the romance) overshadows the rest of the story. It can still be UF if there are no creatures. Remember, it's urban fantasy, not urban magic-and-folkloric-creatures. So long as you've got fantastic elements and an urban setting it can be UF.

Your novel is probably PNR (seeing as you brought up the romance while describing the story, rather than the plot. I'm assuming that this means that the romance is the most important element.)

[Liosse de Velishaf]

PNR or UF, depending on how strong the romance aspect is.

[Darkshore]

This reminds me a lot of Jumper, but I'd agree with the op that depending on how much and possibly how graphic the romance element is that it would be PNR.

[ChaosTitan]

You said the plot hinges on the romance, but to what extent? If there's a bigger focus on the romance than the actual plot then it's PN (or PNR, as everyone likes to call it). It's UF if the plot (or aspects other than the romance) overshadows the rest of the story. It can still be UF if there are no creatures. Remember, it's urban fantasy, not urban magic-and-folkloric-creatures. So long as you've got fantastic elements and an urban setting it can be UF.

Your novel is probably PNR (seeing as you brought up the romance while describing the story, rather than the plot. I'm assuming that this means that the romance is the most important element.)

This.

Carolyn Crane's Dissillusionists trilogy was the first thing that came to mind as UF without creatures. Her books feature humans with odd powers.

But it also sounds likely that yours is PNR.

[Sorin]

Thank you all very much, and thanks for the mention of Crane's novels. I was looking to read something like what I have written, and her stuff seems to fit the bill. I'll query both UF agents and PNR agents and see who bites!

[Stacia Kane]

This.

Carolyn Crane's Dissillusionists trilogy was the first thing that came to mind as UF without creatures. Her books feature humans with odd powers.

But it also sounds likely that yours is PNR.


My Downside books also do not have creatures. :)

[amyashley]

My book has people with traditional names (such as werewolves and vampires) but they are not creatures. They are humans with more skill than most as a result of genetics. It's urban fantasy.

I'd say your choice depends on the romance, and you have nothing to worry about.

Good luck with querying!

[areteus]

I agree with the paranormal romance suggestions above. However, I would also say are you sure you have no creatures? Because humans who can teleport certainly sound like supernatural creatures to me and therefore qualify as such... Ok, traditional UF has vampires and werewolves in them (and these are part of everyday life) but that does not mean that they are the only creatures allowed in UF. Consider a situation such as that in X Men - where the mutants are seen as monstrous and inhuman by the general population merely because of their abilities...

[amyashley]

Caucasians considered their African slaves creatures–animals–too. They were not any such thing.

Each book is different, but I have read several UF novels in which teleportation or psychic skills (even vampirism) is not a qualifier in any way for someone to be considered non-human. It's nothing more than a gift like the ability to sing exceptionally well.

It depends on the book and it's structure, of course. Psychic ability isn't currently considered a non-human skill though so I doubt it would be a stretch.

[Jess Haines]

This.

Carolyn Crane's Dissillusionists trilogy was the first thing that came to mind as UF without creatures. Her books feature humans with odd powers.

But it also sounds likely that yours is PNR.

I was ready to charge into the thread and mention Carolyn--I just started reading MIND GAMES a few days ago. :D

Fantastic book, by the way! I'm only about 1/4th into it and totally hooked. I highly recommend it.