Is there a market for soft SF or science fantasy novels?

Buffoon · Aug 7, 2006

The title says it all... this question was inspired by the "Why so few SF agents?" thread on the networking board.

Obviously there was a time when tons of science fantasy and soft SF got written. A fair amount of it still crops up in movies and video games. Is it a viable option for novel writers, or is the potential market too small?

I admit that I *like* the old science fantasy, soft SF, etc. I like stories with SF trappings but don't necessarily need the details to be thoroughly researched and airtight. The story is what interests me, and the SF trappings allow things to happen that otherwise couldn't.

newmod · Aug 7, 2006

Hi Buffoon, I was wondering the same thing. A lot of my stuff contains elements of fantasy/sci-fi but isn´t full-on.

Possibly the "mainstream" publishers would accept it if the F/SF pubs don´t. Before anyone gets their knickers in a twist about that statement it´s only a thought, not a statement of fact, belief or anything else.

But I look forward to hearing what others have to say.

newmod

My-Immortal · Aug 7, 2006

I've written some soft science fiction short stories, but most of the traditional science fiction/fantasy magazines have rejected them. I'm not saying that the market doesn't exist - the likely explanation is that they simply didn't like my work. I would be curious to find out too if soft SF or science fantasy novels are being published (though my current WIP runs along the lines of dark or low fantasy).

Good luck

Birol · Aug 7, 2006

Yes, there's still a market and still an audience.

dclary · Aug 7, 2006

I am reading a novel now called The Traveler, that I picked up at Wal-Mart that is very much soft-fantasy set in the modern world. A great read, and a very thought-provoking book.

There is still a market for it.

sassandgroove · Aug 7, 2006

I hope so becuase I read it and I am writing it.

maestrowork · Aug 7, 2006

Can someone define and give examples of what "soft" SF is compared to SF or hard SF?

ChaosTitan · Aug 7, 2006

Hard SF is your traditionally tech-oriented fare. It's story is based on the technology, and couldn't survive without it.

Soft SF focuses on the sociological aspects of the story. The tech is there, but the story could stand alone without it.

Peggy · Aug 7, 2006

I personally love "soft" SF, so I hope such stories are still getting published.

Atomic Bear · Aug 7, 2006

I prefer Soft Science Fiction over the harder stuff too. I care more about the characters then the technology.

maestrowork · Aug 7, 2006

So H. G. Wells was more soft SF, and Arthur C. Clark more hard SF?

MarkN · Aug 7, 2006

maestrowork said:
Can someone define and give examples of what "soft" SF is compared to SF or hard SF?

When you write hard SF, fans write to you and point out that a top quark's spin isn't really a rotation around a physical axis, etc, etc.--i.e pointing out science glitches in your story.

Star Wars is soft SF. Sure, there's lightsabers and aliens, but make 'em all humans, give 'em sixguns, and it could be any old epic western. Ok, except for the Force.

Another way of looking at it is that hard SF is about a technology or a vision of the future that is so geeky-cool that SF fans will love it even if the characters are somewhat wooden and 2-dimensional. Soft SF, on the other hand, has such interesting characters and relationships that SF fans will love it even if the scientific/technological aspects fall short of what a real scientist would find acceptable. Assuming we're talking about a well-written instance of each type, of course.

Buffoon · Aug 8, 2006

I haven't written any soft SF or science fantasy but one day might. Thanks for posting, everyone, and giving me hope that I am not alone in liking some of the softer stuff. I hope those of you trying to market such work find homes for it.

I have no problem with hard SF and am glad that it exists. But I'm also glad to hear that others like the soft stuff, becuase some fans of hard SF are extremely derisive toward soft SF. Much like some beer aficionados who turn up their noses and scoff at any beer you can see through.

Ordinary_Guy · Aug 8, 2006

Buffoon said:
I have no problem with hard SF and am glad that it exists. But I'm also glad to hear that others like the soft stuff, becuase some fans of hard SF are extremely derisive toward soft SF. Much like some beer aficionados who turn up their noses and scoff at any beer you can see through.

Yeah, they're out there, but don't let 'em get to you, amigo.

triceretops · Aug 8, 2006

I would guess that Asimov's The Gods Themselves is a good example of hard SF since the technology of a new energy device is the main pivitol part of the story and how it affects two races. Greg Bear writes good Hard SF, as does Greg Benford, I believe. You'll often find that many HSF writers are those that have degrees in the respect fields that they write about--astronomy, physics, geology, and other core sciences.

Tri

Peggy · Aug 8, 2006

triceretops said:
You'll often find that many HSF writers are those that have degrees in the respect fields that they write about--astronomy, physics, geology, and other core sciences.

I don't know why there is such a bias towards the physical sciences in hard science fiction. It's probably because many of the writers have physicial science backgrounds (e.g., Gregory Benford), but it may also be due to the bias of some who think that the biological sciences aren't "hard" enough. My own theory is that many who claim to prefer "science" in their fiction, really are interested in "technology" (applied science). Give them cool gadgets or monumental engineering projects or state-of-the-future-art computer hardware, and they are satisfied. The biological sciences simply aren't as gadget oriented

merper · Aug 9, 2006

Would a novel about a government agent with nano-augmentation - taking place in say 10-years from now be considered - SF or mainstream?

Ordinary_Guy · Aug 9, 2006

merper said:
Would a novel about a government agent with nano-augmentation - taking place in say 10-years from now be considered - SF or mainstream?

If the nano-augmentation was one-trick subtle, it would probably slide in as "speculative" – fair game for mainstream-marketed thrillers. Anything more potent and it would be speculative/SF (though depending on a pub's marketing department, it might still get the thriller packaging).

Is there a market for soft SF or science fantasy novels?

Buffoon

newmod

My-Immortal

Mr. Invisible

Birol

Around and About

dclary

Unabashed Mercenary

sassandgroove

Sassy haircut

maestrowork

Fear the Death Ray

ChaosTitan

Around

Peggy

Atomic Bear

the Bruin of Tomorrow™

maestrowork

Fear the Death Ray

MarkN

Altogether Ookie

Buffoon

Ordinary_Guy

Industrial Strength

triceretops

Peggy

merper

Ordinary_Guy

Industrial Strength