I have two gay characters who are central to the story, but they aren't the main characters. It's revealed in the latter half of the story that one man has been persuing the hero, who is in love with the female protagonist. After he realizes that it was never meant to be, his relationship with his long-term partner is revealed. This happens late in the first book, but will be a bit more prevalent over the story arc (a planned trilogy). Is this something I should mention in a query letter? I know some agents and publishers still shy away from gay relationships and others embrace them, and I've used their relationship in a somewhat controversial way, so I'm really not sure what to do.
Gay characters
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If it is important enough to the story to appear in the blrub, it should appear in the blurb. I am not sure I see anything contraversial for a mainstream press here?
I don't see anything controversial, either. If it's a big story line that revolves around it, I would mention it only as a matter of fact in that story line you are trying to get across. To me, homosexuality is not controversial.
I say controversial because there is a Christianity theme that runs throughout the novel, too. I'm not trying to make any statements about anything, but it could definately be construed that way because I use a kiss between them to indirectly illustrate God's love.
It's not something that I'd want in the blurb, because it's a surprise at the end. BUT - it will definately be more important in the second novel.
It's not something that I'd want in the blurb, because it's a surprise at the end. BUT - it will definately be more important in the second novel.
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I would suggest approaching presses that consider it a non-issue. That shouldn't, IMHO, be too difficult.
A church should not discuss sexuality. It is none of their business. Write your story and pitch the pertinent story line in your query.
That was also my view! ^_^
Thanks for the insight. I don't think it's something that I need to mention.
Thanks for the insight. I don't think it's something that I need to mention.
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You're not going to sell a book to Nelson or Zondervan with that content. But no mainstream press will give this a second thought.
I've been careful to watch out for agents and publishers who don't want it. But, I guess another question could be - would mentioning it to some give the story extra appeal?
When 2 & When Not 2
Katzie,
A word of a advice. Each book should stand on its own therefore when your writing your synopsis and blog for book one if that factor about their sexuality plays a large detail factor then yes mention it however if its not played into the story then I suggest not worrying about it. If your given the chance to present your novel in its series form then be sure to mention it then. I've come to see where people write their query letter and totally don't mention that the book is a part of a series however I read the synopsis and I am left wondering what plays into what because novice authors are mixing up what goes where.
MB
Katzie,
A word of a advice. Each book should stand on its own therefore when your writing your synopsis and blog for book one if that factor about their sexuality plays a large detail factor then yes mention it however if its not played into the story then I suggest not worrying about it. If your given the chance to present your novel in its series form then be sure to mention it then. I've come to see where people write their query letter and totally don't mention that the book is a part of a series however I read the synopsis and I am left wondering what plays into what because novice authors are mixing up what goes where.
MB
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Know your market and audience. If you're targeting the Christian market, a gay subplot with gay characters may not sell, or you will have some difficulty. If it's mainstream, I don't see any problem with it at all.
It's definately mainstream. The first book stands on its own, but I'm already a good chunk of the way into the 2nd, so that's why I mentioned it. I'm only mentioning that this is the first book without giving much more than a generilized plot for the series (like a 3-word description).
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If the gay subplot is important to the story, then you may mention it. Otherwise, a synopsis should focus on the main plot.
It will be mentioned in the synopsis two-fold - one because the one man persuing the other is an important factor in their relationship, and two because the final reveal near the end is central to the core issue's resolution. I guess they are main characters in a sense, but not THE main characters.
*LOL* You've got it easier than I do... my gay characters ARE the main characters. We're all so PC these days, I don't foresee you having any difficulties specifically related to this issue. IceCreamExpress is right, you won't sell it to Nelson or Zondervan, but you'll be all right.
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