Conflicted on which genre to focus on in submitting this story

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The_Red_Wing

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I originally thought this story would be considered literary fiction, but as it developed I incorporated some sci-fi/futuristic elements into it. As a result, it's not "hard" literary or "hard" sci-fi. I'm afraid literary publishers will reject it for being a genre story and sci-fi mags for not being sci-fi enough.

What type of magazines should I submit the story to?
 

Tedium

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Have you tried posting the story in the SYW section or let a beta reader look at it? That would be the easiest way. If you don't want to go that route, you're going to have to be your own judge.

Sight unseen, I would suggest sending it to the sci-fi markets. Not being 100% hard sci-fi is no guarantee for rejection.

It's really hard to give that type of advice without actually seeing the story.
 

Buffysquirrel

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The SFF markets don't exclusively demand hard SF, although there are some that lean more that direction--like Analog. Your best bet is to look at the guidelines for some of the places you want to submit to.
 

Ellie LaTraille

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Also, consider submitting to a lit mag anyway. You'll find that the editors don't care if it's got "genre" elements so long as it's good writing!

Now, what people consider "good writing"...that's a different story, and totally dependent on people you'll probably never meet, so just make sure it's a solid piece of work and submit away.
 

Lady MacBeth

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I have had several stories published in literary magazines that had fantasy elements. Just make sure you know your market. Good luck!
 
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