Conflicted on which genre to focus on in submitting this story

The_Red_Wing · 12-03-2012, 04:24 AM

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 · 12-03-2012, 12:35 PM

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.

Linda Adams · 12-03-2012, 03:20 PM

It might help to look at the dominant element and see where that fits. J.A. Robb's mystery series does have a science fiction element, but it's classified as a mystery.

Buffysquirrel · 12-03-2012, 07:27 PM

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 · 01-08-2013, 05:32 AM

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 · 01-08-2013, 07:00 AM

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

12-03-2012, 04:24 AM	#1
The_Red_Wing figuring it all out Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 72	Conflicted on which genre to focus on in submitting this story 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?

12-03-2012, 03:20 PM	#3
Linda Adams Soldier, Storyteller Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Metropolitan District of Washington Posts: 4,263	It might help to look at the dominant element and see where that fits. J.A. Robb's mystery series does have a science fiction element, but it's classified as a mystery. __________________ Soldier, Storyteller \|Publications - Books \| Publications - Magazines "Six Bullets" in the anthology A Princess, A Boatman, and a Lizard, Starcatcher Publishing

12-03-2012, 07:27 PM	#4
Buffysquirrel Possibly not a real squirrel Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Coldest corner of the living room, United Kingdom Posts: 4,547	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. __________________ Writing from a female point of view seems to be generally regarded as something more like writing from the perspective of a deer: you might get points for novelty, but it'd be impossible to get right, and who really wants to hear a deer narrate a story, anyway? Jennifer duBois Damn the prologue, full speed ahead! Laurie McLean, Foreword Literary

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12-03-2012, 12:35 PM	#2
Tedium Le sigh. Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Louisiana, USA Posts: 171	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.

01-08-2013, 05:32 AM	#5
Ellie LaTraille New Fish; Learning About Thick Skin Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Spokane Posts: 16	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.

01-08-2013, 07:00 AM	#6
Lady MacBeth Out, damn'd spot! out, I say. Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Canada Posts: 1,206	I have had several stories published in literary magazines that had fantasy elements. Just make sure you know your market. Good luck!