Labeling a novel that's an urban epic fantasy cross

bzMac · Jun 20, 2010

I am writing a novel right now and am having a hard time categorizing it for future query purposes. Its a fantasy that starts off in the modern world but then crosses into an entirely fictional place. The novel will not stay there though. There's going to be a continuous back and forth and the two may come to a head one day. Would I categorize this as an urban or epic fantasy? Is it neither, just plain ole fantasy? Turns out agents want to know exactly what type of fantasy their dealing with.

efkelley · Jun 20, 2010

Modern Fantasy would be my advice.

BUT! This is a marketing issue for your agent/editor to wrangle with. Write the best thing you can, and let them worry about how to package it.

Liosse de Velishaf · Jun 20, 2010

Portal Fantasy?

Alexandra Little · Jun 20, 2010

If you have werewolves, vampires, fairies, etc., it would be urban, but if it's like Harry Potter, where the characters are transported to a world not accessible to all, then I would simply call it "fantasy" and leave off any sub-genre label. Keep it simple.

Stacia Kane · Jun 20, 2010

Spec fic.

Liosse de Velishaf · Jun 20, 2010

Stacia Kane said:
Spec fic.

I like this, too.

I have two stories that cross between Earth and another world, one more sci-fantasy, the other more straight fantasy. Spec fic would definitely be appropriate for the first, and it does cover the latter, though there might be better terms.

Erin · Jun 20, 2010

Stacia Kane said:
Spec fic.

Exactly what I was going to say.

ChaosTitan · Jun 21, 2010

Depending on how the finished product comes out, it could be urban/contemporary fantasy.

Have you read Richelle Mead's STORM BORN? It had a similar setup, with the heroine living and working in the modern, magical world, and then finding out she's Fey royalty. In the book, she passes between Earth and the Fey realm, which is elsewhere. The sequel is set more heavily in the elsewhere.

Shadow_Ferret · Jun 21, 2010

Liosse de Velishaf said:
Portal Fantasy?

How does the transfer between worlds occur? Are there any fantasy elements in the modern world or do they only occur in the fictional place?

bzMac · Jun 21, 2010

Shadow_Ferret said:
How does the transfer between worlds occur? Are there any fantasy elements in the modern world or do they only occur in the fictional place?

I guess you could say they go through a portal. As of now, the fantasy elements all happen in the fictional place. There is only one fantasy element in the modern world and it is not yet central to the story.

MGraybosch · Jun 21, 2010

Call it "magical realism" just to screw with them. With any luck, it might stick and you might get a Nobel Prize. It worked for Salman Rushdie.

Liosse de Velishaf · Jun 21, 2010

MGraybosch said:
Call it "magical realism" just to screw with them. With any luck, it might stick and you might get a Nobel Prize. It worked for Salman Rushdie.

Yeah, but wasn't he already famous? Still, put in a little controversy, too. Having your book banned gives you a better chance to win.

bzMac · Jun 21, 2010

Liosse de Velishaf said:
Yeah, but wasn't he already famous? Still, put in a little controversy, too. Having your book banned gives you a better chance to win.

Lol! There's no publicity like bad publicity. I think I'll stick to plain ole fantasy and they can decide if its to urban or too epic for them.

darkangel77 · Jun 21, 2010

Was wondering this myself, my current WIP has a similar premise =]

Labeling a novel that's an urban epic fantasy cross

bzMac

Not Today

efkelley

ow

Liosse de Velishaf

Alexandra Little

What a desolation.

Stacia Kane

Girl Detective

Liosse de Velishaf

Erin

Listening to my other selves

ChaosTitan

Around

Shadow_Ferret

Court Jester

bzMac

Not Today

MGraybosch

Lunch Break Novelist

Liosse de Velishaf

bzMac

Not Today

darkangel77

Head in the clouds