what is Pop culture non-fiction

I have been really hoping that everyone would chime in with responses on this, because I don't quite get it myself. I could look at a book and tell you whether it's PCNF, but I can't look at PCNF and tell you what would fall under it. Kind of like using a word in a sentence without being able to define it? ;]

Kristen

Oh, a book on Buffy as a guide to ethical behavior. Or a history of Star Trek, or the life of Harley Motor Cycle racing enthusiasts, or what it's like to follow the Grateful Dead on a concert tour . . .

Okay, so could you define PCNF in like 50 words or fewer?

Pop culture is ephemeral culture, things that are popular in the current era, that aren't expected to last. Pop culture derives from media, and leisure pursuits, like music, games, films, tv, dances, and other acitivities that lend themselves to fads. PCNF refers to non-fiction about these topics.

Ooo ooo ooo, I know this one! It's pop culture nonfiction!

Keep in mind that the genre you as author think a book is, the genre that your agent and editor think it is, and possibly even the genre your readers think your books, may or may not bear any resemblance to the genre that the marketing folk at the publisher think your book is . . .

Marketing folk are strange and mysterious, and think not like lesser mortals; be wary of them, and stay on their good side . . .

That's what I was looking for, and I think Medievalist gave it to us. It sounds like her definition is exactly in line with what I've heard agents say when they discussed pop culture nonfiction, but no one ever defined it. I think this definition is right on.

Kristen

P.S. I did my own logo.

I'm not a designer, but I do my own design and a little on the side for other folks. I do have fancy-schmancy software, but you don't need it for this. It's just three circles with a letter on top. Honest, it's really easy.

What did you have in mind? PM or e-mail me and we can figure it out for you.

Kristen