The
publishing genres are tricky business. The standard genres aren’t so much of a
problem. Romance, mystery, and science fiction aren’t that hard. It’s when we
get into specific sub-genres and even cross-genres that it gets tricky. What’s
the difference between urban fantasy and paranormal? Is an urban fantasy the
same as a paranormal romance? What about
mystery and urban fantasy? Mystery and epic fantasy? Mystery and science
fiction?
Each genre
comes with specific expectations of story, too, and what one person reads as
one genre, another would say that it doesn’t belong in that genre.
I have a
couple of series that are clearly defined in their genres. But one, the one I
believe to be my best, seems to be slipping through the definitions and can’t
quite capture the right agent audience. I think, though, that it’s been my
error, and I need to change my targeting towards a more specific genre, one
that more correctly resonates with the heart of the story.