Why can't sub-genres be simple?

[Carakasla]

Okay, so I know that I have be touting my novel as an epic fantasy, but I'm beginning to really doubt that is my sub genre. I've looked around (especially Absoute Write Forums) and now I'm even MORE confused. Here is what I've gathered for my story based on some guidelines I've come across.

I'm actually starting to doubt whether my story is a true 'epic fantasy'. It doesn't take place in medieval times (there are TONS of modern/futuristic elements), there is no real 'good triumphing over evil' (it's more about restoring balance between Light and Dark and Neutral Grey rules all), there is a fairly large cast of side characters but the story really follows five characters, yet, the scale is still fairly large. Even though the story is concentrated to on main continent on a planet (they do visit the 'Spirit Realm' in a later book, which is a big ol' Ghost city--as is deserted. Not a spirit there. Abandoned.) the character's decisions and whether they succeed or not do affect not only their world at large, but OTHER worlds--one being Earth (yes, Earth is canon, but it's referred to as 'Gaia'). Magic plays a major role in the character's lives.

Also, Caraka and Kytheran (the MCs) do not start out as 'Nobodies' in any sense of the world. Kytheran is MORE famous for reasons... than Caraka, but it's not like she is was a simple farm girl from the middle of nowhere. She did have very important titles and family connections that does give her far more power than a simple farm girl.

I also don't consider my book really Tolkien-esque. Yes, there are humans, elves, and dwarves, but the story is really more about the dragons and their kin.

Please help! I could probably open up my agent pool if my story isn't really classified as epic fantasy.

(Source: http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16764)

[LateToTheParty]

Next I guess you'll want easy queries and synopsis and stuff. Good night, Irene.

[Carakasla]

Hey, I just want some advice because my story doesn't really seem to fit into any of the molds. I don't know how to market it to agents as. Just saying 'Fantasy' seems to broad.

[LateToTheParty]

I get you, C. I'm kidding, as evidenced by my complete and total lack of anything approaching a suggestion or BS line.

[KalenO]

The thing about subgenres as the publishing industry defines them is - there is no single standard to go off of.  Even editors and agents disagree on where one ends and the next begins sometimes (see YA 'dystopians' for example).  So ultimately you just have to pick your interpretation, decide what works for you...and be able to make a case for why its the best fit for your MS.  Epic fantasy doesn't have to mean medieval dragons - Patrick Rothfuss's 'Name of the Wind' is commonly touted as epic fantasy, and has faeries and an almost Victorian tableau in places. 

Genres were never meant to limit books to fit into strict confines.  They're merely a convenience...a quick way to sum up the type and tone and feel of your work in a way most other people can quickly grasp from the genre you use to label it.  Make the genre fit your book, not the other way around.  As long as the agent reaches the end of your query and goes 'Oh, I see why she called it that genre' you're fine.  Just based on your opening post, you could label it 'Secondary world fantasy', 'high fantasy', or 'modern fantasy with sci-fi elements', etc.  I have a WIP that's best summed up as a mystical arms race in a labyrinthine underground world with 1940's era technology and I call it 'epic fantasy'.  LOL after a certain point, you just have to go what the hell else would you call it, and round up to the nearest genre, you know?  *Shrugs*   

[Carakasla]

I just wanted to make sure I was putting the right thing down (I use 'Dark Fantasy with Science Ficiton elements' right now) and that there wasn't a better fantasy sub-genre I could use that I could use to get things across better. I just didn't want to put one thing, have the agent expect that, and then go 'well, THAT'S not what x genre is!', you know? I kind of was just wondering if there was a better sub-genre I could use that fits better that I wasn't aware of.

[Tabris]

But think about this: where will it be shelved? In the SF-F section. There isn't a Dark Fantasy With Modern Elements shelf in B&N. There aren't Epic Fantasy, Light Fantasy, or Paranormal Dystopian With Romantic Elements shelves either. ;-)

So I'd just back off and call it Fantasy and query fantasy-representing agents.

[Falen]

So I'd just back off and call it Fantasy and query fantasy-representing agents.

This.

Just go with fantasy. That's what i use and it serves me well. I even use it for my MS that has some steampunk in it and no one bats an eye.
I'd especially do it if you're looking for more agents to query. I mean, what's the worst that could happen? You label it fantasy, query some agents, and they come back and say it's not right for them?
That doesn't seem worse than not querying them at all.

[eileen_writes]

I have no idea if I'm right about this. I'm probably wrong. (My novel is historical with the appearance of some fantasy elements.) I've only been paying attention to the subgenres if an agent says somewhere that she or he won't rep that subgenre.

 I don't know what you all think about that approach, though. Is it a terrible idea?

[Falen]

Yeah i only pay attention to sub-genres when they say they don't like it. Like if an agent says no steampunk, then i probably won't send them my MS since it has touches of naval steampunk. Otherwise, off it goes.

[Carakasla]

That's the problem! I've come across a few agents who say 'No epic fantasy' but if mine isn't a true epic fantasy, then I have a few more agents to query. (Like, they want fantasy, but no EPIC fantasy) I could add a couple of agents to the pool without looking like an idiot.

[KalenO]

Well if their guidelines leave room for doubt, then go for it.  The worst they can do is say no.

[Falen]

Well if their guidelines leave room for doubt, then go for it.  The worst they can do is say no.

This