My novel is two genres, but if an agent only accepts one of the two can I still query and be considered?

Question

Hello, and thank you for taking the time to read this. My desired career choice is to become a published author, and after working on my novel for almost two years, (more or less), I'm finally in the final stages of revising. My question is regarding the query letters and the genre. My novel is a fantasy romance, and as I went through the 2012 guide for agents, I've stumbled upon something that's a little befuddling. When a literary agent only accepts certain genres, such as romance, or fantasy, would I still be qualified to send them a query lettter if my novel only pertains one of the two? Or must they accept both genres that make up my novel?

Ex. If they only accept romance, must my novel only be a romance, but NOT fantasy romance? And vice-versa, must my novel only be fantasy if that's what they only accept?

I'm sorry if it doesn't make any sense, I'm trying to articulate as best as I could.

Oh and not to sound rude, but I just want my question answered. I don't want to hear what are my chances of making it or that my writing isn't good enough--I know what my chances are and I don't need anyone trying to demoralize me. Had enough of that.

Thank you again. (:

Answer 1

You can always send a query letter and see what they say, even if they only accept one genre. Or, you could try to narrow your genre and choose whichever one is most prevalent, i.e., if it's a fantasy novel that centers around the protagonist and his romantic interest, you could present it as fantasy (because all good novels have some sort of love interest anyway), or vice versa.



Worst case scenario, they'll just say they're not interested, and then you move on to the next agent.



EDIT (in response to Additional Details): In that case, and keep in mind this is just my own opinion based off what you've described, I would almost certainly class it as a fantasy, if it is due to the fantasy elements that the romance is even portrayed. However, ultimately it will be up to you to decide the best course of action, but whatever you choose, don't give up!!!

Answer 2

There's nothing wrong with sending it in.



I would say you're more likely to be accepted by someone who represents a fantasy genre but not a romance genre than vice versa. That's because most fantasies or stories involve some sort of romance anyways. While just romance stories, a lot of times, are just real world things.



You'll have to send it a lot of agents anyways, so may as well just add those ones to your list.



(Not that I really know anything about this. The best thing would be to ask an actual agent..)

Answer 3

Well, it's not going to be genre romance since there are fantasy elements. it's definitely fantasy. You can say paranormal romance, which is a subgenre of fantasy, or just sub to anyone who reps fantasy. When it doubt, sub it. the most you'll get is a rejection.



The easiest thing to do is find books similar to yours and see how they're classed. Most likely they're fantasy. (I read a lot of it. I know.)



And dont' just go by what's listed in the Writer's Guide. Make sure you visit those agents website and read their guidelines and what they represent. This book is prepared a year in advance and some of that stuff could be outdated. The agent's website will always have the most up-to-date info, so don't make the mistake of subbing based only on what's written in that book. -> if you know this, ignore. Just something to think about. And the websites might have more info about what they rep.

Answer 4

I think your'e confused as to what a genre is.



A romance novel isn't any book with romance in it.



If you've written a fantasy novel, even though it conforms with the stock conventions of the romance genre, you're selling a fantasy novel. Demons, angles, etc are fantasy.





Oh and the reason that an agent limits themselves to specific genres is because that is where their contacts are. They know people willing to give a book a read, when they recommend it.

Answer 5

Agents don't accept just ONE genre, and sometimes they step out of their comfort zones if the right book comes along.



If one says they represent fantasy, but she says nothing about her opinions on romance, then query her!



I would just stay away from the ones who outright say they're NOT looking for a certain genre. Like if an agent specifically says "no fantasy" or "no romance" then I would stay away from that one.

Answer 6

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