sf & f genres

[I, Brian]

Here's a question for John - of the SF and F genres, do you feel that one in particular is more ripe for new authors than the other? Or is it an irrelevant question in itself?

[John Jarrold]

Both. In UK terms, SF is stronger in the market than it has been for twenty years or more. And in fantasy, yes, as long as you're not writing Tolkienesque fantasy - stay away from elves and dwarves...it's dead for new writers, in the UK (and for many US publishers who are looking to break authors out in a big way).

[SJAB]

Originally Posted by John Jarrold

Both. In UK terms, SF is stronger in the market than it has been for twenty years or more. And in fantasy, yes, as long as you're not writing Tolkienesque fantasy - stay away from elves and dwarves...it's dead for new writers, in the UK (and for many US publishers who are looking to break authors out in a big way).

John; The bit about elves and dwarves made me chuckle. As over the years I have been a member of a number of online/real life critique groups and I have been told so many times by others, "Your work is not fantasy, it doesn't have elves in it!"


As to the acticle it confirms what I heard a number of times at Eastercon. Charlie Stross spoke of it at length on one panel. And I spent some time talking to another gentleman about the Baen Books' project. He was full of praise for it and quoted some figures with regards to their sales increase, which I wish I could remember.

Sue

[John Jarrold]

Yes, as we 'know', all fantasy features elves and dwarves, and all SF is Star Trek. Where are those pointy ears? Oh, how I laughed...