About to start submitting to agents - not sure I've got my genre right, can anyone advise?

[EdgyMcNervous]

Hello writers,

New to the creative writing board. I recently finished the umpteenth draft of my first novel and would like to have a crack at sending it out to agents but I'm not sure what genre it best fits into. The book is a fairly short novel (around 70,000 words) and is written from two different POVs (in alternating chapters), that of a GP and of one of his patients who develops an obsession with him.

I think it might fall into the category of psychological fiction because there's quite a lot of interior characterisation. But do i need to identify a subgenre? (If so, I think I'd put it into the category of psychological drama though I'm not sure if there's enough actual drama to warrant that). Also, I was thrown by coming across the idea of 'reading group fiction', which I didn't realise was a legit genre until I saw it listed by one of the agents I'm thinking of submitting to.

I think want to say that it's a work of psychological fiction that also falls into the category of reading group fiction (because presumably there are are many, many types of reading group fiction).

So, if I were to say the following: 'It’s a work of psychological fiction and would also fit into the category of reading group fiction, which I see is included in the list of genres you are interested in'

would that be ok?

My reservation is that everything I've read about applying to agents suggests that they don't like authors to be wishy washy about that stuff and that it's important to get genre right at the get-go.

Any feedback much appreciated!

[Itsgettingbetter]

Congratulations on completing your novel.

Sounds like a thriller? I think the 'wishy washy' concern is perhaps to do with authors being able unable to give a concise description of the story?

[EdgyMcNervous]

Thanks for responding Itsgettingbetter - and for the congratulations :) I still hesitate to think of the book as completed but I've got to draw the editing line somewhere I guess.

I don't think it is quite a thriller. It's fairly pacey and tense (I hope!) with quite a tight timeline - it takes place over 18 months. And it does build to a climax but not an epically dramatic one and there aren't loads of interwoven threads to be unravelled or anything like that, it's more of an exploration of the impact of her obsession on both their lives

[wordassociationfootball]

I think you're supposed to avoid using the word 'fiction.' I'd say it was a psychological drama about an obsession between a GP and their patient.

Good luck.

[EdgyMcNervous]

Really? Wow I had no idea. They generally seem to list the genres on their website as 'women's fiction, literary fiction etc' so seems odd that they don't want the same terminology used in query letters. Anyway, thanks very much for the heads up and taking the time to post

[Highginx]

Well done on getting this far!

I’d have a look at the agents other clients and perhaps draw a comparison there if you’re not sure on genre.

[EdgyMcNervous]

Thanks Highginx I guess it is good to have got this far. I've just started a new book and it does now feel like something of a miracle that I've got as far as I have with the other one.

And yes, I will look again at their existing client list and see if that clarifies things.

[Hellomatey001]

Your premise reminds me a bit of Enduring Love by Ian McEwan about an obsessive man. I checked and that is classed as psychological fiction so think you are correct with your initial classification!

[EdgyMcNervous]

Hello Hello ah, well I'd not thought of the parallels with Enduring Love. My female protagonist isn't as deluded or dangerous as Jed in EL but yes I think it does make sense to put it in the same genre so that's reassuring. Thank you!

[Hellomatey001]

Good luck! This phase is exciting and nervewrecking!

I spoke to a published writer recently who said send manuscripts off to 3 agents at a time. That way if they do have detailed feedback, it means you can amend and send it to the next 3 agents.

I had previously sent my manuscript to all agents in one go but think I will alter. But found it really useful advice.

[Helmetbymidnight]

Yes, I thought of enduring love too.

I wouldn’t worry too much about the genre you select- they will often change it- keep the summary tight and concise as you have done - and then, as you have already done suggest something like a contemporary tense and pacy psychological drama.

Yes, send a few amount at a time, otherwise you’ll be waiting forever. Good luck!

[Highginx]

You run the risk of putting agents off if you claim a specific sub genre. They’ll know after the first few pages what it is and if it’s working.

[BurningTheToast]

There are also some publishers - good ones - who will consider unagented manuscripts. Bookouture* are keen on this sort of thing. In fact, the editor who passed on mine because of it's subgenre despite claiming to have stayed up til 2am reading it and loved it, told me that if I could write a psychological thriller they'd love to work with me. But that's not what I write, or read, and I think I'd struggle. But your novel sounds like what they're after so maybe consider them as well as an agent...?

*Just an example, no link etc. Other publishers probably looking for similar and considering unagented writers include Aria or HQ Digital.

[BurningTheToast]

its. Not 'it's. FFS....