Joe asked:
I am a novice writer. I like to science fiction and fiction in general, but science fiction is my forte. However, I want to get published BAD, I really want to have a lit agent consider my work. What kind of science fiction or fiction in general is in demand in the literary industry that agents really want to see good works of? Anyone who can answer my question with really helpful advice on what kind of sci-fi sells would really make my day. Thanks!
Frederick
I am a novice writer. I like to science fiction and fiction in general, but science fiction is my forte. However, I want to get published BAD, I really want to have a lit agent consider my work. What kind of science fiction or fiction in general is in demand in the literary industry that agents really want to see good works of? Anyone who can answer my question with really helpful advice on what kind of sci-fi sells would really make my day. Thanks!
Frederick
Tags: Forte, Hot, Science Fiction
Victor
The problem with following the market is this: by the time you’ve written your book, found an agent, watched them sell the book to a publisher, and seen the book hit stores, two or three (or five) years have gone by and the market has already moved on.
I’m a published science fiction writer, and it took me a while because I wrote what I wanted to instead of following the market. Honestly, that’s not what you want to hear but it’s the best advice I can give you … write the sort of book you’d love to read, and your enthusiasm will shine from every page. But if you write a book for the market, you’re running the risk of working on something in which you have no real interest over a lengthy period of time.
By the way, if getting published is your goal, I suggest starting with short fiction. There are many webzines, small press mags and so on where you can submit short stories, many of them via email, and over time the publication credits can all add up.
Rita
Sadly, Science fiction ahs fallen by the wayside to more “conventional” teen romance/light horror or comedy. It makes me sad.
There are hundreds of types of Sci-Fi books out there but to me the most inviting is the space epic. Star wars is a space epic. Though by no means should you write out six books plus historys of every character and all that mumbo jumbo. If you want to write good sci-fi, you must first read good sci-fi. Star with the calssics Verne, Welles and Poe (sorta.) Also recomede are the Dune Series by Frank Hebert and the Enders Game series by Orson Scott Card. All are exceleent works of sci-fi with a blend of philosophy.
Also avoid the conventional “lone hero does quest, saves world…and gets gal!” It’s old now and publishers will put that on the bottom of their pile. Spice up the genre with twists, and anti-climaxes galor depending on how many books you want in the series.
Keep writing and never forget why you wanted to write in the first place.