Support for Indie Authors discussion

Hello! So, I’m trying to figure out which genre best defines the story I’m currently working on. It’s set in a fictional medieval/renaissance type world but there are no fairies, elves, dragons, magic, etc that you might expect in a fantasy. However I feel like there are too many made up elements to label it historical fiction. There are unique almost fairytale like parts of the land as part of my world building, it’s just not magical in any way.

So I guess my question is will readers have wrong expectations and be disappointed if I label this story as a fantasy/low fantasy? Any input is appreciated!

Below is a short (unedited) excerpt from my manuscript to give you an idea of the world building I’m talking about.

“They walked through the cave and came to a narrower, tunnel-like section…The room was filled with giant crystal beams so big that even Xanth could not wrap his long arms around them. They were jutting out from the ceiling, floor, and walls, in every direction, criss-crossing with each other.”

Not magical, but also not something you’d come across every day.

I would stick to fantasy. To me, that means I get an adventure. If it has dragons, cool. If not, also cool. I just want an entertaining story that I know couldn't happen in real life (at least not likely). Just make sure your blurb is clear only humans are participating in the story and it should manage expectations.

Madison wrote: "Hello! So, I’m trying to figure out which genre best defines the story I’m currently working on."

I agree with Phillip. My duet is based 1,000 years from now nd though there are sci fi elements for the most part it "feels" like a fantasy. And I have never really thought fantasy meant elves and dragons and things. I think it is the general impression. If things are "fantastical" then I think fantasy works. :)

I agree with Phillip, too. I would say fantasy.

I think this is a bit of tough one, at least as far as marketing it later on is concerned. By definition fantasy books contain fantastical elements.

A song of ice and fire by G.R.R. Martin is an example of a story set in a medieval type world, which is still completely made up.

It could be argued, that if you removed the low magic and the dragons he includes in the books, you would still have a viable story, with certain changes. It would not then be considered a fantasy. It might then be considered "alternate historical fiction" maybe? Just an idea.

If it was me, I would research all the possible genres and sub-genres it might fit into, and find similar books. It would be difficult to class it fantasy, if there are no fantasy elements. If the fairytale-like parts of the land you mentioned were removed would it matter to the story at all? If not, it's definitely not fantasy. If it would, maybe enhance those elements enough to make it more of a fantasy.

I hope something I said here proves helpful.

There is your cover to consider, it's a signal to potential readers. Also, what are they up against, the nemesis? There are giant crystals (real life) so it could also be classified as adventure, so it depends.

So much great input, thanks everyone!! Very helpful

I always feel gypped if something is labeled as fantasy but has no fantastical elements to it. It's a burn (and gives me a sour taste and therefore the book doesn't do as well with me.)

Though this will never take off, I call them second-world historical.

Alice in Wonderland had no elves or dragons, but it’s still a fantasy. I think your classification depends on the mix of fantastical and historical elements as well as identifying your target market.

Or would it just be considered Fiction?

Madison wrote: "Hello! So, I’m trying to figure out which genre best defines the story I’m currently working on. It’s set in a fictional medieval/renaissance type world but there are no fairies, elves, dragons, ma..."

I personally would label that fantasy. I write fantasy myself, and one of my books doesn't have any magic whatsoever. To me, because it's in another world, it's fantasy. But if you're worried it might be misunderstood by readers, maybe put a little 'author's note' at the beginning or something like that to let people know.

So... what happens with the crystals? Are they just big and pretty, or do they possess some quality that wouldn't be found in "our" world?
Ubiquitous is correct that Alice in Wonderland had nor elves or dragons, but it had magic potions, talking cats (and other animals), and other fantastical element.
To me, the spectrum runs from fiction thru magical realism to fantasy. I understand that the label "fantasy" or "historical fantasy" can lead readers to expect the whole dragon, mages, and fairies gig. But if your work is rife with fantastical elements, it's a fantasy.

@mary The crystals are just for looks, so definitely not as fantastical as Alice.

I feel like the princess bride would be a somewhat similar comparison (at least the movie, I haven’t read the book yet to see how it compares)

@abby That’s what I’m thinking. I’ll probably will add a note in the description to make sure readers know what to expect. I read a book from another author that did this and I personally found it helpful.

Thanks again everyone!! It’s helpful getting the perspective of other people.

Madison wrote:
I feel like the princess bride would be a somewhat similar comparison (at least the movie, I haven’t read the boo..."

The Princess Bride is an interesting example to bring up because the grandfather and grandson in it have a disagreement about genre: The grandson contends that an Adventure shouldn't have so much kissing in it. As for fantastical elements, the most fantastic I can think of is the fire swamp.
So... perhaps your book might be an Adventure.

Abby, I would suggest magical realism historical. Mine are also, but not in that period.