;)
Mysteries and science fiction
Monday, January 25, 2010 at 06:00AM Brain Thief is marketed as a science fiction novel, but it's also a mystery novel. Some readers have even said it should be called a mystery with science fiction elements, because the mystery element is key to its appeal. I would agree, though I think the gonzo part is important too: the thirty-foot fiberglass cowgirl riding a rocket really catches the spirit of the book.
It's hard to categorize. That's not such a great idea from a marketing perspective (you'd think I know better), but there are a group of readers for whom this is perfect. I don't want to mislead anyone, so I'm working hard to find and inform this group of people: people who like well-constructed mysteries, and find an SF element a plus, and like humor and sly observation.
If you are one of them, drop me a note and help me! How do I get this book in the hands of people like you?
Reader Comments (2)
I'd start by directly contacting as many mystery specialty stores as you can. Mysterious Galaxy comes to mind. It seems to me the mystery book sellers do a better job promoting authors than many SF bookdealers. I don't know why, but it seems to be true.
Just arrived and I did the initial gallop through - liked it a lot.
I think you could market it as a straight mystery / thriller to stores that don't have a science fiction section (I'm thinking of Nicolas Hoare in Toronto but I'm sure there are others). Also, don't mysteries sell better?