How do publishers categorize genres

[journeyman]

I've been a bit confused by the way publishers categorize fiction.

I have two examples by the same publisher as a case in point. As a disclaimer, I am NOT criticizing the publisher's right to classify a book according to my personal dictates. It's just <whine on> I'm confused <whine off>.

Alton Gansky's A Ship Possessed could be categorized as horror/suspense, spiritual warfare, mystery, or simply supernatural fiction.

Likewise, Tom Morrisey's Dark Fathom could be categorized as suspense, adventure, men's adventure, or even military fiction.

Both books are categorized as suspense.

Any insights? Do marketing considerations come into play when publisher's classify a novel?

Finally, is there a place that lists the genres that each Christian publisher markets?

[metalikhan]

Deep in the Space Bar is a thread title Speculative Fiction's Sub-Sub-Genres. (Page 10) It stunned me. I always thought there was SF and Fantasy. Period. I guess those are umbrella headings for the rest; but I don't even know what some of them mean.

As to how publishers categorize, it's anyone's guess. I wonder if they look at a manuscript and say Okay, this could be suspense or thriller or spiritual warfare or horror. What categories haven't we filled for our next release of titles? Hmm- we've got 2 horrors lined up, the thriller slot is filled and so is the spiritual warfare. Let's issue this one as suspense.

Sorry I can't really answer your question, but guessing is fun.

[journeyman]

Thanks metalikhan! I'll check out the thread.

[Resha Caner]

I think they use a dart board.

[Jeff Gerke]

Actually, there are lists that publishers have to choose from. The ECPA (evangelical publishers) created a list of genres to help bookstores know how to shelve books that are released from publishers. Always remember that the bookstore is the primary end-of-all-thoughts for the traditional publisher.

When I register a MLP book with the copyright office or with ISBN/Books in Print, I have to choose from their categories too.

What I always tried to get on novels I was in charge of (when at CBA houses) was the official designation and then the actual genre designation that would have meaning to the consumer.

Jeff

[journeyman]

Thanks for the reply Jeff! I found information on the Book Industry Standards and Communications (BISAC) subject listings and that does help clear up a few things for me.

I think for authors of Christian speculative fiction would be interested in the following categories since agents and publishers will be talking around these categories:

FICTION / Christian / General
FICTION / Christian / Classic & Allegory
FICTION / Christian / Fantasy
FICTION / Christian / Futuristic
FICTION / Christian / Historical
FICTION / Christian / Romance
FICTION / Christian / Short Stories
FICTION / Christian / Suspense
FICTION / Christian / Western

Standard BISAC categories for Fantasy, SF, and Romance follows:

FICTION / Fantasy / General
FICTION / Fantasy / Contemporary
FICTION / Fantasy / Epic
FICTION / Fantasy / Historical
FICTION / Fantasy / Paranormal
FICTION / Fantasy / Short Stories
FICTION / Fantasy / Urban Life

FICTION / Science Fiction / General
FICTION / Science Fiction / Adventure
FICTION / Science Fiction / High Tech
FICTION / Science Fiction / Military
FICTION / Science Fiction / Short Stories
FICTION / Science Fiction / Space Opera

FICTION / Romance / General
FICTION / Romance / Adult
FICTION / Romance / Contemporary
FICTION / Romance / Fantasy
FICTION / Romance / Gothic
FICTION / Romance / Historical
FICTION / Romance / Paranormal
FICTION / Romance / Regency
FICTION / Romance / Short Stories
FICTION / Romance / Suspense
FICTION / Romance / Time Travel
FICTION / Romance / Western



From what I've found out, the Christian fiction headers are purposely general. For instance the Futuristic category not only covers End Times stories, but also science fiction. The Suspense category is general enough to have contemporary action/adventure stories as well as speculative fiction pieces. I can see where applying the secular BISAC lists might be offensive to some Christians who might bypass a God-inspired work because of how it's been categorized. While the Screwtape Letters might be properly classified as "FICTION / Christian / Classic & Allegory", imagine the marketing disaster if it has been classified as "FICTION / Occult & Supernatural".

Still, I thing the more detailed lists could be used to further describe a manuscript in pitches to agents and publishers. Hopefully, the following references should provide fuel for more discussion.

I hope this is helpful!


References:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genre
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_Industry_Study_Group
www.bisg.org/what-we-do-0-100-bisac-subject-headings-list-fiction.php