I suppose one could analyse my choices in terms of any number of inclusive factors, but as to them them reflecting the current marketplace, I maintain that the marketplace will always want books that are well written and fantasy readers will always want good escapist adventure. That’s certainly what *I’m* after!

I was wondering whether this was coincidence, or a reflection of the current fantasy market?

(Or it could be of course I’ve forgotten some details of ones I read a while ago, or that if I’d read all of every author’s books I’d have come across lots of female leads and male and female partnerships.)

Thanks for your comment. I’ll begin with a disclaimer – that this is a completely subjective opinion and in no way authoritative. That said, I think there will come a time the UF bubble will burst. I just don’t see how it can’t at some point become subject to the law of diminishing returns or the whims of fashion, which publishing is prone to as much as any other industry. At the same time, “it ain’t over ’til it’s over”! And it’s clearly not over just yet!! Readers are still captivated by these types of novel and so with the demand still there – and there in spades – the market is still wide open. So no, I wouldn’t say that you’ve missed the boat at all. But… (there’s always a but!)…

The standard of UF submissions that we’ve had has been extremely disappointing to say the least. I’ve read so much of the same kind of derivative offering that I’m starting to wonder if a lot of would-be writers are running out of ideas, or at the very least being seduced by the proliferation of novels with kick-ass, demon-killing, super-fit but every-day gal heroines who have werewolf boyfriends and guardian angels into offering up mere formulaic cloned novels that lack any ambition, imagination or, indeed, anything we’ve not seen a hundred times before.

There is a required standard of excellence in this field that folks are falling well short of. Remember, Zeno is hugely privileged to be representing Charlaine Harris in the UK – one of the most successful urban fantasy authors on the planet right now. *That* is the benchmark you’re competing with when you submit your urban fantasy novel to us. In short, we’re looking for best of the best, so do please by all means send your novel in when it’s done (as long as we’re “open”) but with the competition being so tough in this area, make sure you don’t offer up any reason for us to bounce it!

Cheers,

JB

I’ve just been lurking on your website and spotted your response to the fantasy submissions you received. From reading it, am I right in thinking you believe urban fantasy has had its day? I’m currently working on an urban fantasy novel and I’m now a little worried I may have missed the boat!

Warmest regards,

Kate

Thanks for the response!
I understand how difficult it must be to read through the material sent in to you quickly – especially since you’re on your own!
Good luck with all the reading, and I hope to send in one of my own manuscripts to you one day.
I will definitely keep my eye on the site so that I am able to send in my submission (as long as it fits in with the criteria!).

Kind regards,
Cerilae.

Right now I don’t have a clue on when we’ll be reopening or what kind of stuff we’ll be after when we do. My in-tray currently holds a bunch of subs that I still need to attend to from the recent window, plus two complete delivered novels from clients, with two more due within the next two weeks. Reading time for new stuff is thus restricted – not least because I’m on my own for the next month as JP is away. It’s not lack of interest or attentiveness that keeps us from considering new work – it’s simply manpower, available time and the will to give each submission and each client the time they deserve. Keep your eye on the site – via the RSS feed, and make sure you’re the first to send your stuff in when the window opens next.

All best,

JB