Multicultural Genre

[Lyle Ven]

Hello All!

Just a quick question on genres: Im pondering adding 'Multicultural' to my genre because my MC is mixed (Filipino/British) and the story also takes place in the Philippines.

As it stands, my MS is Middel Grade Fantasy based on the MC's age and the other-world storyline (based on South East Asian folklore). Would it be too long/convoluted to sell my MS as a Multicultural Middle Grade Fantasy?


Thanks for any feedback!

[Nnathan]

My personal opinion is that it is always refreshing to do something new. I feel the world has been looking for a replacement when Harry Porter ended, and they have been falling back on vampires, Greek Mythtology etc and will soon go for Asian folklore so go for it!

[Lyle Ven]

Thanks, Nathan! Very encouraging

[John Oberon]

Thanks, Nathan! Very encouraging

I don't like the term "multicultural" much; it smacks of political correctness. However, if you're sending your MS to a politically correct agent or publisher, by all means use it.

[Jena Grace]

If it's MG, they're all PC.

[Lyle Ven]

@John: You have a good point, but I have seen a lot of agents out there who specifically represent multicultural. My MC just happens to be biracial, and my story just happens to contain a lot of Asian influences based on my background so why not take advantage ;-).

I have to admit, it does reek a bit of 'affirmative action' but Im glad novels like 'The Life of Pi' are popping up in the mainstream literary market.

[Lea Zalas]

A writer friend of mine is very successful in writing multicultural romances. Readers devour her stories. People today are now specifically looking for multicultural stories. So, Lyle, if you can use this to promote your book, it definitely won't hurt it. Good luck.