Podcast Episode 133: Speculative Fiction / Fantasy 101 with Sarah Landis (Literary Agent)

Speculative Fiction & Fantasy 101 with Sarah Landis

Literary agent Sarah Landis joins me for a deep dive into the Speculative Fiction / Fantasy genre.  Sarah breaks down these terms, shares popular books in these genres, and discusses the trends she’s seeing in the publishing industry.  Also, Sarah shares both her book recommendations and her go-to books for those looking to dive into these genres!

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

Highlights

  • Differentiating between genres: Fantasy, Speculative Fiction, Sci-Fi, Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic, Climate Fiction.
  • The genres that scare publishers and the toughest genre to define!
  • The sub-genres of fantasy: High / Epic, Grounded, and Historical.
  • How the term ‘Speculative’ is actually a broader umbrella term.
  • The trends and performance in publishing for Speculative Fiction and Fantasy. 
  • Why many fantasy books are written as a series.
  • How the “Harry Potter” generation seems to be shaping both readers and authors.
  • Sarah’s go-to recommendations for those new to these genres!

Sarah’s Book Recommendations [30:31]

Two OLD Books She Loves

Two NEW Books She Loves

One Book She Didn’t Love

One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About

Last 5-Star Book Sarah Read

Other Books Mentioned

About Sarah Landis

WebsiteSarah Landis Sterling Lord Literistic | Twitter | Instagram

Sarah Landis represents a wide range of fiction from middle grade to adult. Sarah is particularly drawn to high-concept plots, big hooks, speculative fiction, twisty thrillers, novels with a strong emotional core, and sweeping fantasy. She is always on the lookout for new talent and narrative risk-takers. Her clients’ novels have received a variety of accolades, including Barnes and Noble book club selections and Reese’s Book Club, and have appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists as well as international bestseller lists around the globe. Before joining Sterling Lord Literistic in 2017, Sarah worked as an editor for fifteen years, holding roles at G.P. Putnam’s Sons, Hyperion Books, HarperCollins Children’s Books, and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers. Sarah graduated with a B.A. in English from the University of Virginia.

Next Episode

In two weeks (March 8), author Deborah Goodrich Royce will be joining me to discuss her latest book, Reef Road

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Speculative Fiction & Fantasy 101 with Sarah Landis

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