Read widely in your genre

[Judg]

I read that advice often. But I'm not sure I buy it.

The main advantage to doing that, as far as I can see, is knowing what's been done and overdone.

But far too often when I read the first page or two, I gag. It's awful! I don't want to sound like that and I don't want those voices filling my head and influencing mine. I can't abide overwrought prose and melodrama, and fantasy has too much of it.

I think I am better off by reading across several genres and aiming especially for the cream of the crop.

So now tell me why I'm wrong.

[veinglory]

I'm not really sure what you mean. You aspire to write in a genre that generally makes you naseus? I figure, whatever works. If your manuscripts are going well--keep doing what you're doing?

[Judg]

I'm not really sure what you mean. You aspire to write in a genre that generally makes you naseus? I figure, whatever works. If your manuscripts are going well--keep doing what you're doing?
The genre itself does not make me nauseous. C.S. Lewis was my favourite author by the time I was seven, I've reread LOTR a ridiculous number of times (but who's counting), I have a very high opinion of Ursula LeGuin, Orson Scott Card, Guy Gavriel Kay...

It is not the genre that is making me gag, but what some people do with it. I am mostly a fan of really good writing, irrespective of genre. Somehow, probably because of that early influence, fantasy beckoned and that's where I'm trying my hand.

[veinglory]

Fantasy/sci fi is more an extensive collection of genre-lettes than one homogenous entity IMHO. But there is still some benefit to reading related genres and the good with the bad.

[anodyne]

Well, some people do love a "well-turned" phrase, and fantasy is notorious for having an adverb addiction.

When people say "read widely" they don't mean, "read everything" what they mean, at least, what I mean what I say it is, read the seminal works. If you like fantasy, be familiar with The Heroes Journey, and with the works that are lauded as great fantasy successes. Things like, Mercedes Lackey, and what not, sell because they fill a niche. I know when I was a fledgling reader I would gobble up anything sci-fi or fantasy, regardless of whether or not I was interested in the blurb.

But I'm an atypical reader. Starting at twelve when I convinced my mom to let me check things out under her "adult" library card, I went down the sf/fantasy aisle at my branch library and scooped up twelve books at a time, starting from the As and ending in the Zs, and read everything I got. Some stories, author names and book titles stuck with me, a lot of it was dross that I very thankfully forgot. But it's not an uncommon circumstance now for me to pick up a "recommended" sci-fi/fantasy book read a few chapters, get an intense sense of deja vu, skip to the end, and find that I'd already read the book.

All of that to say, read widely, but read well.

:edit: I just wanted to add, Vein makes an excellent point. You can learn just as much from a "bad" writer as you can from a "good" one.

[PeeDee]

You only want to read good books? Well written books?

Okay. Do that. Read them, regardless of genre.

You'll be reading widely in no time.

[Simon Woodhouse]

So now tell me why I'm wrong.

I don't think you are.

I write sci-fi, but besides books by Iain M Banks, I don't read sci-fi. I'm not out to write about spaceships and ray guns and stuff like that. They're in there, but mostly I'm interested in the characters. Great characters appear in all genres, so I read all genres.

[Carrie in PA]

I'd wager we could all produce a stack of shitty books in every genre. Just quit reading the bad ones. :D

[Linda Adams]

Actually, I think there are more reasons than to know what's been done and overdone. A lot of this is because I did submerge myself in my genre and read as much as I could. I literally hit every single subgenre and read something in it. Here's what I picked up:

Genre Elements
I learned a lot about what needed to be in my genre--the things that the reader expects to see. Some of these are basic things like a romance should have a romance or a mystery should have a crime, and yet there's people out there who don't know this. I started out thinking I might write in fantasy, but came to realize that one crucial genre element all the readers expected to see was something I didn't like to write (world-building).

Knowing What's Selling
The market's been changing an awful lot over the last few years. There are some things that couldn't have sold ten years ago, but are selling well now. I ran into a writer who was getting rejection after rejection for her recently written romance novel. She had written it based on her 1980's experiences reading romance. She had no idea that the genre had changed because she hadn't read anything recent in it.

Selling to the Agent
I do a lot of query critiques here, and I periodically run into someone who says "it's this genre"--but through the query clearly shows it's not that genre. Or worse, they really don't know where it fits and end up saying something like "it has elements of western, science fiction, glitz, and romance"--which unfortunately suggests the story needs a lot more work.

And a big one:
It's hard to get published. Knowing what the genre has to offer now is a good way to figure out where yours stands out from everyone else's.

[rugcat]

I write Urban Fantasy. I write it because I like reading it, and as a result am quite widely read in the genre. It's been extremely helpful to me to see what others in the genre are doing.

It's also a win-win reading experience. If a book is really good, I get a lot of enjoyment from it. If it's bad, I'm hugely encouraged because my stuff is better.

[jbal]

Maybe I'm alone on this one, but I only write in my genre because it's what I've read the most and what I enjoy. Made sense to me.

[Arden]

Maybe I'm alone on this one, but I only write in my genre because it's what I've read the most and what I enjoy. Made sense to me.

Ah, no, you're not alone -- I do the same. I love the genre I'm working in, though I'm very discerning, I manage to gobble up three or more novels a week, with only a very small percentage being mediocre. I feel like an explorer, seeking out the best of what I love to read.

If readers aren't finding books they like, even admire, they are simply not looking hard enough.

In recent years, all sorts of genre books, translated from other languages, are coming to the USA -- what a feast!

I can't understand not being an avid and passionate reader and yet wanting to write. I simply don't understand wanting to write in a genre one isn't thrilled about.

[glutton]

I write heroic fantasy. I read almost exclusively heroic fantasy, except for the occassional Steven Pressfield historical fiction (which focuses on ancient Greek warriors, and is full of combat, gore, and violence). I don't see much reason for me to read other (non-heroic) kinds of fantasy, though. So I'll agree with Veinglory that fantasy is more a collection of genres, than one large, tightly knit genre...

[Dave.C.Robinson]

Keep reading as much as you keep writing. Both are important, and learning one's genre is as important as learning the tools of writing. You don't have to read all the crap that you find, but you should read the good stuff and enough of the crap that you know why it's crap so you can avoid making the same mistakes.

[farfromfearless]

I think you mean "Well read" vs. "Read widely".

I'm quite conservative in what I read - a couple books a month by select authors - to keep myself entertained. I recognize that there are a lot of great books out there and also a lot of crap. If you're worried about being influenced by the writings of others, it's too late. I would be more concerned about telling a good story in the best possible way than fretting over its originality (to a degree) and whether it conforms to the genre. A good story is a good story.

[IrishScribbler]

I'm of the "read widely" school myself. Yes, it helps to read in your genre, but who's to say something from a scene in another genre wouldn't inspire you? You can always learn from what other authors do, no matter the genre.

Plus, it's always fun for me to try something different!

[blacbird]

I can't abide overwrought prose and melodrama, and fantasy has too much of it.

I think I am better off by reading across several genres and aiming especially for the cream of the crop.

First, you are better off reading a wide spectrum of stuff, rather than restricting yourself to a particular genre. Good writing stands out, regardless of its "genre", and, personally, I'd recommend the mystery/intrigue novels of John D. MacDonald and James M. Cain as about the best examples of pure narrative prose I can think of. Any fiction writer would benefit from reading some of their stuff.

Second, have you read the progenitors of the fantasy genre, George Macdonald, Lord Dunsany, in particular? If not, you should. If you like clean, direct, crisp prose, Dunsany makes Tolkien look turgid and forced.

caw

[farfromfearless]

I shudder every time I even consider reading LOTR again - once was enough thank you.

[MattW]

Reading well in a genre is important. Reading the genre classics will tell you what the foundations are. Reading new releases will tell you what is selling today. Reading the in-between books will tell you what prevailing trends are, and which tropes are overdone or consistently required.

[Serenity]

Read what you like, write what excites you. The two aren't necessarily one and the same. I read mostly sci-fi/fantasy. But, I love a good thriller every once in a while. My finished MS and current WIP can sort of be considered sci-fi-ish, but it really doesn't fall into any one genre.

[Jamesaritchie]

I read that advice often. But I'm not sure I buy it.

The main advantage to doing that, as far as I can see, is knowing what's been done and overdone.

But far too often when I read the first page or two, I gag. It's awful! I don't want to sound like that and I don't want those voices filling my head and influencing mine. I can't abide overwrought prose and melodrama, and fantasy has too much of it.

I think I am better off by reading across several genres and aiming especially for the cream of the crop.

So now tell me why I'm wrong.

If you don't like reading in a genre, why on earth would you want to write a novel in that genre? I don't understand this at all. You should read widely, across many genres, but if you want to write fantasy successfully, you need to please teh readers who love fantasy, and they love the very style of writing you seem to hate.

Why not do teh wise thing and try writing in a genre you love reading?

[Jamesaritchie]

I shudder every time I even consider reading LOTR again - once was enough thank you.

Which means you aren't going to try writing anything like LOTR, right? That's the thing. If you don't like it, trying to write it is silly.

Though I've read LOTR five times, can't wait to read it again, but I still don't want to write fantasy.

[MHanlon]

I don't think you're alone in your logic. It's not uncommon for authors to write in one genre and read in another. John Saul comes to mind. He writes horror, but doesn't read it. I often wonder who these experts are that make such claims? Take what advice works for you and disregard what doesn't.

[PattiTheWicked]

I think the important thing is to write the story you want to write -- but if you want to SELL it, you should have a good idea of what the genre requires. I've been toying with a YA historical for a while, and just now got it into the "outline" phase. I'm doing research, not only for the time period, but also to see what other books out there are similar. I need to know what elements make a sellable YA historical novel -- or there's really no point in me spending much time on it.

[Higgins]

Fantasy/sci fi is more an extensive collection of genre-lettes than one homogenous entity IMHO. But there is still some benefit to reading related genres and the good with the bad.

This is utterly true.

[engmajor2005]

A good book's a good book, so I'll read anything. I'm drawn to the fantasy section at Barnes and Noble, but that doesn't stop me from reading up reviews of all genres and giving something else a try now and then. One of the best books I've ever read was The House of Sleep by Jonathan Coe, a literary novel that featured a mad scientist that wanted to eradicate sleep from the human existence, a film critic that was so jazzed on caffeine that he could only stay awake, and a transsexual biologist.

Scratch that; it wasn't literary after all, just not fantasy.

I write fantasy because I'm drawn to it, but if an idea for a literary novel pops into my head and can't stop thinking about it, I'll write it. Just haven't had that happen yet.

[Zolah]

You have to know your genre. You need to read the very best of the genre and you also need to come across some of the worst. You need to read stuff that's hot and new now, and stuff that's classic. Otherwise how are you going to know if your fantastic, original idea is in actual fact one that was in vogue with every other author five years ago and is now a complete no-no? Or one that was used in a really, really famous book written twenty years ago, such that you're going to have to do some serious re-working before you can submit?

More than that, I personally think you need to LOVE your genre. Else, why are you writing in it? Every time I read a new book by a favourite author in my genre it inspires me, shows me what I might be capable of one day, reassures me that my genre is worthwhile, challenges me to work harder. I couldn't dedicate my life to writing books in this area if I didn't believe in it passionately.

Every other question that gets posted on the Children's and YA writing board is 'How long should a YA book be?'; 'Can I write about this in a ch's book?'; 'Should I do First Person or Not?' The answer to all these questions is: YOU SHOULD ALREADY KNOW THE ANSWER. If you've read widely enough in your own genre (and have enjoyed doing so), after a while you instintively know how far you can push a YA protagonist, what the average book length is, if there's too much or not enough first person narrative around at the moment. You can perceive niches in the market where a new story by you would slide right in.

And - not to be underestimated - is the value of being able to talk intelligently on the subject. If you write SF and only read two other SF authors, or want to publish chicklit but think other chicklit is terrible, how are you going to pitch your work to an agent? When an editor calls you and asks you to 'come in for a chat' how are you going to spell-bind him with your eloquence and knowledge and convince him to work with you on revisions? And when that key sales conference comes around and you have to go and give a twenty minute talk to fifty sales reps, twenty executives and ten editors that will enflame them all with the dream of making your work a best-seller, and show them how to sell it, what are you going to say?

When I went in to see my editor and his Big Boss for the first time they were both impressed with my writing but doubtful about where my book (a literary fairytale retelling with a strong romantic subplot) would fit into the market. How would they sell it? Why didn't I put it to one side and look at their brief for a new line of short books for younger readers? They needed new writers for that and would be happy to work with me...

I sat and talked at them for more than half an hour, using every bit of my knowledge about and passion for my genre, and at the end of the time THEY WERE CONVINCED. They were convinced because I knew what I was talking about. And I knew I knew what I was talking about, which gave me all the eloquence and confidence I needed (and most of us hermit-writers need a lot). At the end of that interview I had an editor and a development fee and I was on my way to a contract. Knowing my genre made all the difference.

Ahem.:Soapbox:

[Shadow_Ferret]

You have to know your genre. You need to read the very best of the genre and you also need to come across some of the worst. You need to read stuff that's hot and new now, and stuff that's classic. Otherwise how are you going to know if your fantastic, original idea is in actual fact one that was in vogue with every other author five years ago and is now a complete no-no? Or one that was used in a really, really famous book written twenty years ago, such that you're going to have to do some serious re-working before you can submit?



First, I write in several genres. Yes, it's fantasy or SF/F if you like, but I can't possibly read every fantasy book out there. My current WIP is urban fantasy, and I have read several authors in that genre, but again, I don't think it's possible to read every book out there and still be productive.

Second, I don't even know how one finds lists of what's current in each genre. For instance, I never even heard of Jim Butcher until a few months ago and yet I find he's very popular in what he does. (And frightfully close to what I'm doing.) How does one get "in the loop" so to speak, to even know what authors are involved in each genre?

Third, are you suggesting we specifically target our stories to what's new and current? I've always been told that you write YOUR story and if it's good it'll sell.

[Jamesaritchie]

I don't think you're alone in your logic. It's not uncommon for authors to write in one genre and read in another. John Saul comes to mind. He writes horror, but doesn't read it. I often wonder who these experts are that make such claims? Take what advice works for you and disregard what doesn't.

The experts are people who look at the numbers. It's not impossible to write in a genre without reading in it, but it's the next thing to impossible. John Saul manages it because every great once in a while you find a writer with so much talent they can do anything and make it work, but it proves less than nothing. Thousands try it and fail, and because one succeeds is hardly a recommendation.

Saul writes extremely well, and tells a wonderful story, and his characters are way above average, but he also reinvents the wheel in almost every novel. Still, if you have his talent, you, too, can write horror without reading it.

Unless you are John Saul, what he does or doesn't read means nothing. It's like saying that because someone ran a pool table three straight times using a broom handle (Which I have seen done.) , then that's the right way to play pool, and the best chance you'll have to run the pool table three straight times.

Taking advice that works for you is fine, buit there's only one possible way to know whether it works for you, and that's to sell your writing. Buy the time you realize you took advice that didn't work, you've probably wasted years.

It amazes me how many writers look at the incredibly rare exceptions and try to use them as the rule. Trying to write in a genre you don't read in is one of the toughest acts in writing, and there's seldom a reason to even attempt it. It's almost always writing to the market, and doing this is just as silly as trying to write in an area you don't read.

All I can say to those who try it is good luck. They'll need it, along with about three times as much talent as most possess. Thousands and thousand try it every year, and nearly all of them fail miserably.

Write what you love reading and you stand a chance of success. Write in an area you don't like reading in, and you may as well play the lottery. Your odds are roughly the same.

[Dave.C.Robinson]

One of my reasons for writing is because I want more books out there of the kind I want to read. I figure if I write them it will put more out there for everyone else and that may inspire others to write more that I'll like.

Works for me.

But there's no way I'd write something I don't like reading. I have to reread my own stuff way more than anyone else's.

:)

[Zolah]

First, I write in several genres. Yes, it's fantasy or SF/F if you like, but I can't possibly read every fantasy book out there. My current WIP is urban fantasy, and I have read several authors in that genre, but again, I don't think it's possible to read every book out there and still be productive.

Second, I don't even know how one finds lists of what's current in each genre. For instance, I never even heard of Jim Butcher until a few months ago and yet I find he's very popular in what he does. (And frightfully close to what I'm doing.) How does one get "in the loop" so to speak, to even know what authors are involved in each genre?

Third, are you suggesting we specifically target our stories to what's new and current? I've always been told that you write YOUR story and if it's good it'll sell.

1) I don't suggest you (or anyone) read every fantasy book out there. You just need to read widely to get a reasonable grounding in and keep up to date with your genre - and anyone can do that. I've managed it to do it with YA books, and I've also managed to keep up with all my favourite authors in mystery, literary, romance, historical, and adult fantasy. It's what I, personally, call 'fun'.

2) You don't need 'current lists'. What lists? It's like any kind of reading: you go into the bookshop or log onto amazon and you buy what appeals to you. You get recommendations from friends or book clerks. You keep your eye on the best-sellers lists. That's how most people find new books to read in the genres they like. Why would a writer be any different?

3) You do write the story that you love and believe in. Then you draw on your knowledge and passion for your genre to convince agents to take it on and publishers to buy it. Plus, you'll read a great book (or a really bad one) and think: Hey, what that character said there has given me a great idea! You'll be inspired by and challenged by the writing of your peers, and in being so, you will write better stories and stand more of a chance of getting published.

[Shadow_Ferret]

2) You don't need 'current lists'. What lists? It's like any kind of reading: you go into the bookshop or log onto amazon and you buy what appeals to you. You get recommendations from friends or book clerks. You keep your eye on the best-sellers lists. That's how most people find new books to read in the genres they like. Why would a writer be any different?


I don't know what lists either, that's why I asked. The only reason I heard of Jim Butcher is somebody mentioned him in a thread here, otherwise I'd still not have heard of him. Best-Seller lists certainly don't specify if a book is an urban fantasy, at least the not lists I've seen. They usually just have the book title and author. Not much help. And none of my friends read. And bookstores don't have an urban fantasy section, it's usually interspersed with all the rest of the SF/F, which I find no help at all. *shrugs*

[MidnightMuse]

I certainly don't read strictly one genre, but I don't write strictly one genre either. There are a few genres out there that I avoid, because they simply don't interest me - but I don't write them either for the very same reasons. And there's a genre that I'm dying to try my hand in, when I feel I have a good enough grasp on what's required - which is why I'm reading a lot of them now.

Apparently what I'm saying is, spreading yourself around genres can't possible be a bad thing - but don't waste your time writing in one that you don't enjoy, regardless of how popular it might be.

[Zolah]

I don't know what lists either, that's why I asked. The only reason I heard of Jim Butcher is somebody mentioned him in a thread here, otherwise I'd still not have heard of him. Best-Seller lists certainly don't specify if a book is an urban fantasy, at least the not lists I've seen. They usually just have the book title and author. Not much help. And none of my friends read. And bookstores don't have an urban fantasy section, it's usually interspersed with all the rest of the SF/F, which I find no help at all. *shrugs*

This forum is a very good place to garner recommendations, actually. None of my 'real' friends read much (and none in my genre), but all of my virtual friends do, and I credit them with the discovery of many of my favourite writers. Amazon and other sites that offer a focused browse function and reviews is the most useful of all - I've found a lot of great books through other readers lists and So You Want To guides (I discovered Sherwood Smith that way, as a matter of fact). You look up an author you like and follow the trail of recommendation lists. But most of all, you just have to be interested in the genre and willing to buy and borrow books. Sometimes you'll buy or borrow stinkers, sometimes you'll enjoy a good read, other times you'll feel transformed. But all the time you'll be learning and learning, and that's the amazing thing about being a writer. You never stop learning from other writers.

Edited to add: And I know it can be a struggle to afford to buy books. When I decided I wanted to be a YA writer I was working as a trainee dental nurse and I was being paid £3.50 a hour - I could barely afford FOOD, let alone books! I can remember sitting with a calculator and a bit of paper desperately trying to figure out how I could afford the next book by Robin McKinley or Tamora Pierce or whoever. I scrimbed and saved. I got friends and family to give books to me for birthday and Christmas presents for years. But those books were my education, and they were worth every Sava microwave dinner and every new pair of shoes I didn't get. Invest in books. Your investment will be repaid, I promise.

[engmajor2005]

I can't speak for you if you live out of state, but if you live in North Carolina you can stop by your public library and get a password for NC LIVE. It's a collection of databases for research purposes, but it's got a great resource called NoveList that's a gem for finding new things to read.

[Athenais]

I don't know what lists either, that's why I asked. The only reason I heard of Jim Butcher is somebody mentioned him in a thread here, otherwise I'd still not have heard of him. Best-Seller lists certainly don't specify if a book is an urban fantasy, at least the not lists I've seen. They usually just have the book title and author. Not much help. And none of my friends read. And bookstores don't have an urban fantasy section, it's usually interspersed with all the rest of the SF/F, which I find no help at all. *shrugs*

You could try reading Locus. The magazine lists newly purchased and published novels (including their style) and does extensive reviews, large and small, on a monthly basis. It's an excellent resource online and in print.

[Judg]

Some very good input in here, and I thank you all. I've read a great number of the books suggested and will make a point of reading the ones I haven't.

At the same time, I would like to defend myself against some misunderstandings. I do read extensively and have for more decades than I care to admit. I've studied literature in three languages, wear out my library card, and do love fantasy (and science fiction). When I head to a library or bookstore, the speculative fiction section is where I usually spend the most time. Classics tend to be my second choice, but I also dote on Grisham and Le Carre and Chaim Potok and yes, Tom Clancy, so I think I'll lay claim to being both widely and well read.

But purple prose still makes me cringe, which is why I read very little romance or the "low end" of fantasy. To me, it's like playing an out of tune instrument; you eventually dull your ear and you end up singing off key without even noticing that you're doing it. I don't want to dull my writing ear with out of tune prose. If I feel obliged for one reason or another to read one of those, I try to wash my head out with something superb afterwards. Anything superb I usually read twice in a row anyway. The first time I devour I am notoriously bad at putting a book down on the first reading), the second time I savour. The really good stuff I buy copies of and read over and over again.

Still, after reading your responses, I am going to try to stretch myself a bit more. But not much. I will still prefer a good historical novel over a pulpy fantasy.

Thanks again for responding. You've given me some good stuff to chew on.

[Anonymisty]

I don't know what lists either, that's why I asked.

I can recommend reading Locus, which is a trade magazine for the science fiction and fantasy market. They have lists every month.

The website also features the Forthcoming Books, if you'd rather not subscribe to the print mag. Go to http://www.locusmag.com

[Éclairer]

So now tell me why I'm wrong.

You're not. Read whatever you want. Reading is supposed to be fun.

Write whatever you want to as well. Who cares if you write a genre novel that doesn't "fit." You'll have something to say in the "unique and special" section of your query.

I may sound naive. If you started writing because you enjoyed it, then continue to enjoy it, and sell it afterwards.

I personally read whatever tickles my fancy at the time. But I write outside of genre, so I may not be the best person to listen to. I am of the opinion that writing is writing.

You can sell it as whatever you want after you're done with it.

The writers who wrote the first genre novels were just writing. Jane Austen didn't have a template, and yet tall, dark, handsome and grouchy still stand.

[Judg]

Write whatever you want to as well. Who cares if you write a genre novel that doesn't "fit." You'll have something to say in the "unique and special" section of your query.

I think the problem would be more of writing something that fits so well that it's been worked to death. My husband was a full year into his doctoral research when he found a published thesis that had pretty well covered the ground he'd staked out. Anything new he had to add wasn't significant enough to justify another thesis, so all his work was dead in the water.

I am pretty confident that I've got a unique wrinkle that has never - or at least very rarely - been done, so I'm not too worried on that count. Originality criteria aren't quite as stringent in fiction, fortunately.

[Sassenach]

I am pretty confident that I've got a unique wrinkle that has never - or at least very rarely - been done, so I'm not too worried on that count. Originality criteria aren't quite as stringent in fiction, fortunately.

I am 100% certain that everything has been done before. Luckily, there's always room for the same story told in a new and entertaining way.

[Christine N.]

I read widely the books of certain authors whose work I admire and want to emulate. Tamora Pierce, Jonathan Stroud, etc.

I also am always on the lookout for 'new' authors whose work I check out. Diana Wynne Jones is 'new' to me, and I'm not sure I enjoy her style, but she spins a good yarn. I learn everything I can from them. I read older writers, like CS Lewis and Edith Nesbit (who has a certain whimisical charm and lovely stories, but they're not for the modern world of publishing). Shannon Hale's 'Princess Academy' was a pleasant surprise this summer for me.

Books I don't like, well, they teach too, because they teach me what doesn't work and what I don't like. I can spy those things in my own work easier.

So yes, read widely in your genre. Not totally for enjoyment, but to learn.

[Linda Adams]

I don't know what lists either, that's why I asked. The only reason I heard of Jim Butcher is somebody mentioned him in a thread here, otherwise I'd still not have heard of him. Best-Seller lists certainly don't specify if a book is an urban fantasy, at least the not lists I've seen. They usually just have the book title and author. Not much help. And none of my friends read. And bookstores don't have an urban fantasy section, it's usually interspersed with all the rest of the SF/F, which I find no help at all. *shrugs*

Have you tried some of the book review magazines? I believe there's Locus for Sci-Fi/Fantasy, and Romantic Times might seem odd, but it also reviews all kinds of different genres.

[kwwriter]

I continually read from a wide variety of genres but if a book dies ( for me )on the first page, I toss it. Time is too valuable to wade through it in hopes it will grab me later rather than sooner.