What are some characteristics of best upmarket fiction?

One key characteristic is having experienced agents. For example, agents at top agencies like The Gernert Company have years of experience in the industry. Another is a strong network with publishers. Agencies like ICM Partners can get your work in front of the right people. Also, they offer good editorial support.

The themes are usually thought - provoking. They can deal with issues like human nature, morality, and the meaning of life. Upmarket fiction novels often make readers reflect on themselves and the world around them, rather than just providing pure entertainment.

One characteristic is high - quality writing. The prose is often refined, with careful attention to language use, like complex sentence structures and rich vocabulary. Another is in - depth exploration of characters. The characters are well - developed, having complex personalities and internal conflicts. Also, it usually delves into profound themes such as love, loss, identity, and the human condition.

Well, upmarket commercial fiction often has high - quality writing. It usually features complex characters with in - depth personalities. The plots are engaging and can cover a wide range of topics from family dramas to social issues. Also, it has a certain level of sophistication in its storytelling that sets it apart from more mass - market commercial fiction.

Upmarket women's fiction typically features strong character development. The female protagonists grow and change throughout the story. It may also involve settings that are both aspirational and relatable, such as big cities or small - town communities. The plots often have a certain level of sophistication, not relying on simple clichés but rather on more intricate storylines that keep the reader engaged.

Upmarket fiction usually has a certain level of literary merit. It might not be as experimental as some avant - garde literature, but it still offers something more than just a simple, plot - driven story. It often aims to make the reader think about deeper aspects of life, society, and human nature while still being accessible and enjoyable to a wide range of readers.

Well, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' is a great best selling upmarket fiction. It deals with important themes like racism and justice in a very engaging and thought - provoking way. 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison is also a significant work in this category. It's a powerful story about slavery and its after - effects on the lives of African - Americans. And 'Midnight's Children' by Salman Rushdie, which combines magical realism and historical events in a unique and captivating way, has been very successful.

Upmarket fiction is a type of literature that sits between commercial and literary fiction. It often has a strong narrative like commercial fiction, which makes it accessible and engaging. But it also contains elements of literary merit such as complex characters, well - crafted prose, and deeper themes. For example, books by Jojo Moyes often fall into this category. Her stories are very popular and easy to read, yet they also deal with complex emotions and relationships, showing a certain level of literary sophistication.

One of the well - known literary agents for upmarket fiction is Aitken Alexander Associates. They have a great reputation for representing high - quality literary works in this genre. Another is The Agency Group. They are quite experienced in handling upmarket fiction and have a good track record of getting deals for their authors. And United Agents also stands out. They are known for their ability to promote and place upmarket fiction with top publishers.

ICM Partners is also among the top. They have a diverse roster of clients and are known for their ability to market and promote upmarket fiction works. They have a team of experienced agents who can really help an author break through. Moreover, they have connections with major publishers which is crucial for upmarket fiction. They also offer valuable editorial advice to their clients to polish the works and make them more appealing to the target audience.