The Genre Swamp

99.9% of the time, the work of genre fiction writers does not fit neatly into one designated category. Not knowing exactly where you belong can be so frustrating. Especially for a writer. For example: I like to say my novel Wallflower is a Paranormal, romance, mystery, fantasy. Although that sums it up for others to understand what they're about to read, it doesn't help the author to know how to market it.
As an author seeking representation, do I categorize Wallflower as a Paranormal Romance? Sounds fine, but what about the fantasy aspect of it? Fantasy commonly uses things like gnomes and fairies in some invented kingdom. My story deals with a girl who's half ghost and half tangibly real on modern day Earth. Although it has a fantastic theme, it doesn't really fit the general Fantasy genre.
And what about the mystery in my story? My two protagonists get themselves in trouble when they inadvertently connect a series of assaults and killings to one man in their own hometown. Does this mean I should query agents that represent Mystery?
It's enough to pull your hair out.
No one's book fits neatly in one box. So how do you sort it out?
Two words: Critique Partner
In this department, I am lacking. As of now, the tiny town I live in isn't exactly bursting at the seams with writer to writer interaction. That's why I'm so thankful for the internet. A world of fellow writers awaits at my fingertips and believe me, I've scoured the planet for my perfect match.
I was beginning to think that I was an anomaly, that no one writes the same sort of stories I do. But I've found new hope in two new websites I've recently discovered.
I'd like to introduce you to Crit Partner Match.com. This website is like a dating service for writers, only you're not looking to marry them, you're looking to find a like-minded critique partner. I've spent hours upon hours lost on this site. Aside from finding a CP, you can post questions on their forums, start your own blog and join study groups and contests. Very much worth your efforts.
Last, but most definitely not least, is a new beta site called Bookcountry.com. Started by the well known publisher Penguin Books, Book Country offers a vast network of resources for writers. This site concentrates on sharing your work with other writers for reviews and critiques. You can post some or all of your work on your profile. Others can find your work using the impressive "genre map" that tells the reader exactly where your book fits in.  Aside from sharing your work, the detailed profiles they offer help you find like-minded writers to connect with all over the world.
As of now, this site is free to join. Be sure to tell a friend and help this site grow, but be warned: you will spend hours glued to this site. There's so much to see and take in that it will easily eat up your afternoon, heck your whole day. (Just ask my husband. He went without dinner all week.)
I've babbled enough, but I'd like to finish by saying that I'm no closer to finding out where I fit in. I'm hoping that with the feedback I receive from these two sites, I'll be better equipped to target the most appropriate agents.
TTYS