What if your fantasy novel doesn’t start with a war or end with a throne? What if it begins with a teacup, a quiet inn, or a question whispered under starlight? Well, that’s nothing to be worried about; not every fantasy story needs to shake the world to be worth telling, but knowing the kind of story you’re telling? That matters. 

Choosing your subgenre isn’t about boxing yourself in; it’s about finding the readers who crave exactly what you write. In today’s Finding Your Fantasy Footing episode, let’s discuss the difference between cozy fantasy and epic fantasy. This blog will also help you figure out where your book fits.

Understanding Fantasy Subgenres: Why Definitions Help (Cozy, Epic & More)

First of all, fantasy isn’t just dragons and magic; it comes in all shapes and tones. Some stories are about big battles and ancient prophecies, while others focus on quiet moments, friendships, and a touch of everyday magic. From epic fantasy, urban fantasy, and grimdark to cozy fantasy, portal fantasy, and magical realism, this genre holds multitudes. Each subgenre brings its own tone, tropes, and emotional arc, helping readers find the kind of story they’re craving.

That’s why subgenres exist: to help you and your readers find each other. Understanding what kind of fantasy you’ve written gives your story a clearer path forward and helps you find your voice. And don’t worry, it’s totally okay if your book doesn’t fit neatly into one category. Most great ones don’t.

Cozy Fantasy vs Epic Fantasy: Key Differences in Tone, Stakes & Setting

Let’s talk about two of the most defining subgenres in fantasy: cozy vs. epic. While one invites you in for tea and comfort, the other throws you into a battlefield with a prophecy on your shoulders.

Cozy fantasy is the kind of story that feels safe, gentle, and comforting. It is often focused more on relationships, small communities, and healing than on battles or big, bad villains. These stories may still have magic and mythical creatures, but the stakes are usually low, and the focus is on heart rather than heroics. 

A great example of cozy fantasy is Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree. The book follows Viv, an orc who decides to retire from adventuring to open a coffee shop in a quiet town. That’s it, no world-ending threats or massive showdowns. It’s a story of a woman trying to find peace and purpose in a slower life. It’s filled with charming characters, gentle humor, and that unmistakable sense of coziness that draws readers in.

Epic fantasy, on the other hand, goes big. These stories are about kingdoms at war, ancient prophecies, and heroes who carry the fate of the world on their shoulders. They often span multiple books, feature complex magic systems, and dive deep into worldbuilding.

A shining example is The Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson. This series dives headfirst into complex worldbuilding, layered political intrigue, and a vast cast of characters spread across continents and timelines. The stakes are colossal, the magic is intricate, and the themes are deeply philosophical and often emotionally intense. Malazan is not an easy read, but that’s part of its brilliance.

Which Subgenre Matches Your Story? Questions to Identify Cozy vs Epic Fantasy

Now’s the time to talk about your story. Where do YOU think your story belongs? If you think your book might be cozy fantasy, try asking yourself these questions:

1. Are the main conflicts more emotional or relational than physical?
2. Is your setting a small town, a village, or a close-knit magical community?
3. Do your characters find healing, connection, or personal peace rather than glory?
4. Is the tone of your book gentle, comforting, or heartwarming?
5. Does the story focus on everyday magic, like running a shop or building friendships?

If you answered “yes” to most of these, you’re probably writing cozy fantasy, and that’s a beautiful, much-needed space in the genre.

Now, if you’re leaning more toward epic fantasy, consider these questions:

1. Are the stakes high, like saving a kingdom, world, or ancient race?
2. Is your story built around a long journey, a war, or a prophecy?
3. Does your world have its own politics, religions, languages, or magic systems?
4. Are your characters part of a larger destiny or historical conflict?
5. Does your book span multiple POVs, regions, or timelines?

If those questions feel like your book, you’re likely writing an epic fantasy, and your readers are ready for a grand adventure.

Are you still unsure? Ask yourself these questions. 

1. Are your stakes personal or global? In other words, is your story about one person’s journey, or the fate of an entire world?
2. Would your character rather host a feast or lead an army? 
3. Does your book stay rooted in one place or travel far and wide?

And if you still can’t decide, it means your story is a mix of both, and that is a brilliant direction. The best thing you can do in this case is to embrace hybrids: maybe your story is a cozy epic or an intimate quest. Not every book fits neatly into one box, and that’s perfectly okay. What matters most is understanding the heart of your story so you can guide your readers to the right kind of magic.

Why Getting Your Fantasy Subgenre Right Makes a Big Difference

The questions that you answered were not merely a fun exercise. Figuring out where your book fits can actually make or break how your story is received. When you clearly understand your subgenre, you can market your book to the right audience, design a cover that speaks their language, and write a blurb that instantly grabs their attention. It means you’re confidently presenting your book to the people who are already looking for exactly what you’ve written.

It also saves you from a lot of heartache. Mislabeling your book can lead to readers expecting one thing and getting another, which often results in lukewarm reviews, even if your writing is solid. 

But when your genre signals are clear and accurate, readers know what they’re getting, and that builds trust. Whether you’re querying agents, self-publishing, or planning a series, knowing your subgenre helps you make strong, strategic choices at every step.

When Your Fantasy Is Hybrid or Between Cozy & Epic—What to Do Next

If you think your book doesn’t fit any subgenre neatly, there’s no need to worry. Many fantasy authors, especially first-time or self-publishing writers, wrestle with this same uncertainty. Maybe your book feels too big for cozy fantasy but too quiet for epic. That’s completely okay. The beauty of fantasy is its flexibility, and many incredible books live in the in-between spaces.

While it’s totally okay (and often brilliant) to blend subgenres, it’s important to pay attention to pacing and tonal consistency. If your story shifts from soft, cozy moments to high-stakes epic drama, those transitions need to feel intentional, not jarring. This is exactly where a good editor becomes invaluable. 

Ready to crystallize your fantasy’s identity and show it to the world? Book a Mini Manuscript Critique today—let’s shape your story so the right readers will find it.”