Fanfic is the fastest-growing form of writing in the world. Working in 'fandoms' anonymous authors bring their own gloss and invention to novels, films and TV series, developing characters, expanding narratives and, in the 'slash' genre, boldly going where the conventional genre writers fear to tread in relationships.

In The Democratic Genre poet Sheenagh Pugh explores fandoms as diverse as Jane Austen, Blake's 7 and The Bill. She discusses fanfic terminology, its mechanisms for participation and support, the differences with conventional publishing and, for the first time, the literary standing of the writing.

Fanfic is now an established cultural phenomenon - this book is its essential guide.

Poet and novelist Sheenagh Pugh teaches creative writing at the University of Glamorgan. Her most recent poetry collection is The Movement of Bodies (2005). It succeeds The Beautiful Lie, which was shortlisted for the Whitbread Prize.