Find different types of fiction in the word search

There are different categories of fiction, and each of them has its subgenres. Here are the types of fiction and its definition.

Speculative Fiction

Speculative fiction is a wide genre of fiction that encompasses genres that include aspects that do not exist in reality, recorded history, nature, or the current world. Instead, this kind of literature explores various topics within the supernatural, futuristic, and other creative worlds. This overarching category encompasses multiple genres, including science-fiction, fantasy, horror, superhero fiction, alternative history, utopian and dystopian literature, and supernatural fiction, as well as hybrids thereof.

1. Alternate History

Concentrates on historical events as if they occurred differently, as well as their ramifications in the present.

2. Apocalyptic

It occurs before and during a major global catastrophe, usually a climatic or pandemic natural calamity on an unprecedented scale or a nuclear holocaust.

3. Dystopian

It takes place in a severely despotic society that is often afflicted by tight control, brutality, disorder, indoctrination, and other unpleasant aspects.

4. Fantasy

Fantasy is a subgenre of literature in which magic or other supernatural aspects play a significant role in the narrative, subject, or location. Numerous works in the genre are set in fantastical realms filled with magic and magical creatures. Fantasy is usually differentiated from science fiction and horror by the absence of scientific and macabre themes. Still, there is much overlap between the three, which are all subgenres of speculative literature. Frequently, fantasy writings take place in a medieval environment.

It includes elements and entities derived from or inspired by folklore, such as legendary creatures (dwarves, elves, dragons, and fairies), witchcraft, magic, and potions.

5. Horror

Focuses on frightening tales that inspire dread. Villains may be supernatural beings such as monsters, vampires, ghosts, demons, or ordinary individuals such as psychotic and brutal killers. Frequently involves violence and death.

6. Post-Apocalyptic

The story follows communities of survivors after major natural catastrophes on a global scale.

7. Science Fiction

Features technology and other aspects that do not exist in the real world but are believed to be developed or found in the future due to scientific progress, such as sophisticated robots, interplanetary travel, aliens, space travel, mutants, and cyborgs. Numerous science fiction tales are set in the future.

8. Superhero

The series focuses on superheroes (heroes endowed with exceptional skills or powers) and their conflict with sinister forces such as supervillains. Usually has aspects of science fiction or fantasy and may be considered a subgenre of those genres.

9. Supernatural

It draws on horror and fantasy elements; it exploits or necessitates inconsistencies in the everyday natural world and materialist beliefs about it as story devices or concepts.

10. Utopian

It takes place in a frequently portrayed civilization as sophisticated, joyful, clever, or even flawless or problem-free.

Genre Fiction

Genre fiction, sometimes referred to as popular fiction, is a phrase used in the book trade to refer to fictional works created with the intention of fitting within a particular literary genre designed to cater to readers and fans familiar with that genre.

1. Crime

A literary genre in which crimes, their detection, offenders, and their motivations are fictionalized. The genre is defined by suspense and mystery. It is often differentiated from mainstream literature and other genres such as historical fiction or science fiction, although the distinctions are imprecise. Numerous subgenres exist within crime fiction, including detective fiction (as in whodunit), courtroom drama, hard-boiled fiction, mystery fiction, and legal thrillers.

2. Historical Fiction

Historical fiction is a subgenre of literature in which the action takes place in a historical context. While the word is often used interchangeably with the historical book, it may also refer to other forms of storytelling, such as theater, opera, film, television, video games, and graphic novels.

A necessary component of historical fiction is that it takes place in the past and pays close regard to the customs, social circumstances, and other aspects of the era portrayed. Additionally, authors often examine significant historical personalities in various locations, enabling readers to get a deeper understanding of how these individuals may have reacted to their surroundings. Finally, specific subgenres, such as alternative history and historical fantasy, infuse a book with theoretical or historical aspects.

3. Horror

Horror literature is written with the intention of frightening or disgusting its readers. While many horror books include supernatural elements or creatures, this is not a must. Romanticism and Gothic literature heavily influenced early horror. Contemporary horror, such as cosmic horror and splatterpunk, is often more graphic and less theatrical. Horror is often intermingled with other genres.

4. Romance

The romance book, or “romantic novel,” is mainly concerned with the connection and romantic love between two individuals and must conclude with an “emotionally gratifying and hopeful resolution.”

5. Western

Western fiction is a subgenre of literature set mainly in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries in the Western United States dubbed the “Old West.” Its tales often concentrate around the life of a nomadic cowboy or gunfighter who rides a horse; they carry a pistol and/or a rifle.

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Allegory

An
allegory is a story that can be interpreted at two levels: the
primary, literal level and the secondary, symbolic level. An allegory
has a complete system of
equivalents: characters, action and often
the setting not only make sense in themselves but also represent a
second order of persons, things, concepts, or events. Allegorical
literature is distinctly different from symbolic literature. Symbols
are open-ended: they evoke a wealth of associations in the reader
which enrich his reading of the text. Allegory is not open-ended: the
symbolic meaning of the elements is well-defined. Once the
correlation between elements has been established the secondary
meaning of the text becomes immediately apparent. Most allegorical
works have religious, political or social themes. One of the
best-known allegories in English literature is George Orwell’s Animal
Farm

which draws parallels between events on a pig farm in Britain and
events in revolutionary and post-revolutionary Russia.

Anti-novel

An
anti-novel is a work which opposes, parodies or in some way
undermines the form and content of the traditional novel. Anti-novels
appear to be ordinary
novels but through the distortion or
omission of traditional elements they challenge the expectations
created in the reader by conventional novels. Laurence Sterne is
generally regarded as the father of the English anti-novel. The plot
of his masterpiece Tristram
Shandy
(1760)
contains such unconventional elements as unfinished sentences, blank
pages, pages containing
just one word, and idiosyncratic syntax.
Sterne seems to suggest that the orderly chronological narration of
events which could be found in traditional novels did
not reflect
the perception of time and space which exists in the human mind.
Tristram
Shandy

is the first of many anti-novels which have as their subject
the
novel itself, and which explore the limitations of this
literary form in conveying human experience.

Bildungsroman
or initiation novel

Bildungsroman
is a German term which means ‘novel of formation or education’. The
common subject of these novels is the development of the
protagoinst’s mind as he grows from childhood to adulthood and
maturity. The first example of this type of fiction is the German
writer Goethe’s Wilhem
Meister’s Apprenticeship
(1795-1796).
It tells the story of an innocent well-meaning but often foolish
young man who sets out in life unsure of what he wants from his
future. Having made many mistakes and with the help of some good
friends he finally reaches maturity and understands the direction he
must take in his life. In English literature the form has always been
popular and it has been exploited by noted writers such as Charles
Dickens (David
Copperfield

and Great
Expectations),

D.H. Lawrence (Sons
and Lovers)

and James Joyce in Portrait
of an Artist as a Young Man.

Epistolary
novel

The
story in an epistolary novel is told entirely by the exchange of
letters. The first example in English of the epistolary novel was a
translation of a French work, Letters
of a Portuguese Nun,

in 1678. It was, however,
Samuel Richardson who truly established
the form with his highly successful novels Pamela,
or Virtue Rewarded

(1741) and Clarissa
(1748). The epistolary
novel flourished in English literature from
1740 to 1800. Later writers, such as Jane Austen, incorporated
letters into their narrative but pure epistolary novels
rarely
appeared after the seventeenth century.

Gothic
novel

The
Gothic novel became popular in the late eighteenth and early
nineteenth century. They included elements which were wild, barbaric
or horrific (the term Gothic had come to mean ‘wild’), and generally
represent a reaction against the calm rationalism of the
neoclassicism of the early and mid-
eighteenth century. The action
in Gothic novels usually took place in the past, particularly the
Middle Ages and in the Catholic countries of southern Europe.
The
plot was built on suspense and mystery and often involved
supernatural elements. The atmosphere was one of apprehension and
claustrophobia. The first
important experiment in this genre was
Horace Walpole’s The
Castle ofOtranto

(1764) which tells the tale of a family curse. The influence of the
Gothic novel can be seen in the Romantic poetry of Coleridge and
Keats, the Romantic fiction of Mary Shelley and the Bronte sisters,
the short stories of Edgar Allan Poe
and the work of more recent
writers such as Iris Murdoch, John Fowles, Angela Carter and Toni
Morrison.

Historical
novel

The
historical novel draws on history for its setting and some of its
characters and events. It became popular in the late eighteenth
century and early nineteenth
century when it was associated with
the rise of nationalism, as much historical fiction of the period
created or glorified the national myths and legends.
Walter Scott
is widely considered to be the greatest historical novelist in
English literature. Between 1814 and 1832 he wrote twenty-five novels
which were hugely successful in Britain, on the Continent and in
America. His attention to detail in developing the historical milieu
was an inspiration to all writers of this
genre. For most of the
Victorian period the historical novel was considered the most
respected of literary forms and distinguished writers such as
Charles
Dickens and R.L. Stevenson explored its possibilities. In
the twentieth century the genre has often been exploited to tell
adventure stories for men and
passionate love stories for a
predominantly female readership. Barbara Cartland in 600 highly
successful novels set torrid love stories in historical contexts.
This
popular form of the historical novel is often of little
literary value and has done little to enhance the status of this
literary form.

Modernist
novel

Modernism
is a literary movement which began in the latter part of the
nineteenth century and continued until the beginning of the Second
World War. The Modernist novel is often non-chronological with
experimentation in the representation of time. Instead of plot there
is an emphasis on characters’ consciousness, subconsciousness, memory
and perception. The ideas of the philosopher Henri Bergson and the
psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud became points of reference. The
techniques of free indirect style and stream of consciousness were
widely used. Instead of offering solutions these novels often pose
questions. Henry James was a forerunner of this movement in
English
literature, while James Joyce and Virginia Woolf are two
of its greatest exponents.

Picaresque
novel

The
picaresque novel evolved from the sixteenth-century Spanish tradition
of picaresque narratives. ‘Picaro’ is the Spanish for ‘rogue’ or
‘vagabond’ and the
narratives told of the adventures of the
‘picaro’ who travelled extensively and lived by his wits. The picaro
was generally portrayed as a minor delinquent, anti-social but
likeable. He was generally a static character who showed little
change in the course of the story. There was little in the way of
plot, the story was made up of a series of episodes which were held
together because they happened to one person. The influence of the
picaresque tradition is clear in the earliest examples of English
novels. Daniel Defoe’s Robinson
Crusoe
shows
many picaresque elements. Although the main character is a
law-abiding man, he is forced to live by his wits and is the
protagonist of many adventures. The episodic nature of the story also
recalls the picaresque tradition. Later writers such as Fielding and
Dickens also wrote picaresque novels while Mark Twain’s The
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

is perhaps one of the greatest examples of this literary form. In
recent times the term ‘picaresque’ has been used in a broader sense
to describe any character who is at odds with society.

Regional
novel

The
regional novel is set in a specific geographical region. The setting
is not used simply as a backdrop to the action, but the writer tries
to indicate how the
particular locality affects the personalities
of the characters and their way of thinking and acting. Thomas Hardy
novels Tess
of the D’Urbervilles

and Jude
the
Oscure,

set in the West Country of Britain which Hardy calls ‘Wessex’, are
perhaps the most acclaimed examples of this literary form.

Satire

Satire
is the art of ridiculing a subject through laughter or scorn. Satire
may be directed at an individual, or a type of person, a social
class, an institution, a political ideology, a nation or even the
entire human race. Satirists try to diminish their subject by evoking
amusement, contempt or indignation towards it. Laughter is often a
weapon used by satirists but not all satire is comic: George Orwell’s
Animal
Farm

has humorous elements but his other satirical work, Nineteen
Eighty-Four,

evokes little laughter in the reader. Although satire is often
directed at individuals, satirists claim that they target the failing
and not the human being. By attacking a particular vice they hope to
contribute to its elimination. Satire may be the governing principle
of a work, and elements of satire may be found in various other
literary forms: it exists in both prose and poetic form.

Satire
has been written in every period since the Middle Ages but the golden
age of satire is generally considered to be the century and a half
after the Restoration (1660) when Swift, Pope, Addison, Fielding and
Goldsmith produced some of the finest satirical work in the English
language.

Science
fiction

Science
fiction refers to stories that are set in the future or in which a
contemporary setting has been altered, for example by a new
invention, or by invasion of alien beings. French writer Jules Verne
is the recognised ‘father’ of science fiction, with his novel A
Journey
to the Centre of the Earth

(1864). In
England, one of the first representatives of the genre
was H.G. Wells who wrote and The
War of the Worlds

(1898).

Short
story

Edgar
Allan Poe, who is generally recognised as the father of the short
story, defined it as a ‘prose tale’ which can be read in less than
two hours and which is
limited to ‘a single effect’. Poe’s
definition emphasizes the fact that the short story writer is
restricted by the length of his work and therefore must focus
his
attention and make rigorous choices. Short stories generally
follow a standard arrangement of phases. The following terms are used
to refer to the various stages of development:

exposition:
background information is provided;

conflict
or
complication:

the characters have to face a problem. The problem may be conflict
with another character or characters, or it may be created by
a
non-human force such as illness, unemployment or death;

climax:
the point of highest tension in the conflict;

resolution:
the conflict is resolved.

Short
story writers often begin their work close to or even at the point of
climax, limiting the background details and explanation of the
conflict to a minimum.
Other writers end their stories at the
climax dedicating just a few lines to the resolution. Others still do
not follow exposition-conflict-climax-resolution paradigm, preferring
to explore other possibilities offered by this short fiction form.

Utopian
and dystopian novel

The
term ‘Utopia’ derives from the Greek words ‘outopia’ (no place) and
‘eutopia’ (good place) and is used to refer to literature which
describes a better world
or way of living. Sir Thomas More’s great
Renaissance work called Utopia
(1516), which depicts an ideal but non-existent society and political
system, is one of the earliest example of this literary form in the
history of English literature. Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s
Travels
(1726),
in which mankind and society are satirised, can also be said to have
a Utopian theme. In more recent
times the term dystopia (bad
place) has been used to describe fiction which depicts an imaginary
world where the negative aspects of our world have been
carried to
unpleasant extremes. Examples of this type of fiction can be found in
Aldous Huxley’s Brave
New World

(1932) and George Orwell’s Nineteen
Eighty-Four
(1949).

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Types of Book Genres

Being a reader, I was always curious about reading the different types of stories. I would never miss a chance to try on different types of genres of literature and believe me, this habit adds on to the reading pleasures.

Like, you cannot eat potato fries forever, in the same way, you cannot read a similar genre of books for eternity. You got to try out on various types of genres in books.

Here is a brief etymology of the word, Genre.

The word genre is derived from the French language which means ‘a kind’.

Definition of Genre in Literature – Literary genres are termed as the classification of literary compositions such as non-fiction, fiction, and poetry. Genres are categorized on the basis of literary technique, tone, content, or even length.

The different genres of literature not only bring diversity to your reading habits but also takes you to a whole new world when you read them.

With such a variety of literary genres, you could know the creative art of writing. Furthermore, every time you let yourself dive into the different story genres you expose yourself to live many different lives.

Types of Genres Of Literature

There are different types of genres in literature which is mainly classified in two; Fiction and Non-Fiction.

Types of Book Genres Infographic

Let’s spread the knowledge and share this infographic with your book lover friends!

Genres of Fiction

First of all, we will discuss ‘what is fiction?’.

Fiction is a genre of literature which is broadly referred to the piece of writing derived from the imagination of the author. It is not related to history or facts and is purely a work of story building and creative writing.

In this list of genres, we will be learning several types of fiction book genres.

1. Fantasy

Fantasy is a sub-genre of fiction category. It is mainly the work of the author’s creativity forming mental images in the reader’s mind.

In this type of writing genre, the description of the story setting and the fictional characters are vivid which beautifully ceases the reality.

These are the books which will describe the examples of the genre – The Lords of The Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling, The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S Lewis and many others.

2. Fable

Have you ever read a book where animals understand and speak human language?

Those books fall under the category of one of the literary genres, known as Fable.

This genre is about writing the supernatural or extraordinary powers vested in some legendary character. The narration of this type of genre is usually demonstrated with some truth.

Some of the examples of this genre; The Tortoise and The Hare by Aesop, Animal Farm by George Orwell, Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson, etc.

3. Mystery

This genre deals with some suspense and crime which is disclosed at the end of the story. You will always find a bunch of suspects around the crime scene and one detective in the quest of the truth in this genre.

Genres like Crime Thriller and Suspense Thriller are included in the mystery genre of literature.

Agatha Christie is one of the popular and most acclaimed authors of the mystery genre who had written some classic mystery novels.

Other examples of this book genre are Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown, The Cuckoo’s Calling by J.K Rowling, Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, etc.

4. Humor

To me, humor is one of the toughest genres to use in the writings because to make someone laugh is not an easy job.

In this type of genre, the content written is light, fancy, comical, and exciting. As a result of which, this genre of literature is the most entertaining of all genres.

This book genre can be used in all the other genres.

Example; The Inscrutable Americans by Anurag Mathur, A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman, Catch-22 by Joseph Heller, etc.

5. Horror

I would recommend you to read this genre of books in a properly lit room and only in the daylight. Do not forget to check if there is someone under your bed.

Any fictional story which deals with the spine thrilling storytelling is termed as the Horror genre. It gives an overwhelming feeling of pain and shock with its description.

The ‘King of Horror’ Stephen King has written a long list of horror books like It, The Stand, The Dark Tower and 56 other books of the same genre.

6. Science-Fiction

Sci-Fi always fascinates me as a reader because this literary genre reminds me of a fact that science can be a boon as well as bane for the humankind.

This reading genre is a type of modern fantasy. It is written on the potentials of the scientific researches or inventions which can be either actual or imagined by the author.

This genre of writing books into scientific facts and pose some ethical questions regarding current and scientific trends and predictions.

Some of the famous books of the science fiction genre; Never Let me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro which is also one of the best books to read, A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter Miller, a post-apocalypse book and the list goes on.

7. History

This narrative genre takes you back to the earlier times when the event originally happened and the great story is unfolded.

In the history genre, one cannot add up the things based on their imaginations rather, one needs to be well-versed with the knowledge of historical events. There are accurate facts and details related to the story while writing this book genre.

Epics, Mythology, and Folklores are also included in the history genre of books.

Few of the examples of the genre; Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly, Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank, The Immortal Life of Henrietta by Rebecca Skloot, etc.

Genres of Non-Fiction

Starting from basics, let me first answer you the query of ‘What is Non-Fiction?’.

Non-Fiction is opposite of fiction genre. Unlike Fiction, there is no imagination inserted in the text. It can also be said as the ‘informational’ material with the facts and pieces of information presented accurately in this writing genre.

Now let’s learn about the nonfiction genres.

1. Biography / Autobiography

I personally like reading biography books as it gives the account of some of the inspirational people and there is so much to learn from them. While Autobiography books are written by oneself about their own life experiences.

This book genre is a literary composition about some influential person’s life journey written by somebody.

Some of the biography books; Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson, The Everything Store by Brad Ston, The Man Who Knew Infinity by Robert Kanigel and many others.

2. Essays

The short literary composition by the author to present his/her opinion or point of view to the public.

Sometimes authors compile the written essay in the book, for example, India Positive by Chetan Bhagat who had recently launched this nonfiction book genre.

Other examples of the genre; A room of one’s own by Virginia Woolf, A Collection of Essays by George Orwell, etc.

3. Narrative

Narratives are written in the form of the report of the connected event in either spoken or written form. The narrative can be a tragedy, comedy, romance or satire and in any literary form.

It can be real or imaginary and can be enacted also.

The famous narratives; 1984 by George Orwell, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, etc.

4. Speech

Speech is the form of oral communication by the participants in the various areas of human activity. In this genre of literature, the author can put his views as well as quote someone if needed.

After learning about the type of genres in literature, you should also know about one of the essential knowledge of literature; Types of Literary Forms.

So, literary forms are like the heart-shaped pan in which you would make that pie and the genre is the batter for the pie. You need to be specific with the size and shape of your pan and according to which you will add your ingredients of the pie.

Literary forms are the structure you would give to your piece of writing. They are the ones which decide the framework and how the content will be organized in the structure.

You need to select the literary form first and then the genre of your piece of writing.

Here are the types of literary forms:

  • Novel – Fiction and Non-Fiction
  • Poetry
  • Prose
  • Drama

Final Words

There is nothing wrong in being loyal to your favorite genre. But reading the same genre on a loop is like drawing a boundary for your reading world.

Maybe you are missing on the fun of reading the great books or maybe you might like books of other book genres more interesting. You would never know this until and unless you start reading the different types of genres.

Furthermore, the perks of reading the different types of genres in books didn’t end here. If you read this aforementioned list of genres then, you will be smarter, less judgemental, and also will improve your writing.

Take an extra step in your reading habit and pick up a new genre book.

Tell us what genre will you dare to pick after reading this list of book genres.

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One of the first things a new writer needs to fully understand is the difference between Fiction and Non-Fiction Literature.

So, what is Fiction in Literature? The definition or meaning of Fiction in literature refers to a type of literary work that is made up or false, created from imagination, and not meant to depict truth or true events.  Literature can either be Fiction, created or fabricated by the author, or Non-fiction which is prose based on real events, people, or facts. 

Click here to earn more about the Meaning of Non-Fiction. (Add a link to the similar article for nonfiction)

In this article, we will take a deeper look at fiction in literature.

Where Does the Word Fiction Come From

When we look at the genesis of the word fiction it becomes clear that this class of literature is meant to describe stories of imagination and not those routed completely in fact.

The root of the word fiction can be traced back to 13 century Latin. The Latin word fictionem (nominative fictio) which meant “a fashioning or feigning,” noun of action from the past participle stem of fingere. Fingere meant “to shape, form, devise, or feign.” Originally used when referring to kneading a form out of clay.

This led the way to the 15 century., ficcioun, “that which is invented or imagined in the mind,” from Old French ficcion a“dissimulation, ruse; invention, fabrication.”

In the 1590s it began to mean a “prose works (not dramatic) of the imagination” that often included plays and poems.

A narrower sense of definition began in the early 19 Century, referring to “the part of literature comprising novels and short stories based on imagined scenes or characters”

The Different Formats of Fiction

Fiction can come in many different formats, these include:

  • novels
  • Novellas
  • short stories
  • fables
  • legends
  • myths
  • fairy tales
  • epic and narrative poetry
  • plays (including operas, musicals, dramas, puppet plays, and various kinds of theatrical dances)
  • comic books
  • animated cartoons
  • stop motions
  • anime
  • manga
  • films
  • video games
  • radio programs
  • television shows

Let’s define the most common written forms of fiction on the list so we are all on the same page with what these different literature fiction formats are.

Novels: A fictitious prose narrative of book length, usually defined at 50,000 words or more.

Short Stories: A work that is at least 2,000 words and usually under 7,500 words, however, there is no hard line between short story and novella length.

Novella: A fiction Novella is thought to be between 7,500 and 50,000 words.

What Are the Elements of Fiction

There are basic elements of fiction that you have at your disposal when writing your story. These elements are all essential in creating your story.

The main elements of Fiction are:

  • Character
  • Plot
  • Point of View
  • Setting
  • Theme
  • Style

Character:

If you ask me, Character is the most important element of fiction in any story. Every other element revolves around the character. The Characters are your reader’s conduit into the story they are about to embark on. As events in the plot happen, they take on meaning by how they affect your characters.

The point of view by which the story or events are seen is a direct reflection of your character. In order to make your story compelling, you need to have realistic characters. I know this may seem odd since we are talking about fiction, however, it is really important that you remember, while the events of the story are fictitious, the way your character reacts to these events must feel real and believable to have an impact.

Your characters should also have a character arc within your story, meaning they should change and grow throughout the book. Flat characters that are the same at the beginning as they are at the end of the story, will leave your readers feeling empty and unsatisfied.

Make sure you know your characters, their motivations, psychology, desires, and fears. This is crucial to creating entertaining and engaging characters.

Plot:

Plot refers to the serious of events that occur in your story. This is usually what creates the initial hook for your readers. The plot is essential to any work of fiction.  It can usually be broken up into 5 basic sections of your story.

  1. Exposition or introduction– establishes your character and setting. This can also be thought of as the status quo of the world as your reader is entering it.
  2. Rising Action– This is where the conflict of the plot is revealed and the stakes are raised for your character.
  3. Climax- This is the make-or-break moment in your story, where the tension is at it’s highest point along with the stakes for your character. This is also known as the turning point.
  4. Falling Action – Where your story is starting to wind down and active resolution is taking place.
  5. Resolution- During the resolution, every loose end has been tied up and the reader feels fulfilled that their questions have been answered.

Point of View:

Point of view will determine whose eyes the readers experience the story through. It will determine how much they will know about each character and the events that have occurred. Pick your point of view carefully and make sure you stay consistent throughout the story.

Setting:

The setting is the physical location where the story occurs. It can be real or made up. The setting is important because it can become as important or apparent as a character. It is the world in which your characters live will greatly affect how they act what they do.

Theme:

The theme is really important and every author should know their theme. Themes are what your story is really about and not explicitly stated in your story. The plot is what outwardly occurs, while you can think about the theme as commentary you as the author is making without expressly saying it.

Style:

You can think of style as your voice. It is made up of your tone, syntax, and word choice. Your style can be powerful and a drawing factor for your readers. There are no shortcuts for style, it will develop and change as you continue to write.

Considering the style of your fiction before your write is a great first step in improving it and helping it take shape throughout.

What is the Difference Between Literary Fiction and Genre Fiction

Literary Fiction

The definition of literary fiction has been a topic of debate by many authors, however, it is generally thought of as fiction that has literary merit. This is in comparison to genre fiction which is thought to be more commercial.

Literary fiction usually includes one or more of the following characteristics:

  • includes a deep reflection on the human condition, or political criticism or social commentary.
  • focus on an introspective character study of complex and fully developed characters whose inner stories drive the plot more than events
  • such a strong character-centric story that at times literary fiction has been criticised as finely written and deconstructed characters who done nothing beautifully.
  • pacing is sometimes slower than genre fiction, as it allows itself to dawdle for the sake of the art
  • literary fiction prides itself on the style and complexity of the writing, expressed by the elegance of its layered and lyrical writing.

Genre Fiction

Genre fiction is also known as popular fiction and considered separate from literary fiction. It is written specifically to fit into a pre-established plot-driven literary genre. The benefit of genre fiction is that you are writing to appeal to the fans and readers already familiar with that genre, which makes it easier to find your potential readers.

It’s important to remember that some writing is considered both literary and genre fiction.

Different Genres in Fiction

There are many different types of Fiction Genres, as they continuously change with the culture.  As you can imagine new genres are always being created.

Read our article on picking the right genre to write in.

Now let’s take a look at the different types of fiction genres and sub-genres.

Juvenile Fiction

Juvenile fiction is meant for children 0-11 years of age or preschool to 6th grade.

  • JUV000000     JUVENILE FICTION / General
  • JUV001000     JUVENILE FICTION / Action & Adventure / General
  • JUV001020     JUVENILE FICTION / Action & Adventure / Pirates
  • JUV001010     JUVENILE FICTION / Action & Adventure / Survival Stories
  • JUV054000     JUVENILE FICTION / Activity Books
  • JUV002000     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / General
  • JUV002010     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Alligators & Crocodiles
  • JUV002020     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Apes, Monkeys, etc.
  • JUV002370     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Baby Animals
  • JUV002030     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Bears
  • JUV002040     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Birds
  • JUV002300     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Butterflies, Moths & Caterpillars
  • JUV002050     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Cats
  • JUV002310     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Cows
  • JUV002290     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Deer, Moose & Caribou
  • JUV002060     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Dinosaurs & Prehistoric Creatures
  • JUV002070     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Dogs
  • JUV002270     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Dragons, Unicorns & Mythical
  • JUV002280     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Ducks, Geese, etc.
  • JUV002080     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Elephants
  • JUV002090     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Farm Animals
  • JUV002100     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Fishes
  • JUV002110     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Foxes
  • JUV002120     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Frogs & Toads
  • JUV002320     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Giraffes
  • JUV002330     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Hippos & Rhinos
  • JUV002130     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Horses
  • JUV002140     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Insects, Spiders, etc.
  • JUV002340     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Jungle Animals
  • JUV002350     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Kangaroos
  • JUV002150     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Lions, Tigers, Leopards, etc.
  • JUV002160     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Mammals
  • JUV002170     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Marine Life
  • JUV002180     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Mice, Hamsters, Guinea Pigs, etc.
  • JUV002360     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Nocturnal
  • JUV002190     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Pets
  • JUV002200     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Pigs
  • JUV002210     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Rabbits
  • JUV002220     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Reptiles & Amphibians
  • JUV002230     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Squirrels
  • JUV002240     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Turtles
  • JUV002250     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Wolves & Coyotes
  • JUV002260     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Zoos
  • JUV003000     JUVENILE FICTION / Art & Architecture
  • JUV010000     JUVENILE FICTION / Bedtime & Dreams
  • JUV004000     JUVENILE FICTION / Biographical / General
  • JUV004050     JUVENILE FICTION / Biographical / Africa
  • JUV004060     JUVENILE FICTION / Biographical / Asia
  • JUV004040     JUVENILE FICTION / Biographical / Canada
  • JUV004010     JUVENILE FICTION / Biographical / Europe
  • JUV004070     JUVENILE FICTION / Biographical / Latin America
  • JUV004020     JUVENILE FICTION / Biographical / United States
  • JUV047000     JUVENILE FICTION / Books & Libraries
  • JUV005000     JUVENILE FICTION / Boys & Men
  • JUV006000     JUVENILE FICTION / Business, Careers, Occupations
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Celebrations see headings under Holidays & Celebrations
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Circus see Performing Arts / Circus
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / City Life see Lifestyles / City & Town Life
  • JUV007000     JUVENILE FICTION / Classics
  • JUV048000     JUVENILE FICTION / Clothing & Dress
  • JUV008000     JUVENILE FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / General
  • JUV008040     JUVENILE FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Action & Adventure
  • JUV008050     JUVENILE FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Animals
  • JUV008060     JUVENILE FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Classic Adaptation
  • JUV008070     JUVENILE FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Fairy Tales, Folklore, Legends & Mythology
  • JUV008080     JUVENILE FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Fantasy
  • JUV008090     JUVENILE FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Historical
  • JUV008100     JUVENILE FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Horror
  • JUV008110     JUVENILE FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Humorous
  • JUV008010     JUVENILE FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Manga
  • JUV008030     JUVENILE FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Media Tie-In
  • JUV008120     JUVENILE FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Mystery & Detective
  • JUV008130     JUVENILE FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Paranormal
  • JUV008140     JUVENILE FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Science Fiction
  • JUV008020     JUVENILE FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Superheroes
  • JUV049000     JUVENILE FICTION / Computers & Digital Media
  • JUV009000     JUVENILE FICTION / Concepts / General
  • JUV009010     JUVENILE FICTION / Concepts / Alphabet
  • JUV009120     JUVENILE FICTION / Concepts / Body
  • JUV009020     JUVENILE FICTION / Concepts / Colors
  • JUV009030     JUVENILE FICTION / Concepts / Counting & Numbers
  • JUV009070     JUVENILE FICTION / Concepts / Date & Time
  • JUV009090     JUVENILE FICTION / Concepts / Money
  • JUV009040     JUVENILE FICTION / Concepts / Opposites
  • JUV009100     JUVENILE FICTION / Concepts / Seasons
  • JUV009050     JUVENILE FICTION / Concepts / Senses & Sensation
  • JUV009060     JUVENILE FICTION / Concepts / Size & Shape
  • JUV009110     JUVENILE FICTION / Concepts / Sounds
  • JUV009080     JUVENILE FICTION / Concepts / Words
  • JUV050000     JUVENILE FICTION / Cooking & Food
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Country Life see Lifestyles / Country Life
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Crime see Law & Crime
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Detective Stories see Mysteries & Detective Stories
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Dolls see Toys, Dolls & Puppets
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Dreams see Bedtime & Dreams
  • JUV059000     JUVENILE FICTION / Dystopian
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Education see School & Education
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Ethnic see headings under People & Places
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Fables see headings under Legends, Myths, Fables
  • JUV012030     JUVENILE FICTION / Fairy Tales & Folklore / General
  • JUV012040     JUVENILE FICTION / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Adaptations
  • JUV012000     JUVENILE FICTION / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Anthologies
  • JUV012020     JUVENILE FICTION / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Country & Ethnic
  • JUV013000     JUVENILE FICTION / Family / General (see also headings under Social Themes)
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Family / Abuse see Social Themes / Physical & Emotional Abuse or Social Themes / Sexual Abuse
  • JUV013010     JUVENILE FICTION / Family / Adoption
  • JUV013090     JUVENILE FICTION / Family / Alternative Family
  • JUV013080     JUVENILE FICTION / Family / Blended Families
  • JUV013020     JUVENILE FICTION / Family / Marriage & Divorce
  • JUV013030     JUVENILE FICTION / Family / Multigenerational
  • JUV013040     JUVENILE FICTION / Family / New Baby
  • JUV013050     JUVENILE FICTION / Family / Orphans & Foster Homes
  • JUV013060     JUVENILE FICTION / Family / Parents
  • JUV013070     JUVENILE FICTION / Family / Siblings
  • JUV037000     JUVENILE FICTION / Fantasy & Magic
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Farm Life see Lifestyles / Farm & Ranch Life
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Folklore see headings under Fairy Tales & Folklore
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Games see Sports & Recreation / Games
  • JUV069000     JUVENILE FICTION / Ghost Stories
  • JUV014000     JUVENILE FICTION / Girls & Women
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Graphic Novels see headings under Comics & Graphic Novels
  • JUV015000     JUVENILE FICTION / Health & Daily Living / General
  • JUV015010     JUVENILE FICTION / Health & Daily Living / Daily Activities
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Health & Daily Living / Depression & Mental Illness see Social Themes / Depression & Mental Illness
  • JUV015020     JUVENILE FICTION / Health & Daily Living / Diseases, Illnesses & Injuries
  • JUV039170     JUVENILE FICTION / Health & Daily Living / Toilet Training
  • JUV016000     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / General
  • JUV016010     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / Africa
  • JUV016020     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / Ancient Civilizations
  • JUV016030     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / Asia
  • JUV016160     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / Canada / General
  • JUV016170     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / Canada / Pre-Confederation (to 1867)
  • JUV016180     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / Canada / Post-Confederation (1867-)
  • JUV016040     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / Europe
  • JUV016050     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / Exploration & Discovery
  • JUV016060     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / Holocaust
  • JUV016070     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / Medieval
  • JUV016210     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / Middle East
  • JUV016080     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / Military & Wars
  • JUV016090     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / Prehistory
  • JUV016100     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / Renaissance
  • JUV016110     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / United States / General
  • JUV016120     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / United States / Colonial & Revolutionary Periods
  • JUV016140     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / United States / 19th Century
  • JUV016200     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / United States / Civil War Period (1850-1877)
  • JUV016150     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / United States / 20th Century
  • JUV016190     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / United States / 21st Century
  • JUV017000     JUVENILE FICTION / Holidays & Celebrations / General (see also Religious / Christian / Holidays & Celebrations)
  • JUV017100     JUVENILE FICTION / Holidays & Celebrations / Birthdays
  • JUV017010     JUVENILE FICTION / Holidays & Celebrations / Christmas & Advent
  • JUV017020     JUVENILE FICTION / Holidays & Celebrations / Easter & Lent
  • JUV017030     JUVENILE FICTION / Holidays & Celebrations / Halloween
  • JUV017110     JUVENILE FICTION / Holidays & Celebrations / Hanukkah
  • JUV017050     JUVENILE FICTION / Holidays & Celebrations / Kwanzaa
  • JUV017120     JUVENILE FICTION / Holidays & Celebrations / Passover
  • JUV017130     JUVENILE FICTION / Holidays & Celebrations / Patriotic Holidays
  • JUV017060     JUVENILE FICTION / Holidays & Celebrations / Thanksgiving
  • JUV017070     JUVENILE FICTION / Holidays & Celebrations / Valentine’s Day
  • JUV017080     JUVENILE FICTION / Holidays & Celebrations / Other, Non-Religious
  • JUV017090     JUVENILE FICTION / Holidays & Celebrations / Other, Religious
  • JUV018000     JUVENILE FICTION / Horror
  • JUV019000     JUVENILE FICTION / Humorous Stories
  • JUV051000     JUVENILE FICTION / Imagination & Play
  • JUV020000     JUVENILE FICTION / Interactive Adventures
  • JUV021000     JUVENILE FICTION / Law & Crime
  • JUV022000     JUVENILE FICTION / Legends, Myths, Fables / General
  • JUV012050     JUVENILE FICTION / Legends, Myths, Fables / African
  • JUV022010     JUVENILE FICTION / Legends, Myths, Fables / Arthurian
  • JUV012060     JUVENILE FICTION / Legends, Myths, Fables / Asian
  • JUV012070     JUVENILE FICTION / Legends, Myths, Fables / Caribbean & Latin American
  • JUV022020     JUVENILE FICTION / Legends, Myths, Fables / Greek & Roman
  • JUV012080     JUVENILE FICTION / Legends, Myths, Fables / Native American
  • JUV022030     JUVENILE FICTION / Legends, Myths, Fables / Norse
  • JUV060000     JUVENILE FICTION / LGBT
  • JUV023000     JUVENILE FICTION / Lifestyles / City & Town Life
  • JUV024000     JUVENILE FICTION / Lifestyles / Country Life
  • JUV025000     JUVENILE FICTION / Lifestyles / Farm & Ranch Life
  • JUV026000     JUVENILE FICTION / Love & Romance
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Magic see Fantasy & Magic
  • JUV072000     JUVENILE FICTION / Mathematics *
  • JUV027000     JUVENILE FICTION / Media Tie-In
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Medicine see headings under Health & Daily Living
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Men see Boys & Men
  • JUV066000     JUVENILE FICTION / Mermaids
  • JUV052000     JUVENILE FICTION / Monsters
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Music see Performing Arts / Music
  • JUV028000     JUVENILE FICTION / Mysteries & Detective Stories
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Myths see headings under Legends, Myths, Fables
  • JUV029000     JUVENILE FICTION / Nature & the Natural World / General (see also headings under Animals)
  • JUV029030     JUVENILE FICTION / Nature & the Natural World / Disasters *
  • JUV029010     JUVENILE FICTION / Nature & the Natural World / Environment
  • JUV029020     JUVENILE FICTION / Nature & the Natural World / Weather
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Night see Bedtime & Dreams
  • JUV055000     JUVENILE FICTION / Nursery Rhymes
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Occupations see Business, Careers, Occupations
  • JUV058000     JUVENILE FICTION / Paranormal, Occult & Supernatural
  • JUV030000     JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / General
  • JUV030010     JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / Africa
  • JUV030020     JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / Asia
  • JUV030080     JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / Australia & Oceania
  • JUV030030     JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / Canada / General
  • JUV030090     JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / Canada / Native Canadian
  • JUV030040     JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / Caribbean & Latin America
  • JUV030050     JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / Europe
  • JUV030100     JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / Mexico
  • JUV030110     JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / Middle East
  • JUV030120     JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / Polar Regions
  • JUV030060     JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / United States / General
  • JUV011010     JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / United States / African American
  • JUV011020     JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / United States / Asian American
  • JUV011030     JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / United States / Hispanic & Latino
  • JUV011040     JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / United States / Native American
  • JUV031000     JUVENILE FICTION / Performing Arts / General
  • JUV031010     JUVENILE FICTION / Performing Arts / Circus
  • JUV031020     JUVENILE FICTION / Performing Arts / Dance
  • JUV031030     JUVENILE FICTION / Performing Arts / Film
  • JUV031040     JUVENILE FICTION / Performing Arts / Music
  • JUV031050     JUVENILE FICTION / Performing Arts / Television & Radio
  • JUV031060     JUVENILE FICTION / Performing Arts / Theater
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Play see Imagination & Play
  • JUV070000     JUVENILE FICTION / Poetry (see also Stories in Verse)
  • JUV061000     JUVENILE FICTION / Politics & Government
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Puppets see Toys, Dolls & Puppets
  • JUV043000     JUVENILE FICTION / Readers / Beginner
  • JUV044000     JUVENILE FICTION / Readers / Intermediate
  • JUV045000     JUVENILE FICTION / Readers / Chapter Books
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Recreation see headings under Sports & Recreation
  • JUV063000     JUVENILE FICTION / Recycling & Green Living
  • JUV033000     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / General
  • JUV033250     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Buddhist
  • JUV033010     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / General
  • JUV033040     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / Action & Adventure
  • JUV033050     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / Animals
  • JUV033060     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / Bedtime & Dreams
  • JUV033070     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / Comics & Graphic Novels
  • JUV033080     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / Early Readers
  • JUV033090     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / Emotions & Feelings
  • JUV033100     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / Family
  • JUV033110     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / Fantasy & Science Fiction
  • JUV033120     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / Friendship
  • JUV033140     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / Historical
  • JUV033150     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / Holidays & Celebrations
  • JUV033160     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / Humorous
  • JUV033170     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / Learning Concepts
  • JUV033180     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / Mysteries & Detective Stories
  • JUV033190     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / People & Places
  • JUV033200     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / Relationships
  • JUV033220     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / Social Issues
  • JUV033230     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / Sports & Recreation
  • JUV033240     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / Values & Virtues
  • JUV033260     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Hindu
  • JUV033020     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Jewish
  • JUV033270     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Muslim
  • JUV056000     JUVENILE FICTION / Robots
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Romance see Love & Romance
  • JUV034000     JUVENILE FICTION / Royalty
  • JUV035000     JUVENILE FICTION / School & Education
  • JUV036000     JUVENILE FICTION / Science & Technology
  • JUV053000     JUVENILE FICTION / Science Fiction
  • JUV038000     JUVENILE FICTION / Short Stories
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Sleeping see Bedtime & Dreams
  • JUV039000     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / General (see also headings under Family)
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Abuse see Social Themes / Physical & Emotional Abuse or Social Themes / Sexual Abuse
  • JUV039020     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Adolescence
  • JUV039230     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Bullying
  • JUV039190     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Dating & Relationships
  • JUV039030     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Death & Dying
  • JUV039240     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Depression & Mental Illness
  • JUV039040     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Drugs, Alcohol, Substance Abuse
  • JUV039250     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Emigration & Immigration
  • JUV039050     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Emotions & Feelings
  • JUV039060     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Friendship
  • JUV039070     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Homelessness & Poverty
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Homosexuality see LGBT
  • JUV039200     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Manners & Etiquette
  • JUV039090     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / New Experience
  • JUV039100     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Peer Pressure
  • JUV039010     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Physical & Emotional Abuse (see also Social Themes / Sexual Abuse)
  • JUV039120     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Prejudice & Racism
  • JUV039280     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Religion & Faith
  • JUV039130     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Runaways
  • JUV039140     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
  • JUV039210     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Sexual Abuse
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Sexuality see Social Themes / Dating & Relationships
  • JUV039150     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Special Needs
  • JUV039270     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Strangers
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Substance Abuse see Social Themes / Drugs, Alcohol, Substance Abuse
  • JUV039220     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Values & Virtues
  • JUV039180     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Violence
  • JUV032000     JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / General
  • JUV032010     JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Baseball & Softball
  • JUV032020     JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Basketball
  • JUV032170     JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Camping & Outdoor Activities
  • JUV032180     JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Cycling
  • JUV032090     JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Equestrian
  • JUV032100     JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Extreme Sports
  • JUV032030     JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Football
  • JUV032040     JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Games
  • JUV032190     JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Golf
  • JUV032200     JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Gymnastics
  • JUV032110     JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Hockey
  • JUV032120     JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Ice Skating
  • JUV032070     JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts
  • JUV032140     JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Skateboarding
  • JUV032150     JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Soccer
  • JUV032210     JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Track & Field
  • JUV032060     JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Water Sports
  • JUV032080     JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Winter Sports
  • JUV032160     JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Wrestling
  • JUV062000     JUVENILE FICTION / Steampunk
  • JUV057000     JUVENILE FICTION / Stories in Verse (see also Poetry)
  • JUV071000     JUVENILE FICTION / Superheroes
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Technology see Science & Technology
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Television Tie-In see Media Tie-In
  • JUV067000     JUVENILE FICTION / Thrillers & Suspense
  • JUV064000     JUVENILE FICTION / Time Travel
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Town Life see Lifestyles / City & Town Life
  • JUV040000     JUVENILE FICTION / Toys, Dolls & Puppets
  • JUV041000     JUVENILE FICTION / Transportation / General
  • JUV041010     JUVENILE FICTION / Transportation / Aviation
  • JUV041020     JUVENILE FICTION / Transportation / Boats, Ships & Underwater Craft
  • JUV041030     JUVENILE FICTION / Transportation / Cars & Trucks
  • JUV041050     JUVENILE FICTION / Transportation / Railroads & Trains
  • JUV068000     JUVENILE FICTION / Travel
  • JUV046000     JUVENILE FICTION / Visionary & Metaphysical
  • JUV042000     JUVENILE FICTION / Westerns

Young Adult Fiction Genre

This is literature written for young adults between 12-18 years old or grades 7-12.

  • YAF000000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / General
  • YAF001000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Action & Adventure / General
  • YAF001010    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Action & Adventure / Pirates
  • YAF001020    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Action & Adventure / Survival Stories
  • YAF071000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Alternative History *
  • YAF002000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Animals / General
  • YAF002010    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Animals / Horses
  • YAF002020    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Animals / Marine Life
  • YAF002030    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Animals / Mythical Creatures
  • YAF002040    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Animals / Pets
  • YAF003000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Apocalyptic & Post-Apocalyptic
  • YAF004000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Art
  • YAF005000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Biographical
  • YAF006000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Books & Libraries
  • YAF007000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Boys & Men
  • YAF008000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Careers, Occupations, Internships
  • YAF009000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Classics
  • YAF010000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / General
  • YAF010050    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Action & Adventure
  • YAF010060    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Classic Adaptation
  • YAF010070    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Coming of Age
  • YAF010080    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Dystopian
  • YAF010090    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Fairy Tales, Folklore, Legends & Mythology
  • YAF010100    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Fantasy
  • YAF010110    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Historical
  • YAF010120    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Horror
  • YAF010130    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Humorous
  • YAF010140    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / LGBT
  • YAF010010    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Manga
  • YAF010020    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Media Tie-In
  • YAF010150    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Mystery & Detective
  • YAF010160    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Paranormal
  • YAF010170    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Romance
  • YAF010030    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Science Fiction
  • YAF010040    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Superheroes
  • YAF011000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Coming of Age
  • YAF012000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Computers & Digital Media
  • YAF013000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Cooking & Food
  • YAF014000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Diversity & Multicultural
  • YAF015000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Dystopian
  • YAF016000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Epistolary (Letters & Diaries)
  • YAF017000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Fairy Tales & Folklore / General
  • YAF017010    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Adaptations
  • YAF017020    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Anthologies
  • YAF017030    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Country & Ethnic
  • YAF018000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Family / General (see also headings under Social Themes)
  • YAF018010    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Family / Adoption
  • YAF018020    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Family / Alternative Family
  • YAF018080    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Family / Blended Families
  • YAF018030    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Family / Marriage & Divorce
  • YAF018040    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Family / Multigenerational
  • YAF018050    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Family / Orphans & Foster Homes
  • YAF018060    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Family / Parents
  • YAF018070    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Family / Siblings
  • YAF019000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Fantasy / General
  • YAF019010    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Fantasy / Contemporary
  • YAF019020    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Fantasy / Dark Fantasy
  • YAF019030    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Fantasy / Epic
  • YAF019040    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Fantasy / Historical
  • YAF019050    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Fantasy / Wizards & Witches
  • YAF020000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Fashion & Beauty
  • YAF021000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Ghost Stories
  • YAF022000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Girls & Women
  • YAF023000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Health & Daily Living / General
  • YAF023010    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Health & Daily Living / Diseases, Illnesses & Injuries
  • YAF024000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Historical / General
  • YAF024010    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Historical / Africa
  • YAF024020    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Historical / Ancient Civilizations
  • YAF024030    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Historical / Asia
  • YAF024040    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Historical / Canada
  • YAF024050    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Historical / Europe
  • YAF024060    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Historical / Exploration & Discovery
  • YAF024070    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Historical / Holocaust
  • YAF024080    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Historical / Medieval
  • YAF024090    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Historical / Middle East
  • YAF024100    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Historical / Military & Wars
  • YAF024110    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Historical / Prehistory
  • YAF024120    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Historical / Renaissance
  • YAF024130    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Historical / United States / General
  • YAF024140    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Historical / United States / Colonial & Revolutionary Periods
  • YAF024150    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Historical / United States / 19th Century
  • YAF024160    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Historical / United States / Civil War Period (1850-1877)
  • YAF024170    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Historical / United States / 20th Century
  • YAF024180    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Historical / United States / 21st Century
  • YAF025000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Holidays & Celebrations
  • YAF026000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Horror
  • YAF027000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Humorous / General
  • YAF027010    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Humorous / Black Comedy
  • YAF028000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Interactive Adventures
  • YAF029000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Law & Crime
  • YAF030000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Legends, Myths, Fables / General
  • YAF030010    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Legends, Myths, Fables / Arthurian
  • YAF030020    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Legends, Myths, Fables / Greek & Roman
  • YAF031000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / LGBT
  • YAF032000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Lifestyles / City & Town Life
  • YAF033000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Lifestyles / Country Life
  • YAF034000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Lifestyles / Farm & Ranch Life
  • YAF035000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Light Novel (Ranobe)
  • YAF036000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Literary
  • YAF037000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Loners & Outcasts
  • YAF038000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Magical Realism
  • YAF039000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Media Tie-In
  • YAF040000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Mermaids
  • YAF041000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Monsters
  • YAF042000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Mysteries & Detective Stories
  • YAF043000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Nature & the Natural World / General (see also headings under Animals)
  • YAF043010    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Nature & the Natural World / Environment
  • YAF044000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Novels in Verse
  • YAF045000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Paranormal, Occult & Supernatural
  • YAF046000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / People & Places / General
  • YAF046010    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / People & Places / Aboriginal & Indigenous
  • YAF046020    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / People & Places / Africa
  • YAF046030    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / People & Places / Asia
  • YAF046040    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / People & Places / Australia & Oceania
  • YAF046050    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / People & Places / Canada
  • YAF046060    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / People & Places / Caribbean & Latin America
  • YAF046070    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / People & Places / Europe
  • YAF046080    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / People & Places / Mexico
  • YAF046090    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / People & Places / Middle East
  • YAF046100    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / People & Places / Polar Regions
  • YAF046110    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / People & Places / United States / General
  • YAF046120    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / People & Places / United States / African American
  • YAF046130    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / People & Places / United States / Asian American
  • YAF046140    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / People & Places / United States / Hispanic & Latino
  • YAF046150    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / People & Places / United States / Native American
  • YAF047000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Performing Arts / General
  • YAF047010    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Performing Arts / Dance
  • YAF047020    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Performing Arts / Film
  • YAF047030    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Performing Arts / Music
  • YAF047040    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Performing Arts / Television & Radio
  • YAF047050    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Performing Arts / Theater & Musicals
  • YAF048000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Poetry
  • YAF049000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Politics & Government
  • YAF050000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Recycling & Green Living
  • YAF051000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Religious / General
  • YAF051010    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Religious / Agnostic & Atheist
  • YAF051020    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Religious / Buddhist
  • YAF051030    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Religious / Christian / General
  • YAF051040    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Religious / Christian / Action & Adventure
  • YAF051050    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Religious / Christian / Comics & Graphic Novels
  • YAF051060    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Religious / Christian / Fantasy
  • YAF051070    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Religious / Christian / Historical
  • YAF051080    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Religious / Christian / Mysteries & Detective Stories
  • YAF051090    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Religious / Christian / Relationships
  • YAF051100    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Religious / Christian / Science Fiction
  • YAF051110    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Religious / Christian / Social Issues
  • YAF051120    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Religious / Hindu
  • YAF051130    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Religious / Jewish
  • YAF051140    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Religious / Muslim
  • YAF052000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Romance / General
  • YAF052010    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Romance / Clean & Wholesome
  • YAF052020    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Romance / Contemporary
  • YAF052030    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Romance / Historical
  • YAF052040    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Romance / LGBT
  • YAF052050    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Romance / Paranormal
  • YAF052060    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Romance / Romantic Comedy
  • YAF053000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Royalty
  • YAF027020    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Satire
  • YAF054000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / School & Education / General
  • YAF054010    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / School & Education / Boarding School & Prep School
  • YAF054020    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / School & Education / College & University
  • YAF055000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Science & Technology
  • YAF056000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Science Fiction / General
  • YAF056010    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Science Fiction / Alien Contact
  • YAF056020    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Science Fiction / Space Opera
  • YAF057000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Short Stories
  • YAF058000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / General (see also headings under Family)
  • YAF058010    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Assimilation
  • YAF058020    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Bullying
  • YAF058030    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Class Differences
  • YAF058040    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Dating & Sex
  • YAF058050    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Death & Dying
  • YAF058060    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Depression
  • YAF058070    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Disabilities & Special Needs
  • YAF058080    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Drugs, Alcohol, Substance Abuse
  • YAF058090    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Eating Disorders & Body Image
  • YAF058100    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Emigration & Immigration
  • YAF058110    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Emotions & Feelings
  • YAF058120    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Friendship
  • YAF058130    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Homelessness & Poverty
  • YAF058140    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Mental Illness
  • YAF058150    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / New Experience
  • YAF058160    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Peer Pressure
  • YAF058170    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Physical & Emotional Abuse (see also Social Themes / Sexual Abuse)
  • YAF058180    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Pregnancy
  • YAF058190    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Prejudice & Racism
  • YAF058200    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Religion & Faith
  • YAF058210    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Runaways
  • YAF058220    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
  • YAF058230    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Self-Mutilation
  • YAF058240    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Sexual Abuse
  • YAF058250    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Suicide
  • YAF058260    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Values & Virtues
  • YAF058270    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Violence
  • YAF059000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Sports & Recreation / General
  • YAF059010    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Baseball & Softball
  • YAF059020    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Basketball
  • YAF059030    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Camping & Outdoor Activities
  • YAF059040    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Equestrian
  • YAF059050    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Extreme Sports
  • YAF059060    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Football
  • YAF059070    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Gymnastics
  • YAF059080    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Hockey
  • YAF059090    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts
  • YAF059100    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Skateboarding
  • YAF059110    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Soccer
  • YAF059120    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Track & Field
  • YAF059130    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Water Sports
  • YAF059140    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Winter Sports
  • YAF060000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Steampunk
  • YAF061000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Superheroes
  • YAF062000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Thrillers & Suspense
  • YAF063000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Time Travel
  • YAF064000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Travel & Transportation / General
  • YAF064010    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Travel & Transportation / Car & Road Trips
  • YAF065000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Vampires
  • YAF066000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Visionary & Metaphysical
  • YAF067000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / War & Military
  • YAF068000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Werewolves & Shifters
  • YAF069000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Westerns
  • YAF070000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Zombies

Fiction Genres and Sub-Genres

Here is a list of Fiction Genres with their BISAC codes.

  • FIC000000      FICTION / General
  • FIC064000      FICTION / Absurdist
  • FIC002000      FICTION / Action & Adventure
  •                           FICTION / Adventure see Action & Adventure
  • FIC049000      FICTION / African American / General
  • FIC049010      FICTION / African American / Christian
  • FIC049030      FICTION / African American / Erotica
  • FIC049040      FICTION / African American / Historical
  • FIC049050      FICTION / African American / Mystery & Detective
  • FIC049070      FICTION / African American / Urban
  • FIC049020      FICTION / African American / Women
  • FIC040000      FICTION / Alternative History
  • FIC053000      FICTION / Amish & Mennonite
  • FIC067000      FICTION / Animals
  • FIC003000      FICTION / Anthologies (multiple authors)
  • FIC054000      FICTION / Asian American
  • FIC041000      FICTION / Biographical
  • FIC042000      FICTION / Christian / General
  • FIC042010      FICTION / Christian / Classic & Allegory
  • FIC042050      FICTION / Christian / Collections & Anthologies
  • FIC042080      FICTION / Christian / Fantasy
  • FIC042020      FICTION / Christian / Futuristic
  • FIC042030      FICTION / Christian / Historical
  • FIC042040      FICTION / Christian / Romance
  • FIC042060      FICTION / Christian / Suspense
  • FIC042070      FICTION / Christian / Western
  • FIC069000      FICTION / City Life *
  • FIC004000      FICTION / Classics
  • FIC043000      FICTION / Coming of Age
  • FIC050000      FICTION / Crime
  • FIC051000      FICTION / Cultural Heritage
  • FIC070000      FICTION / Disaster *
  • FIC055000      FICTION / Dystopian
  • FIC065000      FICTION / Epistolary
  • FIC005000      FICTION / Erotica / General
  • FIC005010      FICTION / Erotica / BDSM
  • FIC005020      FICTION / Erotica / Collections & Anthologies
  • FIC005030      FICTION / Erotica / Gay
  • FIC005060      FICTION / Erotica / Historical
  • FIC005040      FICTION / Erotica / Lesbian
  • FIC005050      FICTION / Erotica / Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror
  • FIC010000      FICTION / Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Legends & Mythology
  • FIC045000      FICTION / Family Life / General
  • FIC045010      FICTION / Family Life / Marriage & Divorce *
  • FIC045020      FICTION / Family Life / Siblings *
  •                       FICTION / Family Saga see Sagas
  • FIC009000      FICTION / Fantasy / General
  • FIC009100      FICTION / Fantasy / Action & Adventure
  • FIC009110      FICTION / Fantasy / Arthurian
  • FIC009040      FICTION / Fantasy / Collections & Anthologies
  • FIC009010      FICTION / Fantasy / Contemporary
  • FIC009070      FICTION / Fantasy / Dark Fantasy
  • FIC009120      FICTION / Fantasy / Dragons & Mythical Creatures
  • FIC009020      FICTION / Fantasy / Epic
  • FIC009130      FICTION / Fantasy / Gaslamp
  • FIC009030      FICTION / Fantasy / Historical
  • FIC009080      FICTION / Fantasy / Humorous
  • FIC009140      FICTION / Fantasy / Military
  • FIC009050      FICTION / Fantasy / Paranormal
  • FIC009090      FICTION / Fantasy / Romantic
  • FIC009060      FICTION / Fantasy / Urban
  •                       FICTION / Folklore see Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Legends & Mythology
  • FIC071000      FICTION / Friendship *
  • FIC012000      FICTION / Ghost
  • FIC027040      FICTION / Gothic
  •                       FICTION / Graphic Novels see headings under COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS
  • FIC056000      FICTION / Hispanic & Latino
  • FIC014000      FICTION / Historical / General
  • FIC014010      FICTION / Historical / Ancient *
  • FIC014020      FICTION / Historical / Medieval *
  • FIC014030      FICTION / Historical / Renaissance *
  • FIC014040      FICTION / Historical / World War I *
  • FIC014050      FICTION / Historical / World War II *
  • FIC058000      FICTION / Holidays
  • FIC015000      FICTION / Horror
  • FIC016000      FICTION / Humorous / General
  • FIC060000      FICTION / Humorous / Black Humor
  • FIC046000      FICTION / Jewish
  • FIC034000      FICTION / Legal
  • FIC068000      FICTION / LGBT / General
  • FIC072000      FICTION / LGBT / Bisexual *
  • FIC011000      FICTION / LGBT / Gay
  • FIC018000      FICTION / LGBT / Lesbian
  • FIC073000      FICTION / LGBT / Transgender *
  • FIC019000      FICTION / Literary
  • FIC061000      FICTION / Magical Realism
  • FIC057000      FICTION / Mashups
  • FIC021000      FICTION / Media Tie-In
  • FIC035000      FICTION / Medical
  •                       FICTION / Metaphysical see Visionary & Metaphysical
  • FIC022000      FICTION / Mystery & Detective / General
  • FIC022100      FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Amateur Sleuth
  • FIC022050      FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Collections & Anthologies
  • FIC022070      FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Cozy / General
  • FIC022110      FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Cozy / Cats & Dogs *
  • FIC022120      FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Cozy / Crafts *
  • FIC022130      FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Cozy / Culinary *
  • FIC022010      FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Hard-Boiled
  • FIC022060      FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Historical
  • FIC022080      FICTION / Mystery & Detective / International Mystery & Crime
  • FIC022020      FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Police Procedural
  • FIC022090      FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Private Investigators
  • FIC022030      FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Traditional
  • FIC022040      FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Women Sleuths
  •                       FICTION / Mythology see Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Legends & Mythology
  • FIC059000      FICTION / Native American & Aboriginal
  • FIC062000      FICTION / Noir
  • FIC024000      FICTION / Occult & Supernatural
  • FIC037000      FICTION / Political
  • FIC025000      FICTION / Psychological
  • FIC026000      FICTION / Religious
  • FIC027000      FICTION / Romance / General
  • FIC027260      FICTION / Romance / Action & Adventure
  • FIC049060      FICTION / Romance / African American
  • FIC027340      FICTION / Romance / Billionaires *
  • FIC027270      FICTION / Romance / Clean & Wholesome
  • FIC027080      FICTION / Romance / Collections & Anthologies
  • FIC027020      FICTION / Romance / Contemporary
  • FIC027010      FICTION / Romance / Erotica
  • FIC027030      FICTION / Romance / Fantasy
  • FIC027350      FICTION / Romance / Firefighters *
  • FIC027050      FICTION / Romance / Historical / General
  • FIC027360      FICTION / Romance / Historical / American *
  • FIC027140      FICTION / Romance / Historical / Ancient World
  • FIC027150      FICTION / Romance / Historical / Medieval
  • FIC027070      FICTION / Romance / Historical / Regency
  • FIC027370      FICTION / Romance / Historical / Renaissance *
  • FIC027160      FICTION / Romance / Historical / Scottish
  • FIC027280      FICTION / Romance / Historical / Tudor
  • FIC027200      FICTION / Romance / Historical / 20th Century
  • FIC027170      FICTION / Romance / Historical / Victorian
  • FIC027180      FICTION / Romance / Historical / Viking
  • FIC027290      FICTION / Romance / Holiday
  • FIC027380      FICTION / Romance / Later in Life *
  • FIC027300      FICTION / Romance / LGBT / General
  • FIC027390      FICTION / Romance / LGBT / Bisexual *
  • FIC027190      FICTION / Romance / LGBT / Gay
  • FIC027210      FICTION / Romance / LGBT / Lesbian
  • FIC027400      FICTION / Romance / LGBT / Transgender *
  • FIC027410      FICTION / Romance / Medical *
  • FIC027220      FICTION / Romance / Military
  • FIC027230      FICTION / Romance / Multicultural & Interracial
  • FIC027240      FICTION / Romance / New Adult
  • FIC027120      FICTION / Romance / Paranormal / General
  • FIC027310      FICTION / Romance / Paranormal / Shifters
  • FIC027320      FICTION / Romance / Paranormal / Vampires
  • FIC027420      FICTION / Romance / Police & Law Enforcement *
  • FIC027250      FICTION / Romance / Romantic Comedy
  • FIC027130      FICTION / Romance / Science Fiction
  • FIC027330      FICTION / Romance / Sports
  • FIC027110      FICTION / Romance / Suspense
  • FIC027090      FICTION / Romance / Time Travel
  • FIC027100      FICTION / Romance / Western
  • FIC027430      FICTION / Romance / Workplace *
  • FIC008000      FICTION / Sagas
  • FIC052000      FICTION / Satire
  • FIC028000      FICTION / Science Fiction / General
  • FIC028010      FICTION / Science Fiction / Action & Adventure
  • FIC028090      FICTION / Science Fiction / Alien Contact
  •                       FICTION / Science Fiction / Alternative History see Alternative History
  • FIC028070      FICTION / Science Fiction / Apocalyptic & Post-Apocalyptic
  • FIC028040      FICTION / Science Fiction / Collections & Anthologies
  • FIC028100      FICTION / Science Fiction / Cyberpunk
  • FIC028110      FICTION / Science Fiction / Genetic Engineering
  • FIC028020      FICTION / Science Fiction / Hard Science Fiction
  • FIC028120      FICTION / Science Fiction / Humorous
  • FIC028050      FICTION / Science Fiction / Military
  • FIC028130      FICTION / Science Fiction / Space Exploration
  • FIC028030      FICTION / Science Fiction / Space Opera
  • FIC028060      FICTION / Science Fiction / Steampunk
  • FIC028080      FICTION / Science Fiction / Time Travel
  • FIC047000      FICTION / Sea Stories
  •                            FICTION / Short Stories (multiple authors) see Anthologies (multiple authors)
  • FIC029000      FICTION / Short Stories (single author)
  • FIC066000      FICTION / Small Town & Rural
  • FIC074000      FICTION / Southern *
  • FIC038000      FICTION / Sports
  • FIC063000      FICTION / Superheroes
  •                           FICTION / Television Tie-in see Media Tie-In
  • FIC031000      FICTION / Thrillers / General
  • FIC031010      FICTION / Thrillers / Crime
  • FIC031100      FICTION / Thrillers / Domestic *
  • FIC006000      FICTION / Thrillers / Espionage
  • FIC031020      FICTION / Thrillers / Historical
  • FIC031030      FICTION / Thrillers / Legal
  • FIC031040      FICTION / Thrillers / Medical
  • FIC031050      FICTION / Thrillers / Military
  • FIC031060      FICTION / Thrillers / Political
  • FIC031080      FICTION / Thrillers / Psychological
  • FIC031070      FICTION / Thrillers / Supernatural
  • FIC030000      FICTION / Thrillers / Suspense
  • FIC036000      FICTION / Thrillers / Technological
  • FIC031090      FICTION / Thrillers / Terrorism
  • FIC048000      FICTION / Urban
  • FIC039000      FICTION / Visionary & Metaphysical
  • FIC032000      FICTION / War & Military
  • FIC033000      FICTION / Westerns
  • FIC044000      FICTION / Women

Complete 2017 BISAC Subject Headings here 

Most self-published fiction authors will publish on Amazon, so feel free to browse their best sellers by category for more insight into fiction genre options, and to read books in whatever genre you are thinking about writing in.

Top Selling Fiction Books with over 100 Million Copies Sold

  • Lord of the Rings by J . R. R. Tolkien – 150 Million Copies Sold
  • Le Petit Prince (The Little Prince) by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry- 140 Million Copies Sold
  • Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling- 120 Million Copies Sold
  • The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien – 100 Million copies sold
  • And then there were none- Agatha Christie – 100 Million copies sold
  • Dream of the Red Chamber -Cao Xueqin- 100 million copies sold
  • Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland- Lewis Carroll – 100 million copies sold

The conclusion of our Fiction Guide.

I hope you have enjoyed our article. You should now have a good understanding of the definition of fiction, its elements, and it’s different genres.

Thank you for reading and Writing!

What’s so important about knowing the genres of books?

Well, if you’re an author with a work in progress, you’ll want to know its genre to ensure your ideal readers find and read it.

List a science fiction novel as a paranormal romance, for example, and you’ll likely end up with a flurry of negative reviews. No one wants that.

Readers of specific book genres have expectations you’ll want to meet if you want them to enjoy your book and recommend it to others.

You also want readers to see your book’s cover and know it’s the genre they want.

So, knowing your book’s genre not only helps with marketing. It can make all the difference in your writing career.

What does your book genre tell you?

Once you know your book’s genre, you can write it knowing the following expectations your book should meet:

Ideal word count range

Cover design trends

Tropes (in fiction genres)

Rules/norms regarding adult content

For example, if you’re writing YA fantasy, you’ll run afoul of your readers (and their parents) if your story includes a sex scene or graphic violence. If you’re writing a cozy mystery, you don’t want your book’s cover to look like it belongs on a horror novel.

And if you’re writing fantasy, you’ll want to find a designer who specializes in that genre and knows how to create covers worthy of a Rick Riordan novel.

Unless you’re an experienced cover designer (like Derek Murphy of CreativIndie), DIY covers using stock photos will put your fantasy novel at a serious disadvantage.

30 Book Genres Explained

With that in mind, enjoy this list of 30 types of book genres with descriptions and an example (or two) for each. It’s not an exhaustive list; there are upwards of 40 genres — more if you count sub-genres and mixed genres.

But it’s enough to help you identify your book’s genre.

Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, you’ll be prepared to meet genre expectations and market your book appropriately to reach your target audience and maximize sales.

Your readers will also appreciate your taking the time to learn what this post will teach you. And so will your book’s editor and cover designer.

Fiction Genres

  1. Fantasy — The fantasy genre involves world-building and characters who are supernatural, mythological, magical, or a combination of these. Examples: Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin and Circe by Madeline Miller
  2. Science Fiction — Similar to fantasy, this genre explores futuristic or technological themes and ideas to address scientific “what if” questions. Examples: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams and The Atlantis Gene by A.G. Riddle
  3. Dystopian — Sometimes considered a subgenre of fantasy or of science fiction, this genre is usually set in a bleak future (near or distant) to explore cultural or social issues. Examples include Wool by Hugh Howey and The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
  4. Adventure — Any novel that focuses on an adventure undertaken by the main character (with or without help) falls under the adventure genre. This genre can easily be combined with others. Example: White Fang by Jack London
  5. Romance — Any novel where the main storyline centers on a romantic relationship falls into this category, which has several subgenres. Examples include The Overdue Life of Amy Byler by Kelly Harms
  6. Detective & Mystery — One of the toughest genres to write, this one centers on a mystery and involves either a professional or amateur sleuth. Examples: Murder on the the Orient Express by Agatha Christie.
  7. Horror — The goal of this genre is to scare your readers and keep them that way until the hero vanquishes the threat. Example: The Shining by Stephen King
  8. Thriller — This genre also has scary elements, but its main objective is to keep your reader in a state of suspense until the story’s resolution. Example: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
  9. LGBTQ+ — Fiction with authentic LGBTQ+ representation falls into this category, which is sometimes considered a subgenre of contemporary fiction but can also be mixed with romance, fantasy, and other genres. Example: Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
  10. Historical Fiction — This genre covers fiction set in a specific time period and providing historically accurate detail relevant to the period and its characters. Examples: The Help by Kathryn Stockett
  11. Young Adult (YA) (13-17 yrs) — This is fiction for readers aged 13 to 17 years. Example: Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi.
  12. Children’s Fiction — Fiction in this genre is written for kids aged up to 13 and is further divided into smaller subgenres. Example: Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty.

Nonfiction Genres

  1. Memoir & Autobiography — Each of the books in this genre is a true account of the author’s own life. Memoirs are typically related to a specific time in the author’s life or to a specific theme of the author’s choosing. Example: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
  2. Biography — Biographies are books written on someone other than the author — generally someone well known or someone whose life and or death can teach the world something worth learning. Example: Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow
  3. Cooking — In this genre, you’ll find books on every kind of cooking someone in the world took the time to write about, as well as cooking for different diets and nutritional needs. Example: Indian Instant Pot Cookbook by Urvashi Pitre
  4. Art & Photography — This genre includes books on artists of all kinds, as well as on each type of art and its history. Example: How to Create Stunning Digital Photography by Tony Northrup
  5. Self-Help / Personal Development — This genre is all about helping your reader realize their potential, develop their gifts, and live fulfilling lives. Example: Declutter Your Mind: How to Stop Worrying, Relieve Anxiety, and Eliminate Negative Thinking by S.J. Scott and Barrie Davenport
  6. Motivational / Inspirational — This genre’s main purpose is to get you to do something, to inspire you, or to challenge your perspective. Example: The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
  7. Health & Fitness — Here you’ll find books on both mental and physical health concerns as well as diets and weight loss. Example: Lies My Doctor Told Me by Ken D. Berry
  8. History — This genre focuses on a specific time period or covers a broad span of time, often describing specific historical characters. Example: Sapiens: A Brief History of Mankind by Yuval Harari
  9. Crafts, Hobbies & Home — Look to this genre for topics related to creating a home and developing specific hobbies or crafts. Examples: The Minimalist Home: A Room-by-Room Guide to a Decluttered, Refocused Life by Joshua Becker
  10. Families & Relationships — If it deals with family life, marriage, or any kind of interpersonal relationship, your book belongs in this genre. Example: The Five Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts by Gary Chapman
  11. Humor & Entertainment — Books in this genre are supposed to make you laugh or at least keep you entertained. Many also belong to the memoir genre. Example: Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah
  12. Business & Money — If you’re writing a nonfiction book on business topics, wealth building, or managing your money, it probably belongs to this genre. Example: Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
  13. Law & Criminology — Books on the legal system, on laws, criminal justice, and related topics belong in this genre. Example: The New Jim Crow: Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander
  14. Politics & Social Sciences — Books in this genre discuss politics or issues related to one or more of the social sciences (psychology, sociology, social work, etc.). Example: 21 Lessons for the 21st Century by Yuval Noah Harari
  15. Religion & Spirituality — From personal guides to spiritual memoirs to histories, this genre covers religions of all kinds along with spiritual practices. Example: Runes for Beginners by Lisa Chamberlain
  16. Education & Teaching — Any book that proposes to teach the reader how to do something — or how to do it better — belongs to this genre. Example: Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution by Zak George and Dina Roth Port
  17. Travel — This genre includes travel guides and travel-heavy memoirs. Example: The Travel Book: A Journey Through Every Country in the World by Lonely Planet
  18. True Crime — These often read like well-crafted crime fiction but are true stories that chronicle real crimes, typically with exacting detail. Examples: If You Tell: A True Story of Murder, Family Secrets, and the Unbreakable Bond of Sisterhood by Gregg Olsen

More Related Articles:

17 Things to Write About For Your Next Nonfiction Book

How To Write Flash Fiction

How Long Should A Short Story Be?


Most Popular Book Genres

According to QueryTracker, of all the genres listed above, the top ten most popular fiction genres are the following:

  1. Young Adult (YA)
  2. Fantasy (including YA and Children’s)
  3. Children’s
  4. Literary Fiction
  5. Science Fiction
  6. Thrillers/Suspense
  7. Middle Grade
  8. Romance/Erotica
  9. Picture Book
  10. Historical

And these are the top ten most popular nonfiction genres:

  1. Memoir
  2. Self-help
  3. Narrative/Creative Nonfiction)
  4. Religion/Spirituality
  5. Biography
  6. Cultural/Social Issues
  7. Business/Finance
  8. History
  9. General Nonfiction
  10. Health & Fitness

If your book doesn’t belong in one of these top ten lists, don’t worry. Plenty of books that fit into other genres get published every year — traditionally or independently.

These lists indicate the genres most often submitted to literary agents as well as the genres most often requested by them.

If you know your book’s target audience is plenty big enough to justify your investment of time, energy, and other resources, it makes no difference whether your chosen genre is on the most popular list.

Use what you learn with us at AuthorityPub to write, launch, and market your book to bestseller status.

12 Fiction Book Genres

Conclusion

Now that you know how to identify your book’s genre (or genres), how will that influence your decisions regarding cover design, editing, and marketing tactics?

Where will you find more of the kind of readers who will love your book, so you can send them word when it launches?

Maybe you’ve already found some Facebook groups for your genre. Or maybe your reader following on Twitter is steadily growing, thanks to your use of targeted hashtags.

What could you do today to begin marketing your book, so you can whet the appetites of your genre’s biggest fans among your social media connections and email subscribers?

We keep abreast of indie publishing trends and tactics to help writers like you make a good living with their books.

Because it can be done. And if that’s your goal, I’ll do everything I can to help you get there.

What are the different book genres? Read this post and identify the different fiction and nonfiction genres you should know.

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