What Are Book Genres? A Detailed Guide

What Are Book Genres? Every work of literature can be divided into a genre with its own elements, tone, style, and storytelling devices. 

Every reader has preferences for books, and all of them fall into genres or sub-genres. Whether you are interested in dystopian, young adult, sci-fi, self-help, or historical fiction books, you probably prefer certain genres.

A genre refers to the types of books that fall into that category. They are categorized by their style, tone, time period, target audience, and numerous other factors. These are the factors that differentiate fiction from nonfiction.

If you are interested in different genres of literature, what are a few factors you should keep in mind? Learn more about what defines certain book genres below. 

What Factors Determine Book Genres?

There are several important factors that play a role in book genres. All of these factors are considered when deciding what genre a book falls into. As with many types of writing, some of the most important factors include:

1. The Medium or Format of the Book

The first factor that plays a role is the medium or format of the book. For example, does the book have pictures? If so, it might be a children’s book or a graphic novel. How long is the book? Short stories have a very different narrative format than longer novels. Does the book have an audio component to it? Could it be adopted into a play? The format of the work has to be considered. 

2. Where the Book Takes Place

There are certain books that have a very distinct experience. Often, they are dictated by a particular setting. For example, does the book take place in the Wild West? Does the book have a science-fiction element to it? Does it take place in an environment with magical powers, such as the Harry Potter series? Even though setting alone is not enough to categorize a book, it is one of the most important factors that must be considered. 

3. The Target Audience

The demographics of the reader base will also play a role in and categorizing a book into a certain genre. Who is the target audience? Some of the most important factors in determining this piece of the puzzle include:

  • Is the book intended for men, women, or both?
  • Does the book target a specific culture such as African-Americans, indigenous populations, or the LGBT community?
  • Is the book targeted to a certain age? Examples include young adult books, picture books, middle school readers, or elderly individuals.
  • Does the book target a certain geography? Some people prefer books that are written about their own location.

These demographics could also play a role in the genre of a certain book. 

4. The Emotional Experience of the Reader

One of the biggest factors that will play a role in how the book is categorized is the reader’s emotional experience. Even though all works will take readers on an emotional journey, that journey will differ depending on how the book is structured.

For example, a nonfiction book will take the reader on a slightly different journey than a fantasy novel. A historical fiction work will take the reader on a different journey than a romance novel. Therefore, it is critical to think carefully about the reader’s emotional experience as the book unfolds. This should play a significant role in how the book is categorized. 

5. Possible Cross Genres

Of course, all genres have a bit of overlap, so it’s helpful to consider possible cross-genres or sub-genres. For example, a work of historical fiction will probably have some elements of nonfiction because both works focus on history.

The romantic genre could be broken up into multiple categories. Some people might be interested in romance from the 18th and 19th centuries, while others might be interested in romance in the current environment. Romance that takes place in the 18th and 19th centuries will probably have some elements of historical fiction or nonfiction in them. Therefore, before categorizing a book, it will also be important to think about possible sub-genres. 

6. When The Book Was Written

Authors approach their subject matter and a book’s story based on their experiences and the outer world. For example, consider the 19th-century novel Moby Dick by Herman Melville. It contains long-streams of prose and older English. It’s unlikely to find either in a more contemporary novel, like a James Patterson thriller or other crime thriller authors.

All of these factors played a critical role in determining how a book will be categorized. Now, it is time to take a closer look at a few examples of book genres.

11 Different Book Genres

There is no set number of book genres, but it is helpful to take a closer look at several common examples. Some of the most popular book genres include:

1. Mystery Books

Example of Mystery Book
Mystery books are among the most popular types of books

Mystery books are among the most popular types of books. They usually have a relatively quick pace, and they solve some sort of interesting case throughout its many pages. Usually, mystery novels will give the reader some clues, encouraging him or her to try to solve the case along with it.

For example, there might be a character who is murdered at the beginning of the book. Then, the rest of the book is spent trying to figure out who did it. Usually, there is a satisfying conclusion that answers any questions the reader might have. 

2. Action Adventure Books

Example of Adventure Action Book
Action-adventure books, also called thrillers, are driven by a suspenseful plot that unfolds as the pages go on

Action-adventure books, also called thrillers, are driven by a suspenseful plot that unfolds as the pages go on. The goal is to keep readers on their toes by using a variety of literary elements set against an interesting backdrop. Thriller books commonly have red herrings and have numerous plot twists along the way. The goal is to keep the reader guessing until the end, but the book can also be enhanced by an interesting setting, comedic elements, and elements of mystery works. 

3. Nonfiction Books

Example of Nonfiction Book
Non-fiction books are usually meant to inform as well as entertain

Non-fiction books are usually meant to inform as well as entertain. There are numerous types of nonfiction works, including autobiographies, biographies written about a specific individual and even textbooks that focus on a specific period in history. Even though these books are meant to focus on things that happened in the past, they could also focus on events that are currently unfolding around us. 

4. Historical Fiction

Example of Historical Book
A historical fiction novel may follow a soldier through a battle during World War II, but the soldier did not exist

Historical fiction novels take place exclusively in the past. They usually have to incorporate research and creativity to move readers to events that have already taken place while placing nonfiction events in made-up settings.

For example, a historical fiction novel may follow a soldier through a battle during World War II, but the soldier did not exist. Or, a historical fiction book may take a key figure from history and place them in a different environment. A work of historical fiction must have creative fiction and nonfiction history elements.

5. Horror Novels

Example of Horror Novel
Horror books are meant to bring out a sense of dread in the reader while keeping them entertained enough not to put the book down along the way

Horror books are designed to scare and shock readers along the way. Usually, they include numerous themes, such as demons, the afterlife, ghosts, and monsters. There are multiple types of horror novels. Some of them are filled with many jump-scares along the way, while others are designed to be more believable. All of them are meant to bring out a sense of dread in the reader while keeping them entertained enough not to put the book down along the way. 

6. Westerns

Example of Westerns
A Western novel usually takes place in the Wild West of the United States during the 19th century

A Western novel usually takes place in the wild west of the United States during the 19th century. It usually unfolds on the frontier and explores a period of lawlessness in American history. There are numerous characters involved in a Western book, including Native Americans, settlers, cowboys, and sheriffs. It usually centers around fearless individuals trying to “tame” the Wild West. 

7. Romance Novels

Example of Romance Novel
Romance novels have elements of betrayal as well, where one person feels like the other person cheated on him or her

Romance novels usually focus on love and intrigue. Some romance novels focus on two individuals who fall in love with each other but cannot be together. There are other romance novels that focus on someone who has multiple suitors who cannot decide who he or she wants to spend his or her life with.

Many romance novels have elements of betrayal as well, where one person feels like the other person cheated on him or her. There are numerous ways romance novels can fold, and they can be dictated by the time period in history in which they are set. 

8. Fantasy Novels

What are book genres?
There are virtually no limits in a fantasy novel, and these works can go in entirely different directions

Fantasy works are works that take place in another universe where there are magical powers. In some cases, there are humans who can use magic. In other cases, the work might entirely involve magical creatures. There are virtually no limits in a fantasy novel, and these works can go in entirely different directions. For example, one of the most popular fantasy series is Alice in Wonderland. 

9. Science Fiction Novels

Example of Science Fiction Novels
Science fiction novels are usually inspired by progressions that have taken place in the field of “hard” science

Works of science fiction have a lot of overlap with works of fantasy, as both of them require tremendous amounts of imagination. The difference is that science fiction novels are usually inspired by progressions that have taken place in the field of “hard” science, meaning most of them take place in the distant future.

There are plenty of examples of fantastic science fiction works, but one of the most popular is the Foundation series by Isaac Asimov. Other common themes shared among science fiction works include space exploration and time travel.

10. Children’s Books

Example of Children’s Books
Children’s books are meant for children just learning how to read or for parents to read to their kids themselves

Children’s books are meant for young readers. Usually, these books are meant for children just learning how to read or for parents to read to their kids themselves. Children’s books frequently incorporate large fonts, making it easier for kids to read the books. Children’s books also have a lot of pictures that hold their attention during the story. Many children’s books also have an important life lesson that they try to teach over the course of their pages. 

11. Graphic Novels

Remember that it is okay to branch out into other books, including self-help books, cookbooks, romance novels, and even books that focus on the social sciences. You might be someone who enjoys true crime, or maybe you like cliffhangers. Even dictionaries can be interesting from time to time. Take a look at a few of these popular book genres, and see what types of books you like the best.

What Are Book Genres? The Final Word

These are a few of the many examples of popular book genres. There are plenty of different genres out there. All of them have their defining factors, and it is important to understand the different genres of books so you can decide which ones you like the best. 

Remember that it is okay to branch out into other books, including self-help books, cookbooks, romance novels, and even books that focus on the social sciences. You might be someone who enjoys true crime, or maybe you like cliffhangers. Even dictionaries can be interesting from time to time. Take a look at a few of these popular book genres, and see what types of books you like the best.

Learn more about the types of genres for books.

FAQs About What Are Book Genres

Are fantasy and science fiction books the same?

No, fantasy and science fiction books are not the same, but they have a lot of similarities. Fantasy books usually have lots of elements of magic or magical realism. In contrast, science fiction books usually incorporate futuristic technology that people could envision in the real world at some point. At the same time, there is some crossover between the two genres. For example, some people categorize The Hunger Games as falling into both categories.

What are the different types of romance novels?

Even though all romance novels focus on a romantic relationship, there are plenty of sub-genres. Some people might be interested in erotica, while others are more interested in paranormal romance. There are lots of people who enjoy historical romance novels as well. There are plenty of romantic sub-genres out there, and readers should explore multiple options to figure out what they like best.

Are fantasy and science fiction books the same?

No, fantasy and science fiction books are not the same, but they have a lot of similarities. Fantasy books usually have lots of elements of magic or magical realism. In contrast, science fiction books usually incorporate futuristic technology that people could envision in the real world at some point. At the same time, there is some crossover between the two genres. For example, some people categorize The Hunger Games as falling into both categories.

What are the different types of romance novels?

Even though all romance novels focus on a romantic relationship, there are plenty of sub-genres. Some people might be interested in erotica, while others are more interested in paranormal romance. There are lots of people who enjoy historical romance novels as well. There are plenty of romantic sub-genres out there, and readers should explore multiple options to figure out what they like best.

Author

  • Bryan Collins is the owner of Become a Writer Today. He's an author from Ireland who helps writers build authority and earn a living from their creative work. He's also a former Forbes columnist and his work has appeared in publications like Lifehacker and Fast Company.

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