7 Types of Fiction Genres & How to Choose the Right One for Your Story

As a reader and a writer, you probably already have a few favorite fiction genres. But, unless you already have a clear vision in mind, actually writing a novel and figuring out which genre it should fall into can be difficult. 

With dozens of fiction genres and subgenres to choose from, how do you pick the right one for your story? 

This guide will walk you through the many different types of novels. We’ll include a list of book genres and descriptions, genre characteristics, popular genre fiction examples, and tips on selecting the fiction genre that best fits your writing style and interests. But first, let’s cover the basics.

What Are Book Genres & Why Should You Care?

Book genres are categories or types of literature that share common traits, styles, themes, and conventions. Every book falls into one or more broad categories, like fiction or nonfiction, and more specific genres like thrillers, science fiction, or memoirs.

As a writer, choosing a genre for your novel will help guide your creative decisions during the writing process. Each genre has established rules and elements that readers expect. Writing within or across genres requires an understanding of these key genre characteristics.

What Is a Fiction Book?

Fiction books refer to novels that come from the imagination. Fiction writing uses story elements like made-up characters, events, and settings rather than real people and historically accurate places. Even if it’s realistic fiction, fiction books still have leeway to bend facts, whereas nonfiction books stick to truths and lived experiences.

This gives fiction authors creative freedom to spin an engaging narrative. The story and characters are fictional, but good fiction often explores authentic universal truths and themes.

In fiction books, genres let readers to quickly identify the kind of story they can expect. Is it a fast-paced crime thriller or an emotional romance novel? Almost everyone has a preference and knowing the type of novel at a glance helps readers choose the right book for them.

What Are Subgenres in Fiction?

Within the major fiction genres like mystery, romance, sci-fi, etc., there are more specific subgenres. 

Subgenres share the core traits of their parent genre but feature distinct styles, settings, character types, themes, and more. This allows for even more diversity and specialized appeal within the major genres.

For example, some common subgenres within romance include:

• Historical romance: Set in the past 
• Paranormal romance: Incorporates fantasy elements 
• Erotic romance: Includes explicit sexual content
• Romantic suspense: Combines romance and mystery

Subgenres help writers narrow their focus while allowing readers to quickly find books in their specific niche.

7 Genres of Fiction & Their Genre Characteristics

While genres are evolving all the time, most fiction books can be categorized into one of the following seven major genres:

1. Literary Fiction

Literary fiction focuses on quality writing, complex characters, and artistic merit. Literary fiction often incorporates elements found in other genres, such as well-researched historical details and settings common to historical fiction or relationships and love stories typical of romance fiction. It also often includes thought-provoking themes and a focus, an introspective tone, and a focus on emotional truth over plot.

Literary fiction genre examples: 

• The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt (2013) 
• The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (2003)
• White Teeth by Zadie Smith (2000)

While much literary fiction is aimed at adults, there are also literary fiction books written for younger audiences, such as coming-of-age stories. Examples are The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and Looking for Alaska by John Green.

What’s the difference? Literary Fiction vs. Mainstream Fiction 

Literary fiction focuses on the artistry and complex themes in the writing rather than adhering to the conventions of genres like mystery, romance, or sci-fi. 

Mainstream fiction, including the list of book genres and descriptions below, follows more formulaic genre elements to provide an entertaining escapist experience for the reader.

2. Historical Fiction 

Historical fiction features fictional stories set in the past. Subgenres include family saga, nautical, wartime, and others. Common genre characteristics include accurate depictions of historical events and time periods through customs, dialogue, and details while following a fictional character and narrative arc.

Historical fiction genre examples:

• All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr (2014)
• Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier (1999)
• The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah (2015)

This genre is also common in young adult and children’s literature.

3. Fantasy

Fantasy novels involve imaginary worlds and elements of magic, myth, and the supernatural. Subgenres include high fantasy, urban fantasy, dark fantasy, and more. One of the core characteristics of fantasy novels is detailed worldbuilding. Fantasy stories often follow quest narratives and hero’s journeys as well as high stakes battles between good and evil.  

Fantasy genre examples: 

• Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling (1997-2007)
• The Mistborn Saga by Brandon Sanderson (2006-2008)
• A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin (1996 - Present)

This fiction genre is popular among all ages of readers, and books often come in series.

4. Science Fiction

Science fiction explores the impact of science, technology, and futuristic ideas on characters, societies, and imagined worlds. Subgenres include hard sci-fi, soft sci-fi, dystopian, and more. Common characteristics of science fiction are futuristic technologies like space travel or robots, exploration of scientific discoveries, and aliens or off-Earth settings.

Science fiction genre examples:

Certainly! Here are five science fiction novels:

• The Broken Earth series by N.K.Jemisin (2015-20170
• Dune by Frank Herbert (1965)
• Foundation by Isaac Asimov (1951)

This is another genre that’s highly popular among young adults and children.

5. Mystery

The mystery genre focuses on a puzzling event, crime, or disappearance that needs solving. Subgenres include cozy mysteries, detective, thriller, noir, and more. Common genre characteristics include an investigative protagonist, red herrings and misdirection to throw readers off the truth, slow reveal of information and suspense building, and a logical resolution.

Mystery novel examples: 

• The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson (2005)
• Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn (2012)
• Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie (1934)
• Sherlock Holmes stories by Arthur Conan Doyle

6. Romance Novels

Romance novels prioritizes the love story between two or more characters. Subgenres include historical, paranormal, and erotic. Core elements are two potential love interests overcoming obstacles to reach an emotionally satisfying ending.

Romance novel examples:

• Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (1991)
• The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks (1996) 
• The Hating Game by Sally Thorne (2016)

7. Horror Fiction

Horror seeks to evoke fear, dread, and terror in the reader. Subgenres include psychological, supernatural, Gothic, and more. Key characteristics are violence, gore, monsters, the macabre, and the unexplainable.

Horror genre examples:

• The Shining by Stephen King (1977)
• Bird Box by Josh Malerman (2014)
• World War Z by Max Brooks (2006)

Common Subgenres: Another 5 types of fiction

It’s almost impossible to answer the question: How many types of fiction genres are there? Because of the vast array of subgenres within subgenres of fiction, the possibilities are endless for writers. 

However, here are five more types of novels that are popular among readers.‍

1. Dystopian Fiction:

‍A genre within science fiction. Portrays bleak futures or oppressed societies. Themes often explore totalitarian governments, loss of freedom, and societal collapse. Examples: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood.

2. Adventure Fiction:

Focuses on action, danger, and risk-taking. Subgenres include swashbuckler, disaster, survival, and more. Exciting plots move quickly from one perilous event to another. Examples: The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas and Hatchet by Gary Paulsen.

3. Thrillers:

Emphasize suspense, tension, excitement, and high stakes. Subgenres include crime, political, psychological, and more. Fast pacing and clever twists are common elements. Examples: The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins and The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum.

4. LGBTQ+ Fiction:

Features lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer protagonists and themes. Realistic and nuanced portrayals of LGBTQ+ experiences are prioritized. Examples: Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin and The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith.

5. Young Adult (YA) Fiction and Children's Literature:

Features young protagonists or teens and coming-of-age themes for adolescent readers. Includes a vast array of genres and book types from chapter books to literary classics. Examples: The Giver by Lois Lowry and Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White.

How to Choose the Right Genre for Your Story

Now that you understand the myriad of fiction genres at your fingertips as a writer, here are some tips on selecting the best one for your story:

1. Analyze Recent Favorites

Make a list of five to ten fiction books you've loved over the past couple years. Include the title, author, and a short summary. Look for common elements and patterns across these books like character types, story structures, themes, and tone. 

What pieces feel similar to your novel idea? Which ones feel out of place for what you want to write? Use this information as a starting point to select the genre you inherently enjoy and connect with.

If you have a work in progress, you can use our book genre identifier to analyze your genre and comps.

2. Play to Your Strengths & Interests

Look at fiction genres that allow you to highlight your expertise or enthusiasm for certain topics and techniques.

Ask yourself questions, such as: 

• What topics, time periods, or settings do you have in-depth knowledge of that you can leverage? A historical fiction may allow you to showcase that expertise.
• What real-world skills can you bring like science, medicine, law, or technology? Sci-fi and mystery could allow you to highlight these.
• What excites you about reading and writing stories? Is it worldbuilding, romantic relationships, or solving puzzles? Select genres that play to these passions.

3. Start With Your Central Concept

Which fiction genres naturally align with your initial story idea, main character, or core theme? Certain ideas lend themselves better to specific genres and the genre characteristics can help you figure it out.

For example, a space academy suggests sci-fi, a bakery investigator implies cozy mystery, and a vampire love story maps to paranormal romance. Be open to genres that naturally fit your idea rather than forcing a mismatch.

4. Blend Fiction Genres & Subgenres

Don't limit yourself to the established genres in the list above. You can combine and blend genres in new ways for fresh takes like sci-fi romance like Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, Victorian fantasy like Caraval by Stephanie Garber, or Western horror-fantasy like The Dark Tower by Stephen King.

Blending establishes genre expectations while adding unique twists can make for an exciting new tale.

5. Try Writing Samples

Experiment with writing short samples in different genres to see what you enjoy and excel at crafting. For example, write 500 words of your current novel idea or work in progress in horror, then fantasy, then romance. 

Which genre feels most natural for your story? Which one fits your voice and style? Experimenting can reveal hidden preferences and talents ideal for different types of novels.

6. Study the Market

If selling your work is your highest priority, then look at reader demand for genres and what has the most mass appeal and opportunity.

Research current market trends, bestseller lists, and book sales data to figure out the highest-performing genres. Join book clubs and online communities to get a sense of what readers are excited about.

Choosing Between Literary vs. Mainstream Fiction   

We covered the difference in literary and mainstream fiction above, but actually choosing between them depends on your goals. 

Literary fiction allows for more experimentation and receives more critical acclaim, but it isn't always commercially successful. However, mainstream fiction genres tend to have mass market appeal, while still featuring skilled writing and in-depth characters.

The best approach is to let your story determine whether it aligns more with a genre style or has a more literary lean. Rather than force a fit, use the conventions and reader expectations of each style to guide your writing process.

Best-Selling Fiction Genres

If selling your fiction book is a top priority, consider these consistently popular, commercially viable genres, according to Words Rated:

• Romance: Romance novels are the highest-earning and fastest-growing fiction genre, generating more than $1.44 billion in revenue.
• Fantasy or Science Fiction: Some of the best-selling books of all time are Young Adult fantasy novels, like the Harry Potter series. And together with science fiction, these genres bring in $590 million in revenue in the United States each year.
• Mystery/Thriller: This genre accounts for 12.5% of all adult print book sales each year. They’re also the second most popular genre for audiobook sales.

Choosing a fiction genre is an exciting first step in your writing journey. Whether you want to experiment with new styles or consider popular genres that align with your book concept, knowing the world of fiction genres and subgenres will help you figure out where your book fits. Master the conventions of your chosen genre, but don't be afraid to put your own creative spin on storytelling traditions. Most importantly, write the kind of book you want to read, and your passion will come through.