Ever wondered what sets a romance novel apart from a thriller? Or how a science fiction story differs from fantasy? The answer lies in genre: the blueprint that shapes a story's world, characters, and plot. In this post, we dive into the fascinating world of genres, exploring the rules and conventions that define them. From the classic categories of romance, mystery, and sci-fi to lesser-known subgenres, we'll uncover the building blocks that make your favorite stories tick.
When a category or subcategory has a set of well defined rules that determine the broad parameters of the story, it’s called a genre. Typical genres include romance, thrillers, mysteries, science fiction, fantasy, and horror. In this post we discuss these categories and others. In this post we discuss common genres that you select as the category of your novel.
Romance novels are the undisputed kings and queens of the publishing world. With a staggering 40% of all novels sold falling into this category, it's clear that readers can't get enough of love stories. The genre boasts a massive, dedicated readership spanning all ages, and the potential for financial success is undeniable.
At its core, a romance novel follows the journey of an unmarried couple towards happily ever after. While the plot may involve external conflicts or challenges, the primary focus is on the blossoming relationship between the protagonists. From the steamy pages of erotic romance to the sweet innocence of sweet romance, the genre offers a vast array of subgenres to cater to every reader's taste.
However, the world of romance is also fiercely competitive. To succeed, authors must pinpoint their target audience and adhere to specific subgenre conventions. Romance publishers are notoriously picky, with detailed guidelines outlining everything from word count to character ages. While plot and theme aren't entirely neglected, character development and world-building often take center stage.
So, while the path to romance novel success may seem daunting, with careful planning and a deep understanding of the genre, aspiring authors can find themselves swept up in a love story of their own – one with a happy ending, both personally and professionally.
Thrillers, often synonymous with suspense novels, are adrenaline-pumping tales that grip readers from the first page. This versatile genre encompasses a wide range of subgenres, from action-packed adventures to mind-bending technothrillers and high-stakes legal dramas. While plot is king in thrillers, strong characterization and immersive world-building can also elevate the story.
Thrillers enjoy a broad readership, appealing to both men and women across age groups. While some subgenres, like military technothrillers, skew more masculine, the overall genre is relatively balanced. The appropriate level of violence depends largely on the target audience.
The thriller landscape is vast, offering authors ample opportunity to carve out a unique niche. From creating entirely new subgenres to putting a fresh spin on existing ones, the potential for innovation is immense. Authors like Tom Clancy and John Grisham have demonstrated the power of defining and dominating a specific thriller territory.
While thrillers are highly marketable and dominate bestseller lists, breaking into the genre is no easy feat. The competition is fierce, but for those passionate about crafting suspenseful tales, the rewards can be substantial.
Mystery and crime fiction share a close kinship with thrillers, but the defining characteristic of a mystery is its intellectual puzzle. Typically centered around a murder, the genre demands a clear culprit who is revealed only at the story's end. Revealing the perpetrator prematurely transforms the tale into a thriller rather than a mystery.
The mystery genre boasts a wide and diverse readership, encompassing all ages and genders. Its flexibility allows for numerous subgenres, from police procedurals and private investigator stories to cozy mysteries featuring amateur sleuths. Authors have room to experiment and create unique approaches within the genre.
While the intellectual puzzle is paramount, the success of a mystery also hinges on strong character development, compelling plot, or a distinctive setting. While some publishers have rigid guidelines for mysteries, others offer more creative freedom.
Given the insatiable appetite of mystery readers, the market consistently demands new titles. This creates a promising landscape for aspiring authors, offering opportunities to break in and establish a readership. However, thorough research into the genre is essential to understand its conventions and potential subgenres before embarking on a mystery novel.
Science fiction and fantasy (SF&F) ignite the imaginations of passionate readers who often develop a deep loyalty to their favorite authors and series. These genres have produced some of the most iconic and bestselling works in literary history, from The Lord of the Rings to Harry Potter and A Song of Ice and Fire.
The breadth of both science fiction and fantasy is astonishing. From the hard-edged realism of science fiction to the boundless magic of fantasy, these genres offer endless possibilities for creativity. The demand for fresh, innovative ideas is high, and authors who can craft truly original worlds have the potential to become the next big thing.
World-building is a cornerstone of SF&F. Creating believable and immersive settings is essential for capturing readers' imaginations. Whether it's a distant galaxy or a realm of mythical creatures, the world must feel real to resonate with audiences.
While not the largest genre by volume, SF&F boasts an exceptionally dedicated readership. With careful study and a unique vision, even new authors can find success in this realm. Publishers specializing in SF&F offer valuable insights into current trends and preferences, so researching their catalogs is crucial for understanding the market.
For those drawn to the extraordinary, science fiction and fantasy provide a vast canvas upon which to paint unforgettable stories.
Horror fiction is a genre built on fear. Its purpose is to induce a visceral, terrifying response in readers, before ultimately offering some form of resolution. While the horror section of your local bookstore might be smaller than others, its impact is undeniable. Masters like Stephen King have proven that horror can be a highly successful and lucrative genre.
Horror offers flexibility in terms of storytelling focus. Character-driven or plot-driven narratives are both viable options, as are stories centered around atmosphere or thematic exploration. Unlike some genres, horror allows for greater creative freedom, enabling authors to push boundaries and define their own subgenres.
Breaking into the horror genre can be challenging due to its smaller size. However, for those with a talent for crafting chilling tales, the rewards can be substantial. Success in horror hinges on the ability to evoke intense emotional reactions, transporting readers into realms of terror and suspense.
While the horror genre might be a niche market, its dedicated fanbase and potential for critical acclaim make it a compelling option for writers who dare to delve into the darkness.
A historical novel transports readers to a bygone era, typically set more than fifty years before the book's publication. While the exact boundary between historical and contemporary fiction can be blurry, the general consensus is that a significant time gap is required.
Unfortunately, bookstores often lack dedicated shelves for historical fiction, making it necessary to categorize your novel within another genre. For instance, a historical romance would be shelved under romance, while a historical mystery would be placed with mysteries. This hybrid approach allows historical fiction to reach a wider audience.
Writing historical fiction demands meticulous research to accurately portray the time period, customs, and societal nuances. While historical accuracy is essential, it's equally important to create compelling characters and a captivating plot.
The historical fiction market is diverse, catering to readers interested in various time periods and themes. By carefully selecting a unique angle and providing a fresh perspective, authors can carve out a niche within this expansive genre.
While historical fiction might not be as commercially dominant as some other genres, its dedicated readership and potential for critical acclaim make it a rewarding pursuit for writers with a passion for the past.
General or literary fiction is the catch-all category for novels that don't neatly fit into other genres. Often characterized by its focus on language, character development, and intellectual depth, literary fiction demands a high level of artistry and craftsmanship. While it can intersect with other genres (like literary romance or literary mystery), the emphasis shifts towards exploring complex themes and human experiences.
The line between general and literary fiction is often blurred, and the classification can vary depending on the bookstore and the publisher's marketing strategy. This lack of clear boundaries makes it a challenging category for aspiring authors.
Breaking into the general/literary fiction market is exceptionally competitive. Success hinges on exceptional writing skills and a unique voice. Unlike genre fiction, which often adheres to specific conventions, literary fiction offers greater freedom in terms of style, structure, and content. However, this freedom also means facing a higher standard of excellence.
While financial rewards in literary fiction can be unpredictable, the artistic satisfaction of crafting a meaningful and thought-provoking story is often a primary motivator for writers in this category. Achieving commercial success is possible, but it requires a rare combination of literary merit and market appeal.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue general/literary fiction is a personal one. It demands unwavering dedication to one's craft and a willingness to navigate a challenging but potentially rewarding literary landscape.