Associated Content Home
Arts & Entertainment

# How to Categorize Your Novel: Fiction Literary Genres

Adjust font-size: + –
Published January 18, 2007 by:
Steve Thompson
View Profile | Follow | Add to Favorites
More: women's fiction Literary Fiction Crime Fiction Genres Literary Elements
While some authors like to "live on the edge" and combine or cross genres on a regular basis, most beginning writers are well-advised to write within a clearly articulated literary genre. You will need to categorize
your novel for the purpose of querying agents and publishers, and most novels fair better on the market when they are specifically geared toward one literary genre or another. Following is a list of the main literary genres to help you classify your novel.
1. Commercial Fiction
This is perhaps the most broad of all literary genres and works for categorizing your novel if it doesn't fit anywhere else. Most commercial fiction is plot-driven with formulaic characters who represent the protagonist and the antagonist. It is important for a commercial fiction novel to be highly entertaining and of mass commercial appeal.
2. Literary Fiction
Like commercial fiction, literary fiction is a broad literary genre that encompasses novels of mass appeal that are character- rather than plot-driven. Writers of literary fiction often have lyrical writing styles and examine all aspects of the human condition during the writing of their novels. While the plots of literary fiction novels must be unique and creative, the reader is more entranced by the characters and their situations. Literary fiction often deals with controversial issues which are interwoven with the plot.
3. Mystery
The mystery genre is quite possibly he most popular literary genre because the ending is just as important as the beginning. A mystery must contain a problem for which the main characters must find a solution. Usually, a mystery novel is revealed to the reader in bits and pieces, and only comes together at the very end. Mystery novels are characterized by interesting, intriguing plots that lead the reader into false solutions and red herrings. Mystery novels are focused on the protagonists who are trying to solve the mystery at hand.
4. Crime
Page:
1 2 3 Next Page »
Published by Steve Thompson
Steve is a full-time freelance writer. In addition to the more than 3,000 articles he's written for AC, he has also written articles and other materials for more than 100 happy clients. View profile
Seven Tips for Finding a Reputable Literary Agent
The literary agent is something of a writer's holy grail, the seemingly unattainable person who will be the deciding factor in whether or not your book finds a home at a publish...
Writing an E-Mail Query Letter to a Literary Agent
These days, more and more literary agents are accepting e-mail query letters, which means that you will need to incorporate a different format than with a query letter sent thro...
Top Five Must-Read "Chick Lit" Books
For fans of the "Chick Lit" genre, here is a list of the top five books to read. These books are guaranteed to entertain!
Smart Chick Lit Choices for the Intelligent Woman
Recommendations for women addicted to Chick Lit who want love, friendship, sex, and relationships described poignantly and realistically without a hastily shallow plot.
Top 5 Summer Science Fiction Novels
Reading is a great way to relax and get "lost" in your own world. This summer there is a wide variety of Science Fiction novels released.
Camping Out at the Board of Elec...
Why Grass Fed Meat is Better
Twitchell Canyon Fire Fishlake N...

- A Comparison Essay for Commercial and Literary Fiction
- A New Literary Genre, Lucid Fiction
- Finding a Literary Agent
- Formula: Fact or Fiction?
- Where to Find Book Agents for Science Fiction Manuscripts
- Guide to Science Fiction Literary Agents
- How To Snag a Memoir Literary Agent: Where to Target Your Queries

Partner Links from

- 50 Cent and Chelsea Handler -- Shot ... on a Date
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar -- Too Famous to Sue in L.A.?
- Jesse James' Ex Calls BS on Threatening Emails
- Judge Orders Oksana's Key Guy To Stay Clear of Lucia
- Jamie Lee Curtis Lays Her Father to Rest

Partner Links from

- DAILY 411: Vince Neil Defends Mel Gibson, Audrina Patridge Nursing 'DWTS' Injury
- Who's the Nerdiest Character of All Time?
- Susan Boyle Ditches 'Dancing With the Stars' Performance
- Donnie Wahlberg Divorce Finalized
- Eva Mendes: Angelina Jolie Makes Me Want to Be a More Giving Person

Partner Links from

- Pooch Busts Ralphie May for Weed
- The 'A-List' Laughs At 'Housewives' Comparisons
- Jennifer Aniston Named Most Eligible Single Lady
- Courtney Love Does Her Best Gaga Imitation Again
- Rihanna: No Pants, Yes Leopard Thigh-Highs

Resources Takeaways Did You Know

- It is usually best to pick one genre and stick with it.
- Chick lit is not the same as romance or women's literature.

The suspense/thriller genre is one of the fastest-growing in America today.

- www.writersmarket.com

Type in Your Comments Below
Log in | Sign up/Publish | Community | Help
Expand
Share
Tweet
Share on Facebook
Post a comment
0
14
Helpful?
Most Commented
Log in
Sign up/Publish