Variety is the spice of life, and we believe that people who love reading also apply philosophy to books. This is why people absolutely love reading books of different genres. While reading all genres is good and exciting, soon, a point in your life will come when you feel the emotional pull or feel connected or passionate about one particular genre, right? This is why, as an author, it is important to have a firm grasp of every genre. This will help you understand the common tropes and expectations people have for a certain genre, and it will impact your content and style during writing. 

If you are picking up pen and paper to write your book, we advise you to familiarize yourself with different book genres. To give you a good start, we have compiled a list of 33 genres of books so you can get an idea of how and what to write in your book.

What Are Book Genres?

Think of it as a way to sort books into different categories based on their themes, settings, and plots of the story. This makes it easier for readers to find what they love and for writers to reach their target audience. 

Knowing the fiction types and non-fiction is super important, especially if you’re working with ghostwriting services. Those ghostwriting companies specialize in different genres of literature, so knowing what you want can help when you’re collaborating with ghostbook writers.

The Ultimate List of Book Genres 

Fiction Genres

Let’s start with the different types of fiction genres, where your creativity and imagination know no bounds. Or, as the great Khalid Hosseini says,

“Writing fiction is the act of weaving a series of lies to arrive at a greater truth.”

• Literary

Literary fiction is the most loved genre by readers. It’s often characterized by its focus on character development, complex themes, and a deep exploration of the human condition. These are the books that win awards and are studied in literature classes.

They may not always have a fast-paced plot, but they’re rich in meaning and often leave a lasting impact on the reader. It’s the type of book you’ll find highlighted as the best among the genres of literature like “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

• Mystery

The mystery genre is all about solving a puzzle. These books usually involve a crime—often a murder—that the protagonist must solve. The plot is driven by clues, red herrings, and twists that keep the reader guessing until the very end. Classic examples include the “Sherlock Holmes” series by Arthur Conan Doyle and the works of Agatha Christie.

• Thriller

If you’re a fan who stays on the edge of your seat, thrillers are the genre for you. These books can keep your heart racing with high-stakes scenarios, intense action, and often a ticking clock.

Thrillers can overlap with mystery, but they’re more about the suspense and danger than solving a crime. “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” by Stieg Larsson or “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn is that type of fiction.

• Horror

Do you enjoy a good scare? Horror is a genre that can frighten, scare, or unsettle the reader. These books often involve supernatural elements—ghosts, monsters, demons—or explore the darker aspects of the human psyche.

They evoke a sense of fear or dread, whether it’s through subtle psychological horror or outright gore. Famous horror writers include Stephen King and H.P. Lovecraft.

• Romance

Romance novels are centered around love and relationships. The plot follows the romantic journey of the characters, leading to a happy ending, often a marriage or a commitment. Romance can be light and fluffy, or it can explore deeper emotional conflicts that people face in relationships. “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen is the perfect romance that truly shows the kind of stories you will find in the romance genre. 

• Science

Science fiction, or sci-fi, explores futuristic concepts, advanced technology, and other worlds. These stories often take place in space or future worlds and ask “what if?” about the development of science and technology. Sci-fi can range from the hard science fiction of Isaac Asimov to the space operas of Frank Herbert’s Dune.

• Fantasy

These stories often take place in entirely fictional worlds with their own rules and laws of nature. Whether it’s high fantasy like “The Lord of the Rings” by John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, where entire universes are created, or urban fantasy like Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling, where magic exists alongside the real world, fantasy lets the imagination run wild.

• Historical

Such a type of book genre is about fact with fiction, setting their stories in the past and weaving in real historical events or figures. The emphasis is on creating a believable and immersive depiction of a particular time and place, with characters who navigate the challenges of their era.

These novels can range from the sweeping epics of Ken Follett to the intimate character studies in “The Book Thief.”

• Dystopian

Dystopian fiction imagines a world where society has gone terribly wrong. These books often explore themes of totalitarian regimes, environmental disasters, or other scenarios where the world is in a state of decay or oppression.

These stories show a warning and a reflection on the current state of society. Classic examples include George Orwell’s “1984” and Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale”.

• Adventure

If you’re looking for action-packed stories filled with excitement and exploration, adventure is where it’s at. This type of book genre often features a hero who starts to walk on a path, facing dangers and challenges along the way.

The focus is on action and the thrill of the journey, whether it’s a treasure hunt, a rescue mission, or an exploration of uncharted lands. Examples include Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson and The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Non-Fiction Genres

These books include facts, knowledge, and experiences, making them informative, educational, and often inspiring.

• Biography and Autobiography

Biographies and autobiographies tell the stories of real people—sometimes famous, sometimes not—but always fascinating. A biography is a written account of someone’s life by another person, while an autobiography is a written account of a person’s life by the person themselves.

This book category can cover the entire lifespan or focus on specific events or periods. Whether it’s the life of a historical figure like Abraham Lincoln or a celebrity memoir, these books offer insight into the lives of others.

• Self-Help

Self-help books are like a personal coach in your pocket, offering advice and strategies for improving your life. These books cover a wide range of topics, from personal development and relationships to health and finance.

They’re often practical and written as a step-by-step guide on how to achieve your goals or overcome challenges. Popular examples include “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey and “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie.

• True Crime

True crime is for those who are intrigued by real-life criminal cases. It’s like watching a crime documentary but in book form. These books describe the details of the crime, the investigation, and often the psychological motivations of the criminals involved.

True crime is gripping because it’s real—there’s no fictional safety net. Some well-known true crime books include “In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote, and I’ll Be Gone in the “Dark by Michelle McNamara.”

• Memoir

A memoir is a slice of someone’s life, often focusing on a specific experience or period. It’s personal, reflective, and relatable. You may feel like it’s an autobiography, but it’s a different book genre. It covers the full spectrum of a person’s life; a memoir focuses on a particular theme or event.

These books are often introspective and reflective, offering insights into the author’s thoughts, feelings, and growth. “Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert and “The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls” are the references you can find in this genre.

• Essay

These are shorter pieces that explore a particular idea, theme, or subject. These can be personal essays that reflect the author’s experiences or more formal essays that discuss social, political, or cultural topics.

Collections of essays often explore diverse subjects and can range from humorous to deeply serious. If you want to read a book of this genre, “Notes of a Native Son” by James Baldwin can be the one you choose.

• History

These genres of books take you to chronicling events, people, and places that have shaped the world. These books can cover broad topics like World War II or focus on specific events or periods, such as the fall of the Roman Empire.

History books aim to inform, educate, and often provide a new perspective on well-known events. Authors like Doris Kearns Goodwin and David McCullough are well-known for their historical works.

• Philosophy

These books come with big questions about life, existence, knowledge, and ethics. These books can be challenging but are interesting for those who enjoy deep, intellectual exploration.

Philosophy ranges from the ancient works of Plato and Aristotle to modern thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir. Whether you’re interested in the meaning of life or the nature of reality, philosophy books offer endless food for thought.

• Science

This is a different genre of books, among others, that explain the wonders of the natural world, from the smallest atoms to the vastness of space. These books make complex scientific ideas accessible to the general public and often explore the impact of scientific discoveries on society.

Whether you’re interested in the origins of the universe or the latest in medical research, science books like Carl Sagan’s “Cosmos” offer fascinating insights.

Mixed Fictional Genres – A Little Something for Everyone

Let’s get into some of the more niche and specialized genres of fiction. These are perfect if you’re looking for something a bit more specific.

• Gothic Fiction

You will discover horror and romance in this genre of books, often set in dark, mysterious, and eerie locations like old castles or haunted houses. The atmosphere is thick with suspense and dread, and the stories often explore themes of madness, death, and the supernatural. Famous examples are Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” and Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.”

• Magical Realism

It introduces magical or fantastical elements into otherwise normal, realistic settings. Magic is often treated as a natural part of the world, with characters accepting it without question. This genre is closely associated with Latin American authors like Gabriel García Márquez, whose novel “One Hundred Years of Solitude” is a starter pack of magical realism.

• Steampunk

It is a subgenre of science fiction that imagines a world where steam power is the dominant technology. These stories often blend Victorian-era aesthetics with futuristic inventions and alternative histories. The result is a unique mix of old and new, with airships, clockwork gadgets, and a sense of adventure. “The Difference Engine” by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling is a good read in that list of book genres.

• Western

The Western genre is set in the American Old West, typically during the late 19th century. These stories often feature cowboys, outlaws, and rugged landscapes, exploring themes of justice, survival, and frontier life. Westerns can range from classic tales such as “True Grit” by Charles Portis to modern reinterpretations like “No Country for Old Men” by Cormac McCarthy.

• Paranormal

Paranormal fiction revolves around supernatural elements that exist in the real world. This can include ghosts, vampires, werewolves, witches, and other creatures of the night. Paranormal fiction often blends with romance, creating stories where the supernatural elements are integral to the plot and the relationships between characters. Authors like Anne Rice and Charlaine Harris have popularized this genre.

• Urban Fantasy

It combines magical elements with a modern urban setting. These stories often feature supernatural beings like vampires, werewolves, or wizards living alongside humans in a contemporary city. The contrast between the magical and the mundane creates a unique dynamic, with characters navigating both worlds. “The Dresden Files” series by Jim Butcher is a well-known example.

Mixed Non-Fiction Genres for the Curious Mind

Just as with fiction, non-fiction has its specialized genres, catering to readers with specific interests or needs, for which some authors even hire ghostwriting companies.

• Cookbooks

Cookbooks are collections of recipes and often include instructions on cooking techniques, tips for selecting ingredients, and sometimes the history or cultural significance of the dishes. Cookbooks can range from general guides for beginners to specialized books focusing on a particular cuisine, diet, or cooking method. Famous cookbooks include “Mastering the Art of French Cooking” by Julia Child and “The Joy of Cooking” by Irma S. Rombauer.

• Travel

Travel books can be guides offering practical information for travelers or narratives recounting the author’s personal experiences and adventures in different places. Travel guides are helpful for planning trips, while travel narratives offer a deeper look at the culture, history, and people of a destination. “A Year in Provence” by Peter Mayle and “On the Road” by Jack Kerouac are the ones that are on the list for this genre.

• Business

These books provide insights into the world of commerce, management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. These books can offer practical advice for running a business, strategies for success, or analyses of business trends.

They’re often read by professionals looking to improve their skills or gain a competitive edge. Notable examples include “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries and “Good to Great” by Jim Collins.

• Health and Wellness

It focuses on physical as well as mental well-being. They cover topics like nutrition, fitness, mental health, and alternative medicine. These books are often practical, offering tips and advice for improving one’s health and quality of life.

If you’re looking to start a new diet, exercise routine, or mindfulness practice, there’s a health and wellness book for you, like “The Whole30” by Melissa Hartwig Urban and “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle.

• Parenting

Parenting books offer guidance and advice for raising children from infancy through adolescence. These books can cover a wide range of topics, including child development, discipline, education, and family dynamics.

Parenting books aim to help parents navigate the challenges of raising children and provide them with tools to create a healthy, supportive environment. Notable examples include “The Whole-Brain Child” by Daniel J. Siegel and “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” by Heidi Murkoff.

• Art and Photography

Art and photography books showcase the visual arts, offering collections of works by artists or photographers, as well as critical essays and historical context. These books are often visually stunning, making them perfect for coffee tables or as gifts.

They can cover specific art movements, techniques, or the works of individual artists. Common examples are “The Art Book” by Phaidon Press and “Humans of New York” by Brandon Stanton.

• Sports

These books can cover everything from biographies of athletes and histories of sports to guides on improving performance and understanding the rules. Authors or the ones who want them to be the main characters of the book often hire ghostbook writers to write it. You can read “Friday Night Lights” by H.G. Bissinger and “The Inner Game of Tennis” by W. Timothy Gallwey if you are into this genre.

• Spirituality and Religion

Spirituality and religion books explore the beliefs, practices, and philosophies of different faiths and spiritual paths. These books can range from sacred texts and theological treatises to personal reflections and guides to spiritual practice.

They offer readers a way to deepen their understanding of spirituality and connect with their faith. Examples include The Bible, The Bhagavad Gita, and The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff.

Comedy Is Fictional or Non-Fictional Genre?

It is a genre that entertains and amuses readers through humor. This genre can be found across both fiction and non-fiction and often involves situations that are exaggerated, absurd, or ironic. In literature, comedy can range from light-hearted and whimsical to biting satire, using humor to explore human nature and societal norms.

Emerging Genres

These emerging and niche genres are gaining popularity and might just become your new favorite types of book genres.

• Cli-Fi (Climate Fiction)

This is an emerging genre that focuses on climate change and its potential impacts on the planet and humanity. These stories often explore dystopian futures where environmental disasters have drastically altered life on Earth.

It can be a powerful way to raise awareness about climate issues and inspire action. Margaret Atwood’s “MaddAddam trilogy” and Kim Stanley Robinson’s “The Ministry for the Future” are some books that belong to this genre.

• LitRPG (Literary Role-Playing Game)

It is a genre that combines elements of literature and role-playing games. In these stories, characters often find themselves in a game-like world where they must level up, complete quests, and navigate a set of rules similar to those in video games.

This genre of book has become especially popular among readers who enjoy both gaming and fantasy. “Ready Player One” by Ernest Cline and “The Land” series by Aleron Kong are well-known examples.

• Hopepunk

It is a relatively new genre that emphasizes optimism, resistance, and the belief in a better future. In contrast to darker, more cynical genres like dystopian fiction, Hopepunk stories are about fighting for positive change, even in the face of adversity.

It’s a genre that celebrates kindness, resilience, and the power of community. The works of Becky Chambers, particularly her Wayfarers series, are often associated with this genre.

• Silkpunk

This genre has elements of science fiction and fantasy with East Asian mythology and aesthetics. It often features advanced technologies inspired by ancient Asian innovations, such as bamboo-based machinery or kites used as aerial vehicles.

Silkpunk stories explore themes of identity, tradition, and rebellion. Ken Liu’s “The Dandelion Dynasty” series is a pioneering work in this genre of book.

• New Weird

It is a genre that defies conventional storytelling by blending elements of fantasy, horror, and science fiction into strange, unsettling, and often surreal narratives. This genre challenges traditional genre boundaries, creating stories that are bizarre, dark, and thought-provoking.

New Weird often features unusual settings, grotesque creatures, and complex, ambiguous plots. Authors like “China Miéville,” with his novel Perdido Street Station, and Jeff VanderMeer, with Annihilation, are key figures in this genre.

• Progressive Fantasy

It is an evolving subgenre of fantasy that seeks to subvert traditional tropes and offer more inclusive and socially conscious narratives. This genre often challenges the status quo found in classic fantasy, addressing issues like gender, race, and politics within its world-building.

It aims to provide a more diverse and representative view of the world, even in fantastical settings. Authors like N.K. Jemisin, with her “Broken Earth” trilogy, is a trailblazer in this genre.

• Solarpunk

It is an optimistic, forward-looking genre that imagines a future where humanity has successfully tackled environmental challenges through sustainable technologies and social changes. It envisions a world where renewable energy, green cities, and community-driven solutions have created a utopian society.

Its stories often feature themes of ecological harmony, social justice, and innovation. It’s a hopeful genre book that contrasts sharply with the dystopian themes often found in speculative fiction.

• Grimdark

It is a subgenre of fantasy characterized by its bleak, gritty, and morally ambiguous tone. In Grimdark stories, characters often operate in a world where traditional notions of good and evil are blurred, and the narrative is typically dark, violent, and cynical.

This genre has gained popularity for its realistic and unflinching portrayal of human nature and conflict. Authors like Joe Abercrombie, with his First Law series, and George R.R. Martin, with A Song of Ice and Fire, are central to the Grimdark genre.

• GameLit

GameLit is a genre that extends beyond LitRPG, encompassing any story where characters are involved in or influenced by games, whether video games, board games, or even virtual realities.

This genre appeals to readers who are gamers themselves, offering narratives that are heavily inspired by gaming mechanics, strategies, and experiences. “Sword Art Online” – an animated series by Reki Kawahara and Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson are examples that resonate with this audience.

• Bizarro Fiction

It is a modern style that loves strange, unrealistic, and dream-like stories. This type of literature is like a strange and unique movie – a movie that you might not understand at first but later captures your imagination and proves to be extraordinary. Such books present unusual and sometimes shocking or funny stories. It aims to surprise and test its readers, standing out as an experimental form of fiction. An example of this genre is Carlton Mellick III’s book, Satan Burger, which highlights its odd and random style.

Wrap Up

And there you have it—a detailed explanation of the genre of books in literature, from the mainstream to the niche. Whether you’re drawn to the imaginative factor of fantasy, the suspenseful twists of thrillers, or the inspiring journeys in memoirs, there’s a genre for every reader out there. 

For authors, having a grip on these genres and their elements means they can write stories that resonate with readers’ expectations of that genre. We hope that this list will help you write a book that caters to readers’ curiosity and sparks their interest. Happy Writing.