Understanding the most popular book genres can help you write a better book.

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. Modern Considerations: Today’s publishing landscape includes audiobooks, interactive ebooks, and multimedia formats. Graphic novels have gained literary recognition, while serialized fiction published online has created new format categories.

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. Contemporary Settings: Modern genres increasingly explore digital environments, post-apocalyptic worlds, and diverse global settings that reflect our interconnected world.

3. The Target Audience

The demographics of the reader base will also play a role in 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 LGBTQ+ 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. Inclusive Publishing: Modern publishing increasingly emphasizes diverse voices and representations, with genres expanding to include previously marginalized perspectives and experiences.

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.

Genre Blending: Contemporary literature increasingly features genre-blending works, such as romantic fantasy, science fiction thrillers, and literary horror. Publishers often use multiple genre tags to reach wider audiences.

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.

Popular Book Genres

1. Science Fiction

Sci-fi books explore what could happen in a future world where technology or otherworldly beings are part of life. There are several subgenres here, mixing science fiction books with romance, fantasy or horror. The main idea of sci-fi as a genre is the future and the technology it has. My favorite example is Dune by Frank Herbert.

With AI breakthroughs, climate fiction (cli-fi), and space exploration advances, science fiction has expanded to include more diverse voices exploring themes like artificial consciousness, genetic modification, and interplanetary colonization. Contemporary examples include Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro and Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir.

2. Historical Fiction

Historical fiction novels are set in a specific time period in the past. Most of the time, the time period has a big impact on the main character’s life and the plot of the story. The setting is woven into the book and becomes an important focal point. Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell is a popular example.

Historical fiction continues evolving to include previously marginalized perspectives, with growing demand for diverse historical narratives. Recent bestsellers like Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid demonstrate the genre’s continued appeal.

3. Dystopian

Dystopian is a subgenre of science fiction writing, but it has become so popular that it deserves its own category. A dystopian book takes place in the future when some cataclysmic event has destroyed society.

Sometimes, future tech is the antagonist in the story, but other times the dystopian nature of society is harder to spot in the beginning, because the author makes it look like utopia before revealing the deeper problems. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is a popular example.

Current Trends: Post-pandemic dystopian fiction has surged, with authors exploring themes of surveillance capitalism, climate collapse, and social media manipulation. Books like Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel remain highly relevant.

4. Young Adult

Young adult fiction is growing in demand. This popular genre explores challenges for young people, often transforming into a coming-of-age story. Many different genres can fit within the young adult category, but most of these have a main character who is in their teens or early 20s. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green is a popular example.

2025 Market: YA has expanded beyond traditional boundaries, with New Adult (ages 18-25) becoming a distinct category. Mental health awareness, diversity, and authentic representation are driving current YA publishing trends.

5. Thriller

Thriller is one of the most lucrative book genres. These are the books you’ll find for sale in airports. A thriller is a book that has a high level of suspense. It also has quite a bit of action and danger. Supernatural thrillers fall into this category. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson is a popular example, as is Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.

Market Performance: Thrillers consistently rank among Amazon’s top-selling categories, with psychological thrillers and domestic suspense leading sales. Authors like Riley Sager and Ruth Ware dominate current bestseller lists.

Explore More: If you enjoy psychological thrillers, discover authors like Stephen King who master the art of suspense, or explore authors like Dean Koontz for supernatural thriller elements.

6. Fairy Tale

Perhaps one of the oldest genres, the fairy tale is a magical story that embraces fantasy. Many classic fairy tales make excellent novels if you can transform one aspect of the story to make it new and engaging. Readers appreciate the predictability and the surprise twist of fractured or reimagined fairy tales. The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert is a popular example.

Modern Adaptations: Contemporary fairy tale retellings focusing on feminist perspectives and diverse cultures are trending. Examples include Circe by Madeline Miller and The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow.

7. Children’s

A children’s book is often a picture book with a story. Designed for young readers, these books need to have a simple yet engaging vocabulary that kids can read on their own. Children’s books should also have an engaging story to make kids want to read. The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss is a popular example.

2025 Publishing: Children’s literature increasingly emphasizes inclusivity, emotional intelligence, and environmental awareness. Picture books addressing complex topics like divorce, anxiety, and cultural identity are in high demand.

8. Graphic Novels

Graphic novels or comic books use art as well as writing to tell a story. In these books, the artwork is the primary focus, and each page has a series of images that guide the reader through the action. Graphic novels tend to be gritty and edgy in tone. Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons is a popular example.

Growing Market: Graphic novels have gained literary respect, with titles like Maus by Art Spiegelman and Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi proving the medium’s storytelling power. The market has expanded significantly, with major publishers investing in graphic novel divisions.

9. Mystery

Mystery novels focus on a main character trying to solve some sort of mystery. Many genres of books have mysteries within them, but this particular type of book is distinctive in that the mystery is the main plot focus. The resolution of the mystery doesn’t happen until the very end of the book. Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie is a popular example.

Subgenre Evolution: Cozy mysteries, police procedurals, and amateur sleuth stories continue evolving. Contemporary authors like Tana French and Louise Penny have elevated the genre with literary prose and complex characterization.

Mystery Authors: For classic detective fiction, explore authors like Erle Stanley Gardner or discover authors like Agatha Christie for timeless puzzle mysteries.

10. Fantasy

Fantasy books take place in a magical or mythical setting, but they don’t have a fairy godmother to save the day like a fairy tale. Magic and mythical creatures are a central part of the story, however. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling is a popular example as are the works of Brandon Sanderson.

Current Landscape: Epic fantasy remains popular, but urban fantasy, romantasy (romance + fantasy), and diverse mythologies are driving growth. Authors like N.K. Jemisin and Rebecca Roanhorse are expanding the genre’s boundaries.

Fantasy Reading: Discover authors like Brandon Sanderson for epic world-building, or explore authors like Terry Pratchett for humorous fantasy. For comprehensive recommendations, see our best fantasy authors guide.

11. Romance

Romance novels look at romantic relationships and how they develop. They often tell the story of how two people came to fall in love. Erotica and historical romance can be subgenres of this type of book. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks is a popular example.

Market Dominance: Romance consistently generates the highest revenue of any fiction genre. Contemporary trends include diverse representation, LGBTQ+ romance, and genre-blending (romantic suspense, paranormal romance, romantasy).

Discover Romance Authors: Explore our comprehensive guide to the best romance authors or find authors like Lucy Score for contemporary romance that blends humor with heart.

12. Memoir

A memoir is a book written by someone about their own life. Memoirs often focus on one particular aspect of their life, such as a defining moment that puts the person on a particular life path. Memoirs are often written by famous individuals. Just Kids by Patti Smith is a popular example.

Publishing Trends: Celebrity memoirs remain popular, but personal memoirs addressing trauma, identity, and social issues are increasingly successful. Educated by Tara Westover exemplifies this trend.

13. True Crime

True crime books explore a sensational or shocking crime that happened in real life. This type of non-fiction book often focuses on serial killers and their actions. These are popular books because they delve into the deepest ills of society. I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara is a popular example, as is the classic In Cold Blood by Truman Capote.

Media Crossover: True crime’s popularity has exploded with podcast culture and streaming documentaries. Books often serve as source material for Netflix series and popular podcasts, creating multimedia publishing opportunities.

14. Self-Help Books

Self-help books give people the information they need to make a change or perform a task. They are often inspirational, but they can also be simple how-to books. They present factual information that people need to learn how to do something new. Get Out of Your Head by Jennie Allen is a popular example.

2025 Trends: Mental health, productivity, and personal development remain top categories. Books addressing digital wellness, remote work challenges, and post-pandemic life changes are particularly sought after.

15. Biography

A biography explores the life of a real person. It may be told in narrative form, but it takes the historical events of a person’s life and turns them into a book. Unlike an autobiography, it’s written by a third-party and not the subject. The Code Breaker by Walter Isaacson is a popular example, as is his book about Steve Jobs.

Contemporary Focus: Biographies of diverse historical figures, women pioneers, and lesser-known changemakers are increasingly popular. Publishers seek stories that offer fresh perspectives on familiar figures or introduce overlooked heroes.

16. Business Leadership

Books in the business leadership category help business owners and managers learn how to better lead the people they manage. These books can focus on personality traits that make good leaders, or they can focus on the strategies used to lead in business. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie is a popular example.

Modern Leadership: Contemporary leadership books address remote team management, inclusive leadership, and emotional intelligence. Books like Dare to Lead by Brené Brown reflect evolving workplace dynamics.

17. Entrepreneurship

Running a business is far different from being in business leadership, and books that target entrepreneurs are in their own category. These books may discuss the ins and outs of running a business, or they may delve into the personality traits that work well for entrepreneurship. The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz is a popular example.

Startup Culture: Books addressing digital entrepreneurship, sustainable business practices, and work-life balance are trending. The rise of solopreneurship and creator economy has spawned new subcategories.

18. Career

Some books are specific to professionals in a particular career, such as educators or real estate agents. They talk about the specific aspects of that career that are necessary for success, or they provide tips to become more skilled in the career field. The First Days of School by Harry K. Wong is a popular example.

Remote Work Era: Career books now heavily focus on remote work skills, digital communication, and career pivoting. Books addressing the gig economy and freelance careers are increasingly relevant.

19. Literary Fiction

Literary fiction privileges artful prose and deep character development, often tackling profound themes about the human experience through sophisticated narrative techniques. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald exemplifies this, where the decadent Jazz Age serves as a backdrop for exploring themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream. Sally Rooney’s books are a contemporary example.

Contemporary Voices: Literary fiction increasingly features diverse voices and experimental forms. Authors like Ocean Vuong, Carmen Maria Machado, and Colson Whitehead are pushing genre boundaries.

20. Gothic Fiction

Dark atmospheres and psychological tension define this genre, where crumbling mansions and haunted spaces serve as more than mere backdrops – they become characters themselves in stories that blur the lines between natural and supernatural. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier masterfully uses Manderley mansion to create an atmosphere of psychological suspense and haunting memories.

Modern Gothic: Contemporary gothic fiction explores psychological horror and atmospheric tension. Authors like Silvia Moreno-Garcia (Mexican Gothic) bring fresh cultural perspectives to classic gothic elements.

21. Urban Fantasy

Modern cities pulse with hidden magic in urban fantasy, where supernatural beings navigate contemporary life alongside humans, making the familiar extraordinary through carefully crafted worldbuilding. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman transforms London’s underground into a mysterious realm where magic and mundane collide.

Popular Subgenre: Urban fantasy remains a bestselling category, often overlapping with paranormal romance. Series like The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher continue to attract dedicated readerships.

22. Medical Thriller

These pulse-pounding narratives weave complex medical science with edge-of-your-seat suspense, requiring authors to balance technical accuracy with accessibility while maintaining dramatic tension. Coma by Robin Cook revolutionized the genre by exposing the terrifying possibilities of medical corruption.

Post-Pandemic Relevance: Medical thrillers have gained renewed relevance, with readers interested in stories about pandemics, medical conspiracies, and healthcare systems under pressure.

23. Military Fiction

Whether historical or contemporary, the genre demands meticulous attention to military protocol, equipment, and tactics, all while exploring the human cost of warfare through its characters’ experiences. The Hunt for Red October by Tom Clancy showcases detailed military technology alongside geopolitical intrigue.

Modern Warfare: Contemporary military fiction addresses drone warfare, cyber warfare, and the psychological impact of modern combat. Veterans’ stories and diverse military experiences are increasingly represented.

24. Cozy Mystery

Small towns harbor big secrets in these gentle whodunits, where violence happens off-page and amateur sleuths solve crimes through wit and community connections rather than procedural investigation. Still Life by Louise Penny demonstrates how rich character development and sense of place can drive mystery solving.

Comfort Reading: Cozy mysteries have surged as comfort reading, offering escapism and puzzle-solving without graphic violence. The subgenre includes themed cozies (culinary mysteries, craft mysteries, pet mysteries).

25. Psychological Fiction

The battlefield here is the human mind, as authors delve deep into characters’ psyches, often employing stream-of-consciousness techniques and unreliable narrators to explore the complexities of human consciousness. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath provides an intimate portrait of mental illness through semi-autobiographical fiction.

Mental Health Focus: Psychological fiction addressing trauma, anxiety, and neurodiversity has expanded significantly. Books like My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh exemplify contemporary psychological exploration.

26. Travel Literature

Blending personal narrative with cultural observation, travel literature transforms physical journeys into metaphorical explorations of self-discovery and cultural understanding. In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson combines humor with keen observation to paint a portrait of Australia.

Virtual Travel: Post-pandemic travel literature includes armchair travel and cultural exploration. Books offering deep dives into specific cultures and places have gained popularity as international travel was restricted.

27. Food Writing

Beyond mere recipes, food writing celebrates the sensory and cultural dimensions of cuisine, weaving personal narratives with culinary expertise to create mouth-watering prose. Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain reveals the gritty reality behind professional kitchens while celebrating food culture.

Cultural Cuisine: Food writing increasingly explores cultural identity through cuisine, with books like Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner combining memoir with food culture to explore heritage and belonging.

28. Sports Literature

The drama of athletic competition serves as a lens for exploring larger themes of triumph, failure, and human potential, demanding authors capture both technical accuracy and emotional resonance. The Natural by Bernard Malamud uses baseball as a backdrop for exploring myth, ambition, and redemption.

Diverse Athletics: Sports literature now covers a broader range of sports and athletes, including women’s sports, paralympic competition, and the business side of professional athletics.

29. Environmental Literature

Through both fiction and non-fiction approaches, this genre confronts humanity’s relationship with nature, often employing detailed research and powerful imagery to advocate for environmental awareness. Silent Spring by Rachel Carson sparked the modern environmental movement through compelling scientific journalism.

Climate Focus: Environmental literature has expanded to include climate fiction, exploring both the science and human impact of climate change. Books like The Overstory by Richard Powers blend environmental themes with literary fiction.

30. Magical Realism

The extraordinary mingles seamlessly with the ordinary in this genre, where authors present supernatural elements with matter-of-fact acceptance to explore deeper cultural and political themes. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez uses magical elements to illuminate Latin American history.

Global Voices: Magical realism continues attracting international authors who use fantastical elements to explore cultural and political realities. Contemporary examples include The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka.

31. Political Fiction

Power dynamics and ideological conflicts drive these narratives, which require authors to craft complex political systems while maintaining reader engagement through personal stakes. All the King’s Men by Robert Penn Warren explores political corruption and moral responsibility in American politics.

Contemporary Politics: Political fiction addressing current issues like authoritarianism, social media influence, and polarization has grown significantly. Dystopian political fiction remains particularly relevant.

32. Epistolary Fiction

Told through collections of documents, letters, or digital communications, this genre creates intimacy through its unique format, allowing readers to piece together stories through multiple perspectives. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky uses letters to capture a teenager’s coming-of-age journey.

Digital Age: Modern epistolary fiction incorporates emails, text messages, social media posts, and other digital communications. Books like Ghosts by Dolly Alderton use contemporary communication methods to tell their stories.

33. Slice of Life

These quietly powerful narratives find extraordinary meaning in ordinary moments, focusing on subtle character development and everyday observations rather than dramatic plot points. A Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich by Alexander Solzhenitsyn depicts one day in a Soviet labor camp through minute details and observations.

Everyday Stories: Slice of life fiction celebrates ordinary experiences and quiet moments. Contemporary examples include Normal People by Sally Rooney, which finds drama in everyday relationships and interactions.

Picking Your Genre

Literary fiction and non-fiction books come in many forms. If you are interested in publishing your book, study these book genres to find one that fits your reader and your style. By taking the time to understand these different book genres and skillfully placing your book in the right genre, you can make your writing more powerful.

Understanding genre conventions helps you meet reader expectations while still creating original, compelling stories. Whether you’re writing your first novel or your tenth, knowing where your book fits in the literary landscape is essential for both the writing process and successful publication.

Related Reading: Explore Authors by Genre

Now that you understand the 33 most popular book genres, dive deeper into specific authors who excel in each category:

Horror & Thriller Authors

• Authors like Stephen King - Masters of psychological horror and supernatural suspense
• Authors like Dean Koontz - Supernatural thrillers with mystery elements
• Best Horror Authors - Complete guide to terror’s finest writers

Fantasy & Science Fiction

• Authors like Brandon Sanderson - Epic fantasy with innovative magic systems
• Authors like George R.R. Martin - Complex political fantasy with moral ambiguity
• Authors like Terry Pratchett - Humorous fantasy and satirical world-building
• Best Fantasy Authors - Comprehensive guide to fantasy literature

Romance & Contemporary Fiction

• Best Romance Authors - Top writers across all romance subgenres
• Authors like Lucy Score - Contemporary romance with humor and heart
• Authors like Stephenie Meyer - Paranormal romance and vampire fiction

Mystery & Crime

• Authors like Agatha Christie - Classic puzzle mysteries and cozy crime
• Authors like Erle Stanley Gardner - Legal thrillers and detective fiction
• Best Suspense Authors - Masters of tension and psychological drama

Literary & Historical Fiction

• Authors like Amor Towles - Elegant literary fiction with historical elements
• Best Authors of Historical Fiction - Period pieces across all eras
• Best 21st Century Authors - Contemporary literary voices

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a great book in this genre?

Great books in this genre typically feature compelling characters, engaging plots, and themes that resonate with readers. They should offer both entertainment and insight, creating memorable reading experiences that stay with you long after finishing.

How do I choose the best books to read?

Look for books that match your interests, read reviews from trusted sources, and don’t be afraid to try new authors or genres. Consider award winners, bestsellers, and recommendations from people whose taste you trust.

Why should I read books in this genre?

Reading books in this genre can expand your knowledge, improve your empathy, and provide entertainment and escape. Books offer unique perspectives on life and can help you understand different experiences and viewpoints.

What are the most popular books in this category?

Popular books in this category often include both contemporary bestsellers and timeless classics. Look for books that have received critical acclaim, won awards, or have been recommended by multiple sources.

International Literature

• Best British Authors - Classic and contemporary UK literature
• Best Russian Authors - From Tolstoy to modern masters
• Best Japanese Authors - Traditional and contemporary Japanese literature

Ready to Explore More? Browse our complete author profiles or use our genre pages to discover new reads tailored to your preferences.