Books Types and Genres Guide

Book types and genres help readers navigate a large market, but the boundaries between categories can overlap. A genre is usually about the kind of story or reading experience, while format describes how the book^★ is presented.

Fiction genres

Common fiction genres include literary fiction, romance, fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction, mystery, crime, thriller and horror. Many books combine genres, such as historical mysteries or romantic fantasy. Genre is therefore a useful discovery tool rather than a rigid classification.

Non-fiction and specialist books

Non-fiction covers subjects ranging from history and biography to science, business, hobbies and practical skills. Reference books^★ are designed for consultation rather than necessarily being read from beginning to end. Graphic novels, illustrated books and verse novels show why format can matter alongside subject or genre.

Choosing a type that fits

Think about the reader's interests, confidence, age and preferred format. BookTrust recommends variety when choosing books for children, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry and graphic formats. When shopping^★, check the publisher description, contents information and edition details. An ISBN can help distinguish a specific title, edition and format when comparing listings.