When someone begins their journey as a writer, they’re often told to “pick a genre and stick with it.” While this may seem like straightforward advice, it’s actually quite tricky to follow. This often leads to a deep dive into the complexities of genre classification.
Even as readers, we don’t always consciously register the genre of a book we’re enjoying—although some do. But the moment you try to write a novel within a specific genre, things start to get murky. To help make sense of this, this article explores two broad categories: literary fiction and genre fiction.
- Clarifying the definitions of literary and genre fiction
- Identifying what they share and how they differ
- Guidance on selecting a genre to write in
- Why genre selection can benefit new authors
What is Literary Fiction?
Pinning down a precise definition for literary fiction is no easy task. Many novels that don’t squarely fall into other genres often end up in this catch-all category.
In literary fiction, the emphasis lies more on the thematic depth and linguistic artistry than on a structured plot. You’ll frequently find prose that is elegant and reflective, filled with vivid, extended descriptions of people, places, or objects that may not directly advance the story.
While some literary novels do follow a clear narrative arc, complete with a beginning, middle, and end, this isn’t a given. These stories often tackle serious topics, and uplifting resolutions are not always on offer.
In essence, literary fiction is appreciated more for its craftsmanship and thematic resonance than for its entertainment factor.
Genres that fall under the literary fiction umbrella include:
- Women’s Fiction
- Historical Fiction
- Contemporary Fiction
- Magical Realism
Notable examples of literary fiction are:
- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
- Ulysses by James Joyce
- Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace
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What is Genre Fiction?
Genre fiction, often referred to as “popular” or “commercial” fiction, covers the categories most readers look for when they’re choosing a book. These include:
- Romance
- Mystery, Thriller, and Suspense
- Horror
- Science Fiction
- Fantasy
- Crime Fiction
Some of the most well-known figures in genre fiction are Stephen King, Nora Roberts, Debbie Macomber, Lee Child, Brandon Sanderson, and J. K. Rowling.
Genre novels usually adhere to a recognizable narrative structure, focus on character development, revolve around a central conflict, and include tropes that fans expect to see.
In a romance, for example, a happy ending is almost inevitable. Mysteries typically involve a puzzle or crime that must be solved. Science fiction often centers on futuristic technology or worlds.
While these are broad strokes, the defining trait of genre fiction is its dedication to entertainment, prioritizing plot over stylistic elegance.
Literary vs Genre: Examples
To illustrate how these styles diverge, consider two excerpts from Western novels. One fits into genre fiction; the other is literary in nature.
Excerpt from Chapter 1 of Heck’s Journey: A Frontier Western by John Deacon
Hector “Heck” Martin pressed the cross into the earth, then knelt to run his fingers across the carved name—once part of the humble cabin he and his father had shared.
Hector Martin, Sr.
“Staring at it won’t change things, son,” said Mr. Detwiler, mounted on a weary-looking horse. “Time to move on.”
“Yes, sir.” Heck rose, holding his emotions in check.
“Are you really just fourteen?” Detwiler asked.
“Where’d you get your height?”
“Not sure, sir. My mother’s father, maybe. They say he was well over six foot.”
This sample gives you an idea of the direct and accessible style common in genre fiction. Now, let’s contrast it with another passage.
Excerpt from Chapter 1 of Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy
Observe the child. Pale and slender, his shirt hangs in tatters. He tends to the scullery fire. Outside, snow-streaked fields fade into woods where wolves still linger. His kin are known for their labor, though his father once taught school. Now he drinks, murmuring lines from long-forgotten poets. The boy squats, silent in the fire’s glow.
On the night of his birth in ’33, the Leonid meteors lit the sky. Stars rained down. I searched the heavens for blackness, for tears in the firmament. The Big Dipper collapsed.
These two examples highlight the stylistic contrast between straightforward storytelling and rich, poetic narration. Both are Westerns, but their execution couldn’t be more different.
There’s No Clear Dividing Line
Despite these distinctions, the boundary between literary and genre fiction is not rigid. A hybrid category known as upmarket fiction bridges the gap—blending commercial plot structures with literary quality in prose.
Books like 1984 by George Orwell and The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, while lauded as literary works, are also key titles in dystopian and speculative fiction.
This fluidity serves as a reminder that not all books fit neatly into one category or the other.
Literary vs Genre: Plot
The way a plot functions in each type of fiction is one of the most fundamental differences.
In genre fiction, the narrative usually progresses logically, driven by a protagonist’s goal and escalating conflicts, often of an external nature. One event leads naturally to the next, building momentum toward a climactic resolution. Frequently, this involves a central struggle between opposing forces.
In contrast, literary fiction tends to let the plot take a backseat. The story may meander or focus more on mood and introspection than on narrative drive. As long as the language and thematic exploration are compelling, literary fiction readers are often content to follow wherever the prose leads.
Genre fiction fans, however, expect plot elements to carry weight and push the story forward. In literary fiction, the immersive experience of the writing often holds more appeal than the story’s entertainment value.
Literary vs Genre: Characters
Another key difference lies in character portrayal and development.
In literary works, character studies often replace structured plots. These narratives explore profound themes like grief, madness, illness, love, and existential loss through deeply nuanced character journeys. Here, the characters are the story.
On the other hand, characters in genre fiction often exist to serve the story’s plot. Though well-crafted characters with growth arcs can be found, they usually come second to action or suspense. Often, these protagonists are exaggerated or idealized in some way.
Also, character arcs in genre fiction typically show positive transformation—the protagonist faces a challenge, learns, and emerges stronger.
Literary fiction doesn’t always offer that kind of resolution. Characters may remain static or even experience decline rather than growth.
Literary vs Genre: Writing
There’s a running joke in literary circles: the harder a book is to read, the more artistic value it supposedly holds.
Conversely, critics of genre fiction often accuse it of being too simple or formulaic in its language.
While both of these ideas are exaggerations, they hint at the overall philosophy behind each category. Literary fiction seeks depth and complexity, even at the cost of accessibility. Genre fiction, meanwhile, aims to entertain, often favoring clarity and pace over stylistic flourishes.
In the realm of literature, prose has the capacity to be simultaneously captivating, erratic, lyrical, and perplexing. One well-known example is Cormac McCarthy, whose signature style omits quotation marks for dialogue. His narrative often flows in lengthy, uninterrupted sentences that can stretch across an entire page. Unless you possess an expansive vocabulary, you might find yourself reaching for a dictionary while navigating his writing.
Such stylistic choices are frequently seen in literary fiction. However, this doesn’t imply that every book in this category relies heavily on adverbs or avoids conventional punctuation for dialogue.
Conversely, genre fiction tends to favor clarity and brevity, aiming to deliver the narrative as efficiently as possible. Redundancy—using two words when one suffices—is generally frowned upon in genre writing. That said, elegance and individual flair are not absent from genre novels. Writers still bring their distinct voices to the stories they tell.
Ultimately, all of these differences circle back to one fundamental element: reader expectations. This singular factor often determines which category is most appropriate for a writer’s goals.
Literary vs Genre: Audience
Every time you sit down to write, consider what your target audience is truly seeking. Understanding your readers’ desires will guide your creative decisions and help you tailor your story to meet their needs.
Mainstream fiction readers typically crave entertainment. They long for a break from everyday life and a chance to immerse themselves in a different world. That’s why genre fiction is frequently labeled “escapist.” This tendency aligns with the previously discussed narrative traits.
If escape is the goal, then clarity becomes essential. Readers shouldn’t struggle to grasp the setting or plot. A well-defined protagonist with a compelling objective should take center stage. By the time readers are a few chapters in—ideally within the first 15%—the central conflict should be obvious. The main character should be someone they can relate to: imperfect yet distinctive. The prose must be polished but not overly complex.
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Readers of literary fiction often have a different agenda. They’re not just looking for an escape—they seek intellectual stimulation. They admire finely crafted language and relish the challenge of interpreting deep, often abstract themes. Rereading a sentence multiple times in pursuit of its layered meaning is not seen as a burden but a pleasure. These readers are also more than willing to look up unfamiliar words if it enhances their understanding.
Of course, preferences can overlap. A single reader might enjoy both genres—immersing in genre fiction one week and pondering literary fiction the next.
Still, there’s a reason why “popular fiction” carries that label. It appeals to a broader audience than literary fiction. Keeping that in mind, let’s explore how to determine the most suitable category for your writing.
Literary or Genre: Which is Right for You?
Let’s be honest: breaking into the literary fiction market as an independent author is significantly more challenging than doing so with genre fiction. One reason is that genre fiction simply attracts more readers.
Another reason is that traditional publishers continue to dominate the literary fiction space. If writing literary fiction is your passion, your best course might be the conventional path—securing a literary agent and working with a publishing house.
However, if you’re drawn to self-publishing, focusing on genre fiction offers more opportunity. By selecting a specific genre—or even better, a subgenre—with a healthy reader base and relatively low competition, indie authors can maximize their chances for success.
To explore suitable genres for independent publishing, check out my guide on Publisher Rocket, which helps writers identify viable markets.
Literary Fiction vs Genre Fiction: Conclusion
Regardless of your choice, crafting compelling fiction is a demanding task. Whether you’re writing literary or genre fiction, both require skill, discipline, and dedication. But once you’re equipped with knowledge about genre norms and audience expectations, you’re better positioned to make informed creative decisions.
Whether you’re venturing into traditional storytelling or experimenting with form and structure, the key is to keep writing, revising, and evolving. In this field, perseverance is your greatest asset!
