You’re a new writer with some story ideas brewing in your head, characters whispering in your ear, and plot twists that keep you up past midnight. But what genre are you actually writing?
Genre can feel like a mysterious box you’re supposed to fit your story into. But think about it like a helpful roadmap that tells readers what kind of journey they’re about to embark on.
Let’s break down the most popular fiction genres, explore some exciting cross-overs that are setting the publishing world on fire, and figure out how to choose the right path for your story.
The most popular fiction genres
Romance
Let’s start with the first and most popular one. Romance accounts for about 23% of all book sales, and there’s a simple reason why: people love love. What makes romance unique isn’t just the happily-ever-after (though that’s important), it’s the emotional journey between two people finding each other.
Romance readers are incredibly loyal, and they’re always hungry for more. Whether it’s contemporary, historical, paranormal, or erotic romance, the core promise remains the same: a satisfying romantic relationship is the central focus of the story.
Fantasy
Fantasy comes in as the strong second. Who doesn’t want to escape to a world where magic exists and anything is possible? Fantasy gives writers the ultimate playground, you can literally create entire universes with their own rules, creatures, and conflicts.
What sets fantasy apart is world-building. You’re not just telling a story; you’re creating a place where readers can lose themselves completely. From epic high fantasy with dragons and quests to urban fantasy set in modern cities with supernatural elements, this genre offers endless possibilities.
Mystery and Thriller
These genres keep readers turning pages well past their bedtime. Mystery focuses on solving a puzzle, usually a crime, while thrillers emphasize suspense and constant danger. Both rely heavily on pacing and plot structure to keep readers hooked.
The beauty of mystery writing is the intellectual challenge it presents to both writer and reader. You’re essentially playing fair while also trying to outsmart your audience. Thrillers, on the other hand, are all about that adrenaline rush.
Science Fiction
Sci-fi explores the “what if” questions about technology, space, and the future of humanity. It’s not just about laser guns and spaceships (though those are fun too). The best science fiction uses futuristic or technological elements to examine human nature and society.
What makes sci-fi special is its ability to comment on current issues through the lens of speculative future scenarios. Climate change, artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, sci-fi writers get to explore these topics in ways that other genres can’t.
Young Adult (YA)
YA typically features teenage protagonists dealing with coming-of-age themes, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s simple. YA tackles complex issues like identity, relationships, social justice, and finding your place in the world. Plus, it has incredible crossover appeal, plenty of adults are devouring YA novels.
YA isn’t just dominating bookshelves, it’s absolutely crushing it with agents and editors right now. With 56 mentions across professional profiles in 2025, it’s clear that publishers are hungry for more YA content.
Historical Fiction
There’s something magical about stepping into another time period. Historical fiction requires extensive research and attention to detail, but when done well, it can transport readers completely. Whether you’re writing about ancient Rome or the 1960s, historical fiction lets you explore how people lived, loved, and struggled in different eras.
Literary Fiction
This is the genre that focuses more on character development, writing style, and exploring the human condition than on plot-driven action. Literary fiction often tackles serious themes and aims for artistic merit as much as entertainment value.
The exciting world of cross-over genres
Now here’s where things get really fun. The publishing world has discovered that mixing genres can create some absolutely irresistible combinations. These cross-overs aren’t just trendy, they’re redefining what readers expect from their favourite genres.
Romantasy: the perfect marriage
“Romantasy” (romance + fantasy) has exploded in popularity in recent years. Think Rebecca Yarros’s Empyrean series, which has been dominating bestseller lists. This genre gives readers the best of both worlds: the emotional satisfaction of romance with the escapism of fantasy.
What makes romantasy so appealing is that it doesn’t compromise on either element. You get fully developed romantic relationships alongside epic world-building and magical systems. It’s like getting two books in one.
Mystery meets everything
Mystery has become the ultimate mixer. We’re seeing historical mysteries, sci-fi mysteries, cozy mysteries, and even romantic suspense that blurs the line between romance and thriller. Each combination brings something fresh to the table while maintaining that core “whodunit” appeal.
Horror gets sophisticated
Horror has evolved far beyond simple scares. Modern horror often incorporates social commentary, psychological complexity, and genre-blending elements. Think horror with literary ambitions or sci-fi horror that explores technological fears.
How to choose your genre
So how do you actually figure out what genre you’re writing? Where does your story idea fit?
Start with what you love to read
Everyone says this, but it’s true. If you devour romance novels, chances are good that romance elements will naturally creep into your writing. If you can’t put down a good thriller, your pacing and plot structure will likely reflect that influence.
Look at your story’s core promise
Every genre makes a specific promise to readers:
- Romance promises a satisfying relationship
- Mystery promises a puzzle to solve
- Fantasy promises escape to another world
- Thriller promises constant tension and excitement
What promise is your story making?
Don’t stress about perfect classification
This might be controversial, but I believe perfect genre classification isn’t as important. Yes, you need to know your general category for marketing purposes, but readers are increasingly open to genre-blending stories. If your story feels like it sits between two genres, that might actually be its strength, not its weakness.
Consider your target audience
Different genres attract different audiences, and understanding your readers can help guide your decision. YA readers expect certain themes and pacing. Romance readers have specific expectations about character development and emotional payoff.
The business side: what agents and publishers want
While you should absolutely write the story that excites you, understanding market trends can help you position your work effectively.
Based on current agent and editor interests, here’s what’s hot:
- YA fiction (especially with diverse characters and contemporary issues)
- Horror with sophisticated themes
- Commercial fiction that can reach broad audiences
- Women’s fiction with strong character development
Cross-genre works are particularly appealing because they can reach multiple audiences and stand out in crowded markets.
Your next steps:
Whether you’re just starting to explore your genre or you’re deep into a manuscript that refuses to fit neatly into any category, having proper guidance makes all the difference. This is where professional support becomes invaluable.
Understanding genre conventions, reader expectations, and market positioning requires more than just gut instinct, it requires expertise and experience. A good writing coach can help you identify your story’s true genre, understand its commercial potential, and develop it in ways that honour both your creative vision and market realities.
Through our creative writing course, writers can explore different genres systematically, learning the craft elements that make each one work. Our novel writing programs specifically focus on helping writers develop full-length works that succeed within their chosen genres.
For those serious about publishing courses, we provide comprehensive training on how genre affects everything from query letters to marketing strategies. Because let’s face it, understanding your genre isn’t just about writing a good book; it’s about positioning that book for success in the marketplace.
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