How to Plan and Choose the Right Genre for Your Book

Overview: Choosing the right genre for your book is an essential part of planning your story. The genre defines the style, tone, and content of your book, and helps set reader expectations. From fantasy and mystery to non-fiction and memoirs, each genre has its own characteristics and appeal. Selecting the right genre will help you shape your story and reach your target audience more effectively. In this article, we’ll explore how to choose the best genre for your book and what to consider when planning your story.

Understanding Book Genres

A genre is a category that defines the style, content, and form of a book. Each genre has unique characteristics that set it apart, such as common themes, plot structures, and stylistic elements. Understanding the differences between genres will help you decide which one best fits your story and your goals as a writer.

Fiction Genres:

Fiction genres include a wide range of storytelling styles, from adventurous tales to fantastical worlds. Common fiction genres include:

• Contemporary: Stories set in the present day with realistic characters and events. They often address current issues or depict everyday life. E.g. Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña, a contemporary story about a boy learning to see beauty in the world around him.
• Fantasy: Stories with magical elements, imaginary worlds, or mythical creatures. Often set in fantastical universes with characters that have extraordinary abilities. E.g. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, featuring a boy who imagines himself in a land of wild creatures.
• Horror: Stories that evoke fear, suspense, or the supernatural, often aimed at thrilling or unsettling the reader. E.g. Creepy Carrots! by Aaron Reynolds, a humorous horror story for children about a rabbit being stalked by carrots.
• Mystery: Stories centered around solving a puzzle or crime. The main character usually uncovers clues and solves a problem by the end. E.g. Detective LaRue: Letters from the Investigation by Mark Teague, where a dog solves mysteries through letters.
• Sci-Fi (Science Fiction): Stories based on advanced science, futuristic technology, or space exploration, often blending imaginative elements with scientific principles. E.g. The Darkest Dark by Chris Hadfield, a story inspired by the astronaut’s childhood dream of space travel.
• Traditional Tale: Folktales, fables, and fairy tales passed down through generations. They often convey moral lessons or cultural values. E.g. The Little Red Hen, a classic folktale teaching the value of hard work and perseverance.

Non-Fiction Genres:

Non-fiction genres are based on factual information and real events. These genres aim to inform, educate, or provide insights on a variety of topics.

• Autobiography: A story about the author’s own life, narrated by themselves. E.g. When I Was Young in the Mountains by Cynthia Rylant.
• Biography: A story about a person's life, written by someone else. It often focuses on influential historical or contemporary figures. E.g. The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca.
• Educational: Books created to educate or inform readers on various topics like science, nature, or math. These books are often used in educational settings. E.g. The Important Book by Margaret Wise Brown, which teaches children about the essence of everyday objects.
• History/Science: Books that cover historical events or scientific topics in a factual manner, often blending narrative storytelling with factual content. E.g. How Ben Franklin Solved a Mystery that Baffled All of France by Mara Rockliff, a mix of history and science.
• Self-Help: Books that offer guidance on topics like emotional intelligence, social skills, or personal development. They help readers understand and manage various aspects of life. E.g. What Do You Do with a Problem? by Kobi Yamada, which guides children on how to handle problems.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Book Genre

1. What is the Tone and Theme of Your Story?

The tone and theme of your story will help you determine the right genre. For example, a story with a whimsical tone and magical elements may fit well in the fantasy genre, while a serious story focused on real-world issues might be better suited as non-fiction.

• Identify the tone and theme of your story, and see which genre aligns with these elements.
• Consider the message or lesson you want to convey, and choose a genre that supports this theme.

Questions to Ask:

• What tone do I want to set for my story?
• What is the central theme or message of my book?

2. Who is Your Target Audience?

Different genres appeal to different audiences. Consider the age, interests, and preferences of your target audience when choosing a genre. A mystery novel might appeal to readers looking for suspense, while a self-help book is better suited for readers seeking personal growth.

• Think about your target audience’s preferences and what genres they enjoy.
• Match the genre to the reader’s expectations, ensuring the content aligns with their interests.

Questions to Ask:

• Who is the intended audience for my book?
• What genres do my target readers typically enjoy?

3. How Do You Want to Approach the Story?

The genre you choose will influence how you approach the story’s content and structure. Fiction allows for creative expression and imaginative storytelling, while non-fiction requires factual accuracy and research. Decide whether you want to invent characters and plots or present real-world information and experiences.

• Decide between fiction and non-fiction, based on the content and structure of your story.
• Consider how the genre will shape your storytelling style and approach to the narrative.

Questions to Ask:

• Do I want to create an imaginary world or present real information?
• How does the genre shape the structure and content of my book?

How to Plan the Genre of Your Book

Step 1: Identify the Purpose and Content of Your Story

Determine whether your story is meant to entertain, inform, or persuade. This will help you decide between fiction and non-fiction and narrow down your genre options.

Step 2: Consider the Target Audience and Market

Think about who your readers are and what genres they enjoy. Research the market to see which genres are popular with your target audience and how your book fits into this landscape.

Step 3: Align the Genre with Your Story’s Theme and Tone

Match the genre to the theme and tone of your story. Ensure that the genre you choose complements the content and style of your book, and supports the message or experience you want to create.

Step 4: Experiment and Refine

If you’re unsure, experiment with writing a scene or chapter in different genres. This can help you get a feel for which genre suits your story best and refine your approach as needed.

Final Notes:
Choosing the right genre is an important part of planning your book. By understanding the characteristics of different genres, considering your audience’s preferences, and aligning the genre with your story’s tone and theme, you can create a book that resonates with readers and meets your goals as a writer. Use this guide to plan and choose the genre that best suits your story’s needs.