How to Determine the Genre of a Book

When a reader looks for a new author to read, they usually browse books in genres they enjoy. Whether you’re describing your own work or shelving a book at a library, the right genre will help readers find what they seek.

Method 1: Marketing a Book with Genre Descriptions

Step 1: List Possible Genres for the Work

• If the book is complete, list potential genres that could describe parts of the book. Include all plausible genres, even if they seem minor.

Step 2: Look Up Similar Books Online

• Look up works similar to the book you’re marketing. If several similar books are listed under the same genre, your book will likely fit there as well.
• Avoid genres that don’t match your book’s content.

Step 3: Track These Genres on Amazon

• Compare top seller lists on Amazon for several weeks.
• If the top 10 books change slowly, the genre is slow-moving with less competition but a smaller readership.
• If the list changes rapidly, the genre is fast-moving, requiring more effort to compete but offering higher rewards.

Step 4: Compare Genre Advertising Fees

• Look at advertising fees on sites like BookBub and Kindle Nation. Higher costs indicate more competition but also larger readerships.

Step 5: Ask for Input

• Narrow down your list and ask for input from an editor, publisher, agent, or close friend.

Step 6: Consider the Target Audience

• Choose a genre that matches the main audience for the book. Clarify with an additional description if needed, such as “Young Adult Mystery” or “Literary Science Fiction.”

Step 7: Choose Two or Three Genres if Reasonable

• Most websites allow you to select multiple genres. Let your book compete in multiple genres or subgenres like “Science Fiction Horror” or “War Thriller.”

Method 2: Understanding Genre Definitions

Step 1: Learn the Main Realist Fiction Genres

• Crime: Includes mystery, suspense, and thrillers.
• Romance: Focuses on love stories and may include erotica.
• Historical Fiction: Set in the past, often includes Westerns.
• Action/Adventure: Fast-paced tales of danger and exploration.

Step 2: Categorize Speculative Fiction

• Science Fiction: Focuses on ideas, often set in the future or space.
• Fantasy: Includes magical or supernatural elements.
• Horror: Seeks to terrify the reader, can be speculative or realist.

Step 3: Shelve Nonfiction by Subject

• Nonfiction: Covers real-world topics, can be organized by the Dewey Decimal System.
• Biography: Describes a person’s life, autobiography if written by the subject.

Step 4: Understand Age Descriptions

• Young Adult/Children: Indicates content and writing appropriate for younger readers.
• Coming of Age: Describes the transition from childhood to adulthood, often aimed at young adults but not always.

Tips and Warnings

• Research: Always research similar books and how they are categorized.
• Accuracy: Ensure your genre descriptions accurately reflect the book’s content to attract the right readers.
• Flexibility: Be flexible and open to input when determining the genre.

By following these steps, you can accurately determine and market the genre of a book, making it easier for readers to find and enjoy your work.