So, you have decided to write a book! Now, it’s time to determine which book genre is ideal for you. For some writers, this is evident. You might already have an idea that fits within one specific genre. For others, it can be a challenge.
Sometimes, the novel you intend to write fits into multiple genres—or none! If you’re stuck, try writing in one of the most popular book genres listed below.
Here is a selection of book genres to inspire you!
Most Popular Book Genres in 2024
So, which is the most popular book genre? It’s interesting to compare the most “popular” and most profitable book genres. For example, children’s books dominate the fiction genre pie, accounting for 39% of all books sold.
However, romance/erotica is the most profitable book genre in the fiction category. To understand this, consider that a children’s fiction book’s retail price is a fraction of that of a romance novel.
The following are the best-selling and popular book genres in both nonfiction and fiction categories:
Bestselling Fiction Genres:
- Children’s fiction.
- Modern literary fiction.
- Fantasy fiction.
- Classic literary fiction.
- Mystery fiction.
Bestselling Nonfiction Genres:
- Memoirs and biographies.
- Self-help books.
- Spiritual and religious books.
- Health, fitness, and diet.
- Political and social sciences.
Let’s look deeper at which genres appear on the bestseller lists!
Romance
Romance books are the easiest genre to write in yet the most successful one, showing no signs of slowing down. Recent research suggests this genre will generate $1.44 billion in sales. Romance books typically follow a relatively simple structure, making writing easier.
The novel begins with a protagonist and a love interest, but a conflict immediately prevents them from becoming romantically involved. The two characters work together to resolve their conflict, and the story ends happily ever after.
Of course, not all romance novels follow this model. Instead, it is up to the author to make the formula feel unique or change it to work best for their story. Romance books also sell remarkably well in eBook format.
Children’s Books
Children’s books sell very well but at a cheaper price, totaling $1 billion in sales. This genre is ideal if you want to use illustrations or target a young readership.
Keep in mind that picture books sell better in print. So, if you want to publish eBooks, children’s picture books might not be the best category for you. Middle-grade novels sell well as eBooks and may be a better option.
To write and publish children’s books, you need to understand what children are currently reading and be able to write in a way that children will understand and enjoy. Avoid the children’s book genre if you wish to write something with difficult language.
Some popular sub-genres in children’s literature include:
- Adventure.
- Fantasy.
- Contemporary/realistic fiction.
Thriller, Crime, and Mystery Books
These are the most popular book genres in print, accounting for $299 million in sales in 2023. If your goal is to focus on publishing print books, the mystery, thriller, and crime genres are great options.
The appeal of these genres is that they all have a problem to solve before the end of the book. These genre storybooks keep readers stuck in their seats. Keep your audience flipping the pages by with a maze of a plot.
The mystery, thriller, and crime genres are ideal for writing series. If you want to write a series, consider one of these page-turning genres.
Young Adult
Young adults are more of an age category than a literature genre, with teenagers as the target audience. Young adult books represent around 3% of all fiction genre sales.
Writing for young adults can be fun because so many genres sell well. If you’re lucky, the subject or subgenre you write in will become one of the hottest trends.
You’re probably familiar with the vampire and dystopia trends in the YA market. Bestselling books such as Twilight, The Hunger Games, and Divergent have been popular movie adaptations in recent years. Many young adult books have strong sales potential. Even better, your novel may have a good chance of being adapted into a cinematic film.
YA readers frequently read on their smartphones or tablets. EBooks are prevalent in this market, but paper books remain sold well.
Fantasy
Are you incredibly creative? Do you enjoy creating new worlds? If so, then fantasy might be the ideal option for you!
Create your world by plunging into fantasy, which accounts for 13% of the fiction genre pie. This genre is applicable to children, young adults, and adults. Fantasy is a popular book genre across all age groups.
Most Profitable Book Genres For 2023
Whether you enjoy romcoms or serious historical romance, the romance genre has high-profit potential. While romance and erotica reign supreme as the most successful book genres, selling well in both print and eBook versions, there are plenty of other possibilities to consider if romance is not your thing.
Publishers Weekly offers a wealth of specific sales data for the publishing sector, comparing book sales in 2022 to those in 2023 and so on. The message is that there are numerous profitable book genres to consider when studying the business aspects of authoring.
For example, if you have a great imagination, choosing a book genre of fantasy or science fiction, which generated $590 million in sales, is a great step. If you enjoy intrigue and telling intricate stories, why not try your hand at writing a mystery or thriller, which has grossed about $80 million?
If you excel in a specific field, have extensive knowledge of a historical personality, or are an expert communicator, consider writing nonfiction, as there is plenty of money to be made in such genres. In reality, more than 400 million nonfiction books were sold in 2023 and 2024, a 4.4% increase from 2022. In that area, there were some rock stars in 2023. Non-fiction business/economic book sales increased by 19%, while travel-related book sales increased by a staggering 23.3%.
What Genre Should I Write In?
Want to write a novel but don’t know which genre to choose?
Is it obligatory for an author to label the genre of a novel? Not until it’s ready for pitching or publication. Knowing the genre can be helpful, but it is not necessarily necessary. Choosing a book genre to write your next book is more of a practical decision than a lucrative one. After all, if you know nothing about finance, you probably won’t be penning a best-selling non-fiction business book. It is usually better to choose a genre you enjoy reading and have a specific skill set or knack for.
If you are a versatile writer who can adapt to various genres, consider the sales trends before focusing on your goal.
Another factor to consider while deciding “What genre should I write?” is whether you intend to write a book series. A book series is appropriate for the mystery, young adult, and fantasy genres, which may influence your decision.
Write What You Love
That’s a great place to start.
If you read many novels in a specific genre (or subgenre), you’ll notice that the storylines follow similar patterns. This familiarity may make writing a natural process. However, you may encounter challenges if you decide to write your first book in a genre with a complicated structure. Sometimes, simple is the best.
And what if you’re someone who enjoys reading everything?
Narrow the Options
Each genre has familiar tropes and construction. Learning how to write in every genre would take a lot of time for most of us.
Choose a genre that you seem to gravitate toward. If you want to learn how to write a book, choosing a book genre with the simplest structure is the best approach. If that prospect does not excite you, pass it up. The project must motivate the author for the long days and nights of pounding a keyboard.
If you’ve written shorter pieces in one genre, why not try something lengthier, even if you prefer a different genre?
Maybe you have a fantastic idea for a children’s book that you are passionate about. Go for it!
Write what you are passionate about.
What is the Easiest Genre to Write?
You may have heard different teachers recommend an adventure story as the easiest genre to write. Others suggest romance. However, some swear that writing a who-done-it is the best way to learn story structure.
Try Writing Short Works First, or Not
Writing a book requires a significant commitment. If you’re not totally in love with the plot idea and characters, the book may not be finished. If you’ve never written a novel, consider starting with a novella. It depends on the writer. Do whatever makes you feel the least overwhelmed or frustrated. Even short stories can assist authors in learning the basics of story building.
Do not Feel Locked into a Genre
The direction is good, but don’t feel obligated to make a decision right away and don’t feel stuck in one genre if another appears to be a better fit.
The best genre to write a first novel is the genre that gets the author putting words on the page!
FAQ’s – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which kind of book is the easiest to write?
Most people agree that romance or young adult is regarded as the easiest genre to write. For new writers, it is easier to follow a specific path since these genres feature well-defined patterns and clichés. Moreover, they provide great creative freedom while maintaining readers’ interest, making the writing process fun.
2. How can I start with an easy genre and write a book?
When making a book, explore common themes as well as patterns within that genre. Create an outline then that incorporates important story points and characters. This plan will serve as your road map throughout the writing process, helping you to keep consistent and on target while developing your book.
3. As I choose a book genre, what aspects should I consider?
When choosing a book genre, make sure it is based on your interests, knowledge, and the time available for writing. Choose a genre you like to read and find comfortable and enjoy reading. This will simplify and enhance the writing process, thereby improving your chances of finishing your work successfully.
4. For first-time authors, what are some popular book genres?
For novices, popular book genres are mystery, young adult, and romance. These genres are commonly read and have straightforward structures, which offer many examples to learn from. Writing in a popular genre raises your chances of a big readership as well.
5. For first-time writers, which book genre makes the most sense?
For first-time authors, romance is often the most profitable book genre. Romance books are in great demand and are in a devoted market that presents major sales opportunities. Particularly, if you can create a series that keeps readers wanting more, writing in this field may be quite profitable.