Genre fiction

In the book-trade, genre fiction, also known as formula fiction,^[1] or commercial fiction,^[2] encompasses fictional works written with the intent of fitting into a specific literary genre in order to appeal to readers and fans already familiar with that genre.^[3] These labels also commonly imply that this type of fiction places more value on plot and entertainment than on character development, philosophical themes, or artistic depth.^[2] This distinguishes genre fiction from literary fiction.

The main genres are crime, fantasy, romance, science fiction and horror—as well as perhaps Western, inspirational and historical fiction.

Slipstream genre is sometimes thought to be in between genre and non-genre fiction.^[4]

^ Meyer, Michael (2008). The Bedford Introduction to Literature: Reading, Thinking, Writing (8th ed.). Boston: Bedford. pp. 23–25. ISBN 978-0-312-47200-9.
^ ^a ^b Girolimon, Mars. "Types of Genres: A Literary Guide", Southern New Hampshire University, 11 December 2023. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
^ French, Christy Tillery. "Literary Fiction vs Genre Fiction". AuthorsDen. Archived from the original on 20 October 2011. Retrieved 10 April 2013.
^ Butler, Andrew M.; Daley, Christopher; Duncan, Roby; Filtness, Emma; Higgins, David M.; Hubble, Nick; Langer, Jessica; Mousoutzanis, Aris; Norman, Joseph; et al. (Contributors) (2013). Hubble, Nick; Mousoutzanis, Aris (eds.). The Science Fiction Handbook. Literature and Culture Handbooks. New York: Bloomsbury. p. 132. ISBN 978-1-4411-7096-5.

[:0-1] Meyer, Michael (2008). The Bedford Introduction to Literature: Reading, Thinking, Writing (8th ed.). Boston: Bedford. pp. 23–25. ISBN 978-0-312-47200-9.

[Girolimon-2] Girolimon, Mars. "Types of Genres: A Literary Guide", Southern New Hampshire University, 11 December 2023. Retrieved 3 September 2024.

[3] French, Christy Tillery. "Literary Fiction vs Genre Fiction". AuthorsDen. Archived from the original on 20 October 2011. Retrieved 10 April 2013.

[4] Butler, Andrew M.; Daley, Christopher; Duncan, Roby; Filtness, Emma; Higgins, David M.; Hubble, Nick; Langer, Jessica; Mousoutzanis, Aris; Norman, Joseph; et al. (Contributors) (2013). Hubble, Nick; Mousoutzanis, Aris (eds.). The Science Fiction Handbook. Literature and Culture Handbooks. New York: Bloomsbury. p. 132. ISBN 978-1-4411-7096-5.

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