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One of the first things a new writer needs to fully understand is the difference between Fiction and Non-Fiction Literature.

So, what is Fiction in Literature? The definition or meaning of Fiction in literature refers to a type of literary work that is made up or false, created from imagination, and not meant to depict truth or true events.  Literature can either be Fiction, created or fabricated by the author, or Non-fiction which is prose based on real events, people, or facts. 

Click here to earn more about the Meaning of Non-Fiction. (Add a link to the similar article for nonfiction)

In this article, we will take a deeper look at fiction in literature.

Where Does the Word Fiction Come From

When we look at the genesis of the word fiction it becomes clear that this class of literature is meant to describe stories of imagination and not those routed completely in fact.

The root of the word fiction can be traced back to 13 century Latin. The Latin word fictionem (nominative fictio) which meant “a fashioning or feigning,” noun of action from the past participle stem of fingere. Fingere meant “to shape, form, devise, or feign.” Originally used when referring to kneading a form out of clay.

This led the way to the 15 century., ficcioun, “that which is invented or imagined in the mind,” from Old French ficcion a“dissimulation, ruse; invention, fabrication.”

In the 1590s it began to mean a “prose works (not dramatic) of the imagination” that often included plays and poems.

A narrower sense of definition began in the early 19 Century, referring to “the part of literature comprising novels and short stories based on imagined scenes or characters”

The Different Formats of Fiction

Fiction can come in many different formats, these include:

  • novels
  • Novellas
  • short stories
  • fables
  • legends
  • myths
  • fairy tales
  • epic and narrative poetry
  • plays (including operas, musicals, dramas, puppet plays, and various kinds of theatrical dances)
  • comic books
  • animated cartoons
  • stop motions
  • anime
  • manga
  • films
  • video games
  • radio programs
  • television shows

Let’s define the most common written forms of fiction on the list so we are all on the same page with what these different literature fiction formats are.

Novels: A fictitious prose narrative of book length, usually defined at 50,000 words or more.

Short Stories: A work that is at least 2,000 words and usually under 7,500 words, however, there is no hard line between short story and novella length.

Novella: A fiction Novella is thought to be between 7,500 and 50,000 words.

What Are the Elements of Fiction

There are basic elements of fiction that you have at your disposal when writing your story. These elements are all essential in creating your story.

The main elements of Fiction are:

  • Character
  • Plot
  • Point of View
  • Setting
  • Theme
  • Style

Character:

If you ask me, Character is the most important element of fiction in any story. Every other element revolves around the character. The Characters are your reader’s conduit into the story they are about to embark on. As events in the plot happen, they take on meaning by how they affect your characters.

The point of view by which the story or events are seen is a direct reflection of your character. In order to make your story compelling, you need to have realistic characters. I know this may seem odd since we are talking about fiction, however, it is really important that you remember, while the events of the story are fictitious, the way your character reacts to these events must feel real and believable to have an impact.

Your characters should also have a character arc within your story, meaning they should change and grow throughout the book. Flat characters that are the same at the beginning as they are at the end of the story, will leave your readers feeling empty and unsatisfied.

Make sure you know your characters, their motivations, psychology, desires, and fears. This is crucial to creating entertaining and engaging characters.

Plot:

Plot refers to the serious of events that occur in your story. This is usually what creates the initial hook for your readers. The plot is essential to any work of fiction.  It can usually be broken up into 5 basic sections of your story.

  1. Exposition or introduction– establishes your character and setting. This can also be thought of as the status quo of the world as your reader is entering it.
  2. Rising Action– This is where the conflict of the plot is revealed and the stakes are raised for your character.
  3. Climax- This is the make-or-break moment in your story, where the tension is at it’s highest point along with the stakes for your character. This is also known as the turning point.
  4. Falling Action – Where your story is starting to wind down and active resolution is taking place.
  5. Resolution- During the resolution, every loose end has been tied up and the reader feels fulfilled that their questions have been answered.

Point of View:

Point of view will determine whose eyes the readers experience the story through. It will determine how much they will know about each character and the events that have occurred. Pick your point of view carefully and make sure you stay consistent throughout the story.

Setting:

The setting is the physical location where the story occurs. It can be real or made up. The setting is important because it can become as important or apparent as a character. It is the world in which your characters live will greatly affect how they act what they do.

Theme:

The theme is really important and every author should know their theme. Themes are what your story is really about and not explicitly stated in your story. The plot is what outwardly occurs, while you can think about the theme as commentary you as the author is making without expressly saying it.

Style:

You can think of style as your voice. It is made up of your tone, syntax, and word choice. Your style can be powerful and a drawing factor for your readers. There are no shortcuts for style, it will develop and change as you continue to write.

Considering the style of your fiction before your write is a great first step in improving it and helping it take shape throughout.

What is the Difference Between Literary Fiction and Genre Fiction

Literary Fiction

The definition of literary fiction has been a topic of debate by many authors, however, it is generally thought of as fiction that has literary merit. This is in comparison to genre fiction which is thought to be more commercial.

Literary fiction usually includes one or more of the following characteristics:

  • includes a deep reflection on the human condition, or political criticism or social commentary.
  • focus on an introspective character study of complex and fully developed characters whose inner stories drive the plot more than events
  • such a strong character-centric story that at times literary fiction has been criticised as finely written and deconstructed characters who done nothing beautifully.
  • pacing is sometimes slower than genre fiction, as it allows itself to dawdle for the sake of the art
  • literary fiction prides itself on the style and complexity of the writing, expressed by the elegance of its layered and lyrical writing.

Genre Fiction

Genre fiction is also known as popular fiction and considered separate from literary fiction. It is written specifically to fit into a pre-established plot-driven literary genre. The benefit of genre fiction is that you are writing to appeal to the fans and readers already familiar with that genre, which makes it easier to find your potential readers.

It’s important to remember that some writing is considered both literary and genre fiction.

Different Genres in Fiction

There are many different types of Fiction Genres, as they continuously change with the culture.  As you can imagine new genres are always being created.

Read our article on picking the right genre to write in.

Now let’s take a look at the different types of fiction genres and sub-genres.

Juvenile Fiction

Juvenile fiction is meant for children 0-11 years of age or preschool to 6th grade.

  • JUV000000     JUVENILE FICTION / General
  • JUV001000     JUVENILE FICTION / Action & Adventure / General
  • JUV001020     JUVENILE FICTION / Action & Adventure / Pirates
  • JUV001010     JUVENILE FICTION / Action & Adventure / Survival Stories
  • JUV054000     JUVENILE FICTION / Activity Books
  • JUV002000     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / General
  • JUV002010     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Alligators & Crocodiles
  • JUV002020     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Apes, Monkeys, etc.
  • JUV002370     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Baby Animals
  • JUV002030     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Bears
  • JUV002040     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Birds
  • JUV002300     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Butterflies, Moths & Caterpillars
  • JUV002050     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Cats
  • JUV002310     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Cows
  • JUV002290     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Deer, Moose & Caribou
  • JUV002060     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Dinosaurs & Prehistoric Creatures
  • JUV002070     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Dogs
  • JUV002270     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Dragons, Unicorns & Mythical
  • JUV002280     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Ducks, Geese, etc.
  • JUV002080     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Elephants
  • JUV002090     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Farm Animals
  • JUV002100     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Fishes
  • JUV002110     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Foxes
  • JUV002120     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Frogs & Toads
  • JUV002320     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Giraffes
  • JUV002330     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Hippos & Rhinos
  • JUV002130     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Horses
  • JUV002140     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Insects, Spiders, etc.
  • JUV002340     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Jungle Animals
  • JUV002350     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Kangaroos
  • JUV002150     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Lions, Tigers, Leopards, etc.
  • JUV002160     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Mammals
  • JUV002170     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Marine Life
  • JUV002180     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Mice, Hamsters, Guinea Pigs, etc.
  • JUV002360     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Nocturnal
  • JUV002190     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Pets
  • JUV002200     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Pigs
  • JUV002210     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Rabbits
  • JUV002220     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Reptiles & Amphibians
  • JUV002230     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Squirrels
  • JUV002240     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Turtles
  • JUV002250     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Wolves & Coyotes
  • JUV002260     JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Zoos
  • JUV003000     JUVENILE FICTION / Art & Architecture
  • JUV010000     JUVENILE FICTION / Bedtime & Dreams
  • JUV004000     JUVENILE FICTION / Biographical / General
  • JUV004050     JUVENILE FICTION / Biographical / Africa
  • JUV004060     JUVENILE FICTION / Biographical / Asia
  • JUV004040     JUVENILE FICTION / Biographical / Canada
  • JUV004010     JUVENILE FICTION / Biographical / Europe
  • JUV004070     JUVENILE FICTION / Biographical / Latin America
  • JUV004020     JUVENILE FICTION / Biographical / United States
  • JUV047000     JUVENILE FICTION / Books & Libraries
  • JUV005000     JUVENILE FICTION / Boys & Men
  • JUV006000     JUVENILE FICTION / Business, Careers, Occupations
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Celebrations see headings under Holidays & Celebrations
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Circus see Performing Arts / Circus
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / City Life see Lifestyles / City & Town Life
  • JUV007000     JUVENILE FICTION / Classics
  • JUV048000     JUVENILE FICTION / Clothing & Dress
  • JUV008000     JUVENILE FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / General
  • JUV008040     JUVENILE FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Action & Adventure
  • JUV008050     JUVENILE FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Animals
  • JUV008060     JUVENILE FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Classic Adaptation
  • JUV008070     JUVENILE FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Fairy Tales, Folklore, Legends & Mythology
  • JUV008080     JUVENILE FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Fantasy
  • JUV008090     JUVENILE FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Historical
  • JUV008100     JUVENILE FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Horror
  • JUV008110     JUVENILE FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Humorous
  • JUV008010     JUVENILE FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Manga
  • JUV008030     JUVENILE FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Media Tie-In
  • JUV008120     JUVENILE FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Mystery & Detective
  • JUV008130     JUVENILE FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Paranormal
  • JUV008140     JUVENILE FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Science Fiction
  • JUV008020     JUVENILE FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Superheroes
  • JUV049000     JUVENILE FICTION / Computers & Digital Media
  • JUV009000     JUVENILE FICTION / Concepts / General
  • JUV009010     JUVENILE FICTION / Concepts / Alphabet
  • JUV009120     JUVENILE FICTION / Concepts / Body
  • JUV009020     JUVENILE FICTION / Concepts / Colors
  • JUV009030     JUVENILE FICTION / Concepts / Counting & Numbers
  • JUV009070     JUVENILE FICTION / Concepts / Date & Time
  • JUV009090     JUVENILE FICTION / Concepts / Money
  • JUV009040     JUVENILE FICTION / Concepts / Opposites
  • JUV009100     JUVENILE FICTION / Concepts / Seasons
  • JUV009050     JUVENILE FICTION / Concepts / Senses & Sensation
  • JUV009060     JUVENILE FICTION / Concepts / Size & Shape
  • JUV009110     JUVENILE FICTION / Concepts / Sounds
  • JUV009080     JUVENILE FICTION / Concepts / Words
  • JUV050000     JUVENILE FICTION / Cooking & Food
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Country Life see Lifestyles / Country Life
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Crime see Law & Crime
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Detective Stories see Mysteries & Detective Stories
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Dolls see Toys, Dolls & Puppets
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Dreams see Bedtime & Dreams
  • JUV059000     JUVENILE FICTION / Dystopian
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Education see School & Education
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Ethnic see headings under People & Places
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Fables see headings under Legends, Myths, Fables
  • JUV012030     JUVENILE FICTION / Fairy Tales & Folklore / General
  • JUV012040     JUVENILE FICTION / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Adaptations
  • JUV012000     JUVENILE FICTION / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Anthologies
  • JUV012020     JUVENILE FICTION / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Country & Ethnic
  • JUV013000     JUVENILE FICTION / Family / General (see also headings under Social Themes)
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Family / Abuse see Social Themes / Physical & Emotional Abuse or Social Themes / Sexual Abuse
  • JUV013010     JUVENILE FICTION / Family / Adoption
  • JUV013090     JUVENILE FICTION / Family / Alternative Family
  • JUV013080     JUVENILE FICTION / Family / Blended Families
  • JUV013020     JUVENILE FICTION / Family / Marriage & Divorce
  • JUV013030     JUVENILE FICTION / Family / Multigenerational
  • JUV013040     JUVENILE FICTION / Family / New Baby
  • JUV013050     JUVENILE FICTION / Family / Orphans & Foster Homes
  • JUV013060     JUVENILE FICTION / Family / Parents
  • JUV013070     JUVENILE FICTION / Family / Siblings
  • JUV037000     JUVENILE FICTION / Fantasy & Magic
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Farm Life see Lifestyles / Farm & Ranch Life
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Folklore see headings under Fairy Tales & Folklore
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Games see Sports & Recreation / Games
  • JUV069000     JUVENILE FICTION / Ghost Stories
  • JUV014000     JUVENILE FICTION / Girls & Women
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Graphic Novels see headings under Comics & Graphic Novels
  • JUV015000     JUVENILE FICTION / Health & Daily Living / General
  • JUV015010     JUVENILE FICTION / Health & Daily Living / Daily Activities
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Health & Daily Living / Depression & Mental Illness see Social Themes / Depression & Mental Illness
  • JUV015020     JUVENILE FICTION / Health & Daily Living / Diseases, Illnesses & Injuries
  • JUV039170     JUVENILE FICTION / Health & Daily Living / Toilet Training
  • JUV016000     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / General
  • JUV016010     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / Africa
  • JUV016020     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / Ancient Civilizations
  • JUV016030     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / Asia
  • JUV016160     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / Canada / General
  • JUV016170     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / Canada / Pre-Confederation (to 1867)
  • JUV016180     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / Canada / Post-Confederation (1867-)
  • JUV016040     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / Europe
  • JUV016050     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / Exploration & Discovery
  • JUV016060     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / Holocaust
  • JUV016070     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / Medieval
  • JUV016210     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / Middle East
  • JUV016080     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / Military & Wars
  • JUV016090     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / Prehistory
  • JUV016100     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / Renaissance
  • JUV016110     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / United States / General
  • JUV016120     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / United States / Colonial & Revolutionary Periods
  • JUV016140     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / United States / 19th Century
  • JUV016200     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / United States / Civil War Period (1850-1877)
  • JUV016150     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / United States / 20th Century
  • JUV016190     JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / United States / 21st Century
  • JUV017000     JUVENILE FICTION / Holidays & Celebrations / General (see also Religious / Christian / Holidays & Celebrations)
  • JUV017100     JUVENILE FICTION / Holidays & Celebrations / Birthdays
  • JUV017010     JUVENILE FICTION / Holidays & Celebrations / Christmas & Advent
  • JUV017020     JUVENILE FICTION / Holidays & Celebrations / Easter & Lent
  • JUV017030     JUVENILE FICTION / Holidays & Celebrations / Halloween
  • JUV017110     JUVENILE FICTION / Holidays & Celebrations / Hanukkah
  • JUV017050     JUVENILE FICTION / Holidays & Celebrations / Kwanzaa
  • JUV017120     JUVENILE FICTION / Holidays & Celebrations / Passover
  • JUV017130     JUVENILE FICTION / Holidays & Celebrations / Patriotic Holidays
  • JUV017060     JUVENILE FICTION / Holidays & Celebrations / Thanksgiving
  • JUV017070     JUVENILE FICTION / Holidays & Celebrations / Valentine’s Day
  • JUV017080     JUVENILE FICTION / Holidays & Celebrations / Other, Non-Religious
  • JUV017090     JUVENILE FICTION / Holidays & Celebrations / Other, Religious
  • JUV018000     JUVENILE FICTION / Horror
  • JUV019000     JUVENILE FICTION / Humorous Stories
  • JUV051000     JUVENILE FICTION / Imagination & Play
  • JUV020000     JUVENILE FICTION / Interactive Adventures
  • JUV021000     JUVENILE FICTION / Law & Crime
  • JUV022000     JUVENILE FICTION / Legends, Myths, Fables / General
  • JUV012050     JUVENILE FICTION / Legends, Myths, Fables / African
  • JUV022010     JUVENILE FICTION / Legends, Myths, Fables / Arthurian
  • JUV012060     JUVENILE FICTION / Legends, Myths, Fables / Asian
  • JUV012070     JUVENILE FICTION / Legends, Myths, Fables / Caribbean & Latin American
  • JUV022020     JUVENILE FICTION / Legends, Myths, Fables / Greek & Roman
  • JUV012080     JUVENILE FICTION / Legends, Myths, Fables / Native American
  • JUV022030     JUVENILE FICTION / Legends, Myths, Fables / Norse
  • JUV060000     JUVENILE FICTION / LGBT
  • JUV023000     JUVENILE FICTION / Lifestyles / City & Town Life
  • JUV024000     JUVENILE FICTION / Lifestyles / Country Life
  • JUV025000     JUVENILE FICTION / Lifestyles / Farm & Ranch Life
  • JUV026000     JUVENILE FICTION / Love & Romance
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Magic see Fantasy & Magic
  • JUV072000     JUVENILE FICTION / Mathematics *
  • JUV027000     JUVENILE FICTION / Media Tie-In
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Medicine see headings under Health & Daily Living
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Men see Boys & Men
  • JUV066000     JUVENILE FICTION / Mermaids
  • JUV052000     JUVENILE FICTION / Monsters
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Music see Performing Arts / Music
  • JUV028000     JUVENILE FICTION / Mysteries & Detective Stories
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Myths see headings under Legends, Myths, Fables
  • JUV029000     JUVENILE FICTION / Nature & the Natural World / General (see also headings under Animals)
  • JUV029030     JUVENILE FICTION / Nature & the Natural World / Disasters *
  • JUV029010     JUVENILE FICTION / Nature & the Natural World / Environment
  • JUV029020     JUVENILE FICTION / Nature & the Natural World / Weather
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Night see Bedtime & Dreams
  • JUV055000     JUVENILE FICTION / Nursery Rhymes
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Occupations see Business, Careers, Occupations
  • JUV058000     JUVENILE FICTION / Paranormal, Occult & Supernatural
  • JUV030000     JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / General
  • JUV030010     JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / Africa
  • JUV030020     JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / Asia
  • JUV030080     JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / Australia & Oceania
  • JUV030030     JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / Canada / General
  • JUV030090     JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / Canada / Native Canadian
  • JUV030040     JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / Caribbean & Latin America
  • JUV030050     JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / Europe
  • JUV030100     JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / Mexico
  • JUV030110     JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / Middle East
  • JUV030120     JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / Polar Regions
  • JUV030060     JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / United States / General
  • JUV011010     JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / United States / African American
  • JUV011020     JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / United States / Asian American
  • JUV011030     JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / United States / Hispanic & Latino
  • JUV011040     JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / United States / Native American
  • JUV031000     JUVENILE FICTION / Performing Arts / General
  • JUV031010     JUVENILE FICTION / Performing Arts / Circus
  • JUV031020     JUVENILE FICTION / Performing Arts / Dance
  • JUV031030     JUVENILE FICTION / Performing Arts / Film
  • JUV031040     JUVENILE FICTION / Performing Arts / Music
  • JUV031050     JUVENILE FICTION / Performing Arts / Television & Radio
  • JUV031060     JUVENILE FICTION / Performing Arts / Theater
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Play see Imagination & Play
  • JUV070000     JUVENILE FICTION / Poetry (see also Stories in Verse)
  • JUV061000     JUVENILE FICTION / Politics & Government
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Puppets see Toys, Dolls & Puppets
  • JUV043000     JUVENILE FICTION / Readers / Beginner
  • JUV044000     JUVENILE FICTION / Readers / Intermediate
  • JUV045000     JUVENILE FICTION / Readers / Chapter Books
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Recreation see headings under Sports & Recreation
  • JUV063000     JUVENILE FICTION / Recycling & Green Living
  • JUV033000     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / General
  • JUV033250     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Buddhist
  • JUV033010     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / General
  • JUV033040     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / Action & Adventure
  • JUV033050     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / Animals
  • JUV033060     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / Bedtime & Dreams
  • JUV033070     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / Comics & Graphic Novels
  • JUV033080     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / Early Readers
  • JUV033090     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / Emotions & Feelings
  • JUV033100     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / Family
  • JUV033110     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / Fantasy & Science Fiction
  • JUV033120     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / Friendship
  • JUV033140     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / Historical
  • JUV033150     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / Holidays & Celebrations
  • JUV033160     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / Humorous
  • JUV033170     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / Learning Concepts
  • JUV033180     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / Mysteries & Detective Stories
  • JUV033190     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / People & Places
  • JUV033200     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / Relationships
  • JUV033220     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / Social Issues
  • JUV033230     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / Sports & Recreation
  • JUV033240     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Christian / Values & Virtues
  • JUV033260     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Hindu
  • JUV033020     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Jewish
  • JUV033270     JUVENILE FICTION / Religious / Muslim
  • JUV056000     JUVENILE FICTION / Robots
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Romance see Love & Romance
  • JUV034000     JUVENILE FICTION / Royalty
  • JUV035000     JUVENILE FICTION / School & Education
  • JUV036000     JUVENILE FICTION / Science & Technology
  • JUV053000     JUVENILE FICTION / Science Fiction
  • JUV038000     JUVENILE FICTION / Short Stories
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Sleeping see Bedtime & Dreams
  • JUV039000     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / General (see also headings under Family)
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Abuse see Social Themes / Physical & Emotional Abuse or Social Themes / Sexual Abuse
  • JUV039020     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Adolescence
  • JUV039230     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Bullying
  • JUV039190     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Dating & Relationships
  • JUV039030     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Death & Dying
  • JUV039240     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Depression & Mental Illness
  • JUV039040     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Drugs, Alcohol, Substance Abuse
  • JUV039250     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Emigration & Immigration
  • JUV039050     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Emotions & Feelings
  • JUV039060     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Friendship
  • JUV039070     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Homelessness & Poverty
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Homosexuality see LGBT
  • JUV039200     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Manners & Etiquette
  • JUV039090     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / New Experience
  • JUV039100     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Peer Pressure
  • JUV039010     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Physical & Emotional Abuse (see also Social Themes / Sexual Abuse)
  • JUV039120     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Prejudice & Racism
  • JUV039280     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Religion & Faith
  • JUV039130     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Runaways
  • JUV039140     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
  • JUV039210     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Sexual Abuse
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Sexuality see Social Themes / Dating & Relationships
  • JUV039150     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Special Needs
  • JUV039270     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Strangers
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Substance Abuse see Social Themes / Drugs, Alcohol, Substance Abuse
  • JUV039220     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Values & Virtues
  • JUV039180     JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Violence
  • JUV032000     JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / General
  • JUV032010     JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Baseball & Softball
  • JUV032020     JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Basketball
  • JUV032170     JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Camping & Outdoor Activities
  • JUV032180     JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Cycling
  • JUV032090     JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Equestrian
  • JUV032100     JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Extreme Sports
  • JUV032030     JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Football
  • JUV032040     JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Games
  • JUV032190     JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Golf
  • JUV032200     JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Gymnastics
  • JUV032110     JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Hockey
  • JUV032120     JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Ice Skating
  • JUV032070     JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts
  • JUV032140     JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Skateboarding
  • JUV032150     JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Soccer
  • JUV032210     JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Track & Field
  • JUV032060     JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Water Sports
  • JUV032080     JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Winter Sports
  • JUV032160     JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Wrestling
  • JUV062000     JUVENILE FICTION / Steampunk
  • JUV057000     JUVENILE FICTION / Stories in Verse (see also Poetry)
  • JUV071000     JUVENILE FICTION / Superheroes
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Technology see Science & Technology
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Television Tie-In see Media Tie-In
  • JUV067000     JUVENILE FICTION / Thrillers & Suspense
  • JUV064000     JUVENILE FICTION / Time Travel
  •                       JUVENILE FICTION / Town Life see Lifestyles / City & Town Life
  • JUV040000     JUVENILE FICTION / Toys, Dolls & Puppets
  • JUV041000     JUVENILE FICTION / Transportation / General
  • JUV041010     JUVENILE FICTION / Transportation / Aviation
  • JUV041020     JUVENILE FICTION / Transportation / Boats, Ships & Underwater Craft
  • JUV041030     JUVENILE FICTION / Transportation / Cars & Trucks
  • JUV041050     JUVENILE FICTION / Transportation / Railroads & Trains
  • JUV068000     JUVENILE FICTION / Travel
  • JUV046000     JUVENILE FICTION / Visionary & Metaphysical
  • JUV042000     JUVENILE FICTION / Westerns

Young Adult Fiction Genre

This is literature written for young adults between 12-18 years old or grades 7-12.

  • YAF000000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / General
  • YAF001000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Action & Adventure / General
  • YAF001010    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Action & Adventure / Pirates
  • YAF001020    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Action & Adventure / Survival Stories
  • YAF071000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Alternative History *
  • YAF002000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Animals / General
  • YAF002010    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Animals / Horses
  • YAF002020    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Animals / Marine Life
  • YAF002030    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Animals / Mythical Creatures
  • YAF002040    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Animals / Pets
  • YAF003000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Apocalyptic & Post-Apocalyptic
  • YAF004000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Art
  • YAF005000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Biographical
  • YAF006000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Books & Libraries
  • YAF007000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Boys & Men
  • YAF008000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Careers, Occupations, Internships
  • YAF009000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Classics
  • YAF010000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / General
  • YAF010050    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Action & Adventure
  • YAF010060    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Classic Adaptation
  • YAF010070    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Coming of Age
  • YAF010080    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Dystopian
  • YAF010090    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Fairy Tales, Folklore, Legends & Mythology
  • YAF010100    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Fantasy
  • YAF010110    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Historical
  • YAF010120    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Horror
  • YAF010130    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Humorous
  • YAF010140    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / LGBT
  • YAF010010    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Manga
  • YAF010020    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Media Tie-In
  • YAF010150    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Mystery & Detective
  • YAF010160    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Paranormal
  • YAF010170    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Romance
  • YAF010030    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Science Fiction
  • YAF010040    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Comics & Graphic Novels / Superheroes
  • YAF011000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Coming of Age
  • YAF012000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Computers & Digital Media
  • YAF013000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Cooking & Food
  • YAF014000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Diversity & Multicultural
  • YAF015000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Dystopian
  • YAF016000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Epistolary (Letters & Diaries)
  • YAF017000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Fairy Tales & Folklore / General
  • YAF017010    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Adaptations
  • YAF017020    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Anthologies
  • YAF017030    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Country & Ethnic
  • YAF018000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Family / General (see also headings under Social Themes)
  • YAF018010    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Family / Adoption
  • YAF018020    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Family / Alternative Family
  • YAF018080    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Family / Blended Families
  • YAF018030    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Family / Marriage & Divorce
  • YAF018040    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Family / Multigenerational
  • YAF018050    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Family / Orphans & Foster Homes
  • YAF018060    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Family / Parents
  • YAF018070    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Family / Siblings
  • YAF019000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Fantasy / General
  • YAF019010    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Fantasy / Contemporary
  • YAF019020    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Fantasy / Dark Fantasy
  • YAF019030    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Fantasy / Epic
  • YAF019040    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Fantasy / Historical
  • YAF019050    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Fantasy / Wizards & Witches
  • YAF020000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Fashion & Beauty
  • YAF021000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Ghost Stories
  • YAF022000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Girls & Women
  • YAF023000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Health & Daily Living / General
  • YAF023010    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Health & Daily Living / Diseases, Illnesses & Injuries
  • YAF024000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Historical / General
  • YAF024010    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Historical / Africa
  • YAF024020    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Historical / Ancient Civilizations
  • YAF024030    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Historical / Asia
  • YAF024040    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Historical / Canada
  • YAF024050    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Historical / Europe
  • YAF024060    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Historical / Exploration & Discovery
  • YAF024070    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Historical / Holocaust
  • YAF024080    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Historical / Medieval
  • YAF024090    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Historical / Middle East
  • YAF024100    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Historical / Military & Wars
  • YAF024110    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Historical / Prehistory
  • YAF024120    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Historical / Renaissance
  • YAF024130    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Historical / United States / General
  • YAF024140    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Historical / United States / Colonial & Revolutionary Periods
  • YAF024150    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Historical / United States / 19th Century
  • YAF024160    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Historical / United States / Civil War Period (1850-1877)
  • YAF024170    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Historical / United States / 20th Century
  • YAF024180    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Historical / United States / 21st Century
  • YAF025000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Holidays & Celebrations
  • YAF026000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Horror
  • YAF027000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Humorous / General
  • YAF027010    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Humorous / Black Comedy
  • YAF028000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Interactive Adventures
  • YAF029000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Law & Crime
  • YAF030000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Legends, Myths, Fables / General
  • YAF030010    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Legends, Myths, Fables / Arthurian
  • YAF030020    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Legends, Myths, Fables / Greek & Roman
  • YAF031000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / LGBT
  • YAF032000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Lifestyles / City & Town Life
  • YAF033000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Lifestyles / Country Life
  • YAF034000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Lifestyles / Farm & Ranch Life
  • YAF035000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Light Novel (Ranobe)
  • YAF036000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Literary
  • YAF037000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Loners & Outcasts
  • YAF038000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Magical Realism
  • YAF039000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Media Tie-In
  • YAF040000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Mermaids
  • YAF041000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Monsters
  • YAF042000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Mysteries & Detective Stories
  • YAF043000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Nature & the Natural World / General (see also headings under Animals)
  • YAF043010    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Nature & the Natural World / Environment
  • YAF044000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Novels in Verse
  • YAF045000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Paranormal, Occult & Supernatural
  • YAF046000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / People & Places / General
  • YAF046010    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / People & Places / Aboriginal & Indigenous
  • YAF046020    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / People & Places / Africa
  • YAF046030    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / People & Places / Asia
  • YAF046040    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / People & Places / Australia & Oceania
  • YAF046050    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / People & Places / Canada
  • YAF046060    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / People & Places / Caribbean & Latin America
  • YAF046070    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / People & Places / Europe
  • YAF046080    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / People & Places / Mexico
  • YAF046090    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / People & Places / Middle East
  • YAF046100    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / People & Places / Polar Regions
  • YAF046110    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / People & Places / United States / General
  • YAF046120    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / People & Places / United States / African American
  • YAF046130    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / People & Places / United States / Asian American
  • YAF046140    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / People & Places / United States / Hispanic & Latino
  • YAF046150    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / People & Places / United States / Native American
  • YAF047000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Performing Arts / General
  • YAF047010    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Performing Arts / Dance
  • YAF047020    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Performing Arts / Film
  • YAF047030    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Performing Arts / Music
  • YAF047040    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Performing Arts / Television & Radio
  • YAF047050    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Performing Arts / Theater & Musicals
  • YAF048000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Poetry
  • YAF049000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Politics & Government
  • YAF050000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Recycling & Green Living
  • YAF051000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Religious / General
  • YAF051010    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Religious / Agnostic & Atheist
  • YAF051020    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Religious / Buddhist
  • YAF051030    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Religious / Christian / General
  • YAF051040    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Religious / Christian / Action & Adventure
  • YAF051050    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Religious / Christian / Comics & Graphic Novels
  • YAF051060    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Religious / Christian / Fantasy
  • YAF051070    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Religious / Christian / Historical
  • YAF051080    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Religious / Christian / Mysteries & Detective Stories
  • YAF051090    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Religious / Christian / Relationships
  • YAF051100    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Religious / Christian / Science Fiction
  • YAF051110    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Religious / Christian / Social Issues
  • YAF051120    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Religious / Hindu
  • YAF051130    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Religious / Jewish
  • YAF051140    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Religious / Muslim
  • YAF052000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Romance / General
  • YAF052010    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Romance / Clean & Wholesome
  • YAF052020    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Romance / Contemporary
  • YAF052030    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Romance / Historical
  • YAF052040    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Romance / LGBT
  • YAF052050    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Romance / Paranormal
  • YAF052060    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Romance / Romantic Comedy
  • YAF053000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Royalty
  • YAF027020    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Satire
  • YAF054000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / School & Education / General
  • YAF054010    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / School & Education / Boarding School & Prep School
  • YAF054020    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / School & Education / College & University
  • YAF055000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Science & Technology
  • YAF056000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Science Fiction / General
  • YAF056010    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Science Fiction / Alien Contact
  • YAF056020    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Science Fiction / Space Opera
  • YAF057000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Short Stories
  • YAF058000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / General (see also headings under Family)
  • YAF058010    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Assimilation
  • YAF058020    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Bullying
  • YAF058030    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Class Differences
  • YAF058040    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Dating & Sex
  • YAF058050    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Death & Dying
  • YAF058060    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Depression
  • YAF058070    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Disabilities & Special Needs
  • YAF058080    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Drugs, Alcohol, Substance Abuse
  • YAF058090    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Eating Disorders & Body Image
  • YAF058100    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Emigration & Immigration
  • YAF058110    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Emotions & Feelings
  • YAF058120    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Friendship
  • YAF058130    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Homelessness & Poverty
  • YAF058140    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Mental Illness
  • YAF058150    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / New Experience
  • YAF058160    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Peer Pressure
  • YAF058170    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Physical & Emotional Abuse (see also Social Themes / Sexual Abuse)
  • YAF058180    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Pregnancy
  • YAF058190    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Prejudice & Racism
  • YAF058200    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Religion & Faith
  • YAF058210    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Runaways
  • YAF058220    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
  • YAF058230    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Self-Mutilation
  • YAF058240    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Sexual Abuse
  • YAF058250    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Suicide
  • YAF058260    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Values & Virtues
  • YAF058270    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Violence
  • YAF059000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Sports & Recreation / General
  • YAF059010    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Baseball & Softball
  • YAF059020    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Basketball
  • YAF059030    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Camping & Outdoor Activities
  • YAF059040    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Equestrian
  • YAF059050    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Extreme Sports
  • YAF059060    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Football
  • YAF059070    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Gymnastics
  • YAF059080    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Hockey
  • YAF059090    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts
  • YAF059100    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Skateboarding
  • YAF059110    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Soccer
  • YAF059120    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Track & Field
  • YAF059130    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Water Sports
  • YAF059140    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Winter Sports
  • YAF060000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Steampunk
  • YAF061000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Superheroes
  • YAF062000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Thrillers & Suspense
  • YAF063000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Time Travel
  • YAF064000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Travel & Transportation / General
  • YAF064010    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Travel & Transportation / Car & Road Trips
  • YAF065000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Vampires
  • YAF066000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Visionary & Metaphysical
  • YAF067000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / War & Military
  • YAF068000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Werewolves & Shifters
  • YAF069000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Westerns
  • YAF070000    YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Zombies

Fiction Genres and Sub-Genres

Here is a list of Fiction Genres with their BISAC codes.

  • FIC000000      FICTION / General
  • FIC064000      FICTION / Absurdist
  • FIC002000      FICTION / Action & Adventure
  •                           FICTION / Adventure see Action & Adventure
  • FIC049000      FICTION / African American / General
  • FIC049010      FICTION / African American / Christian
  • FIC049030      FICTION / African American / Erotica
  • FIC049040      FICTION / African American / Historical
  • FIC049050      FICTION / African American / Mystery & Detective
  • FIC049070      FICTION / African American / Urban
  • FIC049020      FICTION / African American / Women
  • FIC040000      FICTION / Alternative History
  • FIC053000      FICTION / Amish & Mennonite
  • FIC067000      FICTION / Animals
  • FIC003000      FICTION / Anthologies (multiple authors)
  • FIC054000      FICTION / Asian American
  • FIC041000      FICTION / Biographical
  • FIC042000      FICTION / Christian / General
  • FIC042010      FICTION / Christian / Classic & Allegory
  • FIC042050      FICTION / Christian / Collections & Anthologies
  • FIC042080      FICTION / Christian / Fantasy
  • FIC042020      FICTION / Christian / Futuristic
  • FIC042030      FICTION / Christian / Historical
  • FIC042040      FICTION / Christian / Romance
  • FIC042060      FICTION / Christian / Suspense
  • FIC042070      FICTION / Christian / Western
  • FIC069000      FICTION / City Life *
  • FIC004000      FICTION / Classics
  • FIC043000      FICTION / Coming of Age
  • FIC050000      FICTION / Crime
  • FIC051000      FICTION / Cultural Heritage
  • FIC070000      FICTION / Disaster *
  • FIC055000      FICTION / Dystopian
  • FIC065000      FICTION / Epistolary
  • FIC005000      FICTION / Erotica / General
  • FIC005010      FICTION / Erotica / BDSM
  • FIC005020      FICTION / Erotica / Collections & Anthologies
  • FIC005030      FICTION / Erotica / Gay
  • FIC005060      FICTION / Erotica / Historical
  • FIC005040      FICTION / Erotica / Lesbian
  • FIC005050      FICTION / Erotica / Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror
  • FIC010000      FICTION / Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Legends & Mythology
  • FIC045000      FICTION / Family Life / General
  • FIC045010      FICTION / Family Life / Marriage & Divorce *
  • FIC045020      FICTION / Family Life / Siblings *
  •                       FICTION / Family Saga see Sagas
  • FIC009000      FICTION / Fantasy / General
  • FIC009100      FICTION / Fantasy / Action & Adventure
  • FIC009110      FICTION / Fantasy / Arthurian
  • FIC009040      FICTION / Fantasy / Collections & Anthologies
  • FIC009010      FICTION / Fantasy / Contemporary
  • FIC009070      FICTION / Fantasy / Dark Fantasy
  • FIC009120      FICTION / Fantasy / Dragons & Mythical Creatures
  • FIC009020      FICTION / Fantasy / Epic
  • FIC009130      FICTION / Fantasy / Gaslamp
  • FIC009030      FICTION / Fantasy / Historical
  • FIC009080      FICTION / Fantasy / Humorous
  • FIC009140      FICTION / Fantasy / Military
  • FIC009050      FICTION / Fantasy / Paranormal
  • FIC009090      FICTION / Fantasy / Romantic
  • FIC009060      FICTION / Fantasy / Urban
  •                       FICTION / Folklore see Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Legends & Mythology
  • FIC071000      FICTION / Friendship *
  • FIC012000      FICTION / Ghost
  • FIC027040      FICTION / Gothic
  •                       FICTION / Graphic Novels see headings under COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS
  • FIC056000      FICTION / Hispanic & Latino
  • FIC014000      FICTION / Historical / General
  • FIC014010      FICTION / Historical / Ancient *
  • FIC014020      FICTION / Historical / Medieval *
  • FIC014030      FICTION / Historical / Renaissance *
  • FIC014040      FICTION / Historical / World War I *
  • FIC014050      FICTION / Historical / World War II *
  • FIC058000      FICTION / Holidays
  • FIC015000      FICTION / Horror
  • FIC016000      FICTION / Humorous / General
  • FIC060000      FICTION / Humorous / Black Humor
  • FIC046000      FICTION / Jewish
  • FIC034000      FICTION / Legal
  • FIC068000      FICTION / LGBT / General
  • FIC072000      FICTION / LGBT / Bisexual *
  • FIC011000      FICTION / LGBT / Gay
  • FIC018000      FICTION / LGBT / Lesbian
  • FIC073000      FICTION / LGBT / Transgender *
  • FIC019000      FICTION / Literary
  • FIC061000      FICTION / Magical Realism
  • FIC057000      FICTION / Mashups
  • FIC021000      FICTION / Media Tie-In
  • FIC035000      FICTION / Medical
  •                       FICTION / Metaphysical see Visionary & Metaphysical
  • FIC022000      FICTION / Mystery & Detective / General
  • FIC022100      FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Amateur Sleuth
  • FIC022050      FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Collections & Anthologies
  • FIC022070      FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Cozy / General
  • FIC022110      FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Cozy / Cats & Dogs *
  • FIC022120      FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Cozy / Crafts *
  • FIC022130      FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Cozy / Culinary *
  • FIC022010      FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Hard-Boiled
  • FIC022060      FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Historical
  • FIC022080      FICTION / Mystery & Detective / International Mystery & Crime
  • FIC022020      FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Police Procedural
  • FIC022090      FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Private Investigators
  • FIC022030      FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Traditional
  • FIC022040      FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Women Sleuths
  •                       FICTION / Mythology see Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Legends & Mythology
  • FIC059000      FICTION / Native American & Aboriginal
  • FIC062000      FICTION / Noir
  • FIC024000      FICTION / Occult & Supernatural
  • FIC037000      FICTION / Political
  • FIC025000      FICTION / Psychological
  • FIC026000      FICTION / Religious
  • FIC027000      FICTION / Romance / General
  • FIC027260      FICTION / Romance / Action & Adventure
  • FIC049060      FICTION / Romance / African American
  • FIC027340      FICTION / Romance / Billionaires *
  • FIC027270      FICTION / Romance / Clean & Wholesome
  • FIC027080      FICTION / Romance / Collections & Anthologies
  • FIC027020      FICTION / Romance / Contemporary
  • FIC027010      FICTION / Romance / Erotica
  • FIC027030      FICTION / Romance / Fantasy
  • FIC027350      FICTION / Romance / Firefighters *
  • FIC027050      FICTION / Romance / Historical / General
  • FIC027360      FICTION / Romance / Historical / American *
  • FIC027140      FICTION / Romance / Historical / Ancient World
  • FIC027150      FICTION / Romance / Historical / Medieval
  • FIC027070      FICTION / Romance / Historical / Regency
  • FIC027370      FICTION / Romance / Historical / Renaissance *
  • FIC027160      FICTION / Romance / Historical / Scottish
  • FIC027280      FICTION / Romance / Historical / Tudor
  • FIC027200      FICTION / Romance / Historical / 20th Century
  • FIC027170      FICTION / Romance / Historical / Victorian
  • FIC027180      FICTION / Romance / Historical / Viking
  • FIC027290      FICTION / Romance / Holiday
  • FIC027380      FICTION / Romance / Later in Life *
  • FIC027300      FICTION / Romance / LGBT / General
  • FIC027390      FICTION / Romance / LGBT / Bisexual *
  • FIC027190      FICTION / Romance / LGBT / Gay
  • FIC027210      FICTION / Romance / LGBT / Lesbian
  • FIC027400      FICTION / Romance / LGBT / Transgender *
  • FIC027410      FICTION / Romance / Medical *
  • FIC027220      FICTION / Romance / Military
  • FIC027230      FICTION / Romance / Multicultural & Interracial
  • FIC027240      FICTION / Romance / New Adult
  • FIC027120      FICTION / Romance / Paranormal / General
  • FIC027310      FICTION / Romance / Paranormal / Shifters
  • FIC027320      FICTION / Romance / Paranormal / Vampires
  • FIC027420      FICTION / Romance / Police & Law Enforcement *
  • FIC027250      FICTION / Romance / Romantic Comedy
  • FIC027130      FICTION / Romance / Science Fiction
  • FIC027330      FICTION / Romance / Sports
  • FIC027110      FICTION / Romance / Suspense
  • FIC027090      FICTION / Romance / Time Travel
  • FIC027100      FICTION / Romance / Western
  • FIC027430      FICTION / Romance / Workplace *
  • FIC008000      FICTION / Sagas
  • FIC052000      FICTION / Satire
  • FIC028000      FICTION / Science Fiction / General
  • FIC028010      FICTION / Science Fiction / Action & Adventure
  • FIC028090      FICTION / Science Fiction / Alien Contact
  •                       FICTION / Science Fiction / Alternative History see Alternative History
  • FIC028070      FICTION / Science Fiction / Apocalyptic & Post-Apocalyptic
  • FIC028040      FICTION / Science Fiction / Collections & Anthologies
  • FIC028100      FICTION / Science Fiction / Cyberpunk
  • FIC028110      FICTION / Science Fiction / Genetic Engineering
  • FIC028020      FICTION / Science Fiction / Hard Science Fiction
  • FIC028120      FICTION / Science Fiction / Humorous
  • FIC028050      FICTION / Science Fiction / Military
  • FIC028130      FICTION / Science Fiction / Space Exploration
  • FIC028030      FICTION / Science Fiction / Space Opera
  • FIC028060      FICTION / Science Fiction / Steampunk
  • FIC028080      FICTION / Science Fiction / Time Travel
  • FIC047000      FICTION / Sea Stories
  •                            FICTION / Short Stories (multiple authors) see Anthologies (multiple authors)
  • FIC029000      FICTION / Short Stories (single author)
  • FIC066000      FICTION / Small Town & Rural
  • FIC074000      FICTION / Southern *
  • FIC038000      FICTION / Sports
  • FIC063000      FICTION / Superheroes
  •                           FICTION / Television Tie-in see Media Tie-In
  • FIC031000      FICTION / Thrillers / General
  • FIC031010      FICTION / Thrillers / Crime
  • FIC031100      FICTION / Thrillers / Domestic *
  • FIC006000      FICTION / Thrillers / Espionage
  • FIC031020      FICTION / Thrillers / Historical
  • FIC031030      FICTION / Thrillers / Legal
  • FIC031040      FICTION / Thrillers / Medical
  • FIC031050      FICTION / Thrillers / Military
  • FIC031060      FICTION / Thrillers / Political
  • FIC031080      FICTION / Thrillers / Psychological
  • FIC031070      FICTION / Thrillers / Supernatural
  • FIC030000      FICTION / Thrillers / Suspense
  • FIC036000      FICTION / Thrillers / Technological
  • FIC031090      FICTION / Thrillers / Terrorism
  • FIC048000      FICTION / Urban
  • FIC039000      FICTION / Visionary & Metaphysical
  • FIC032000      FICTION / War & Military
  • FIC033000      FICTION / Westerns
  • FIC044000      FICTION / Women

Complete 2017 BISAC Subject Headings here 

Most self-published fiction authors will publish on Amazon, so feel free to browse their best sellers by category for more insight into fiction genre options, and to read books in whatever genre you are thinking about writing in.

Top Selling Fiction Books with over 100 Million Copies Sold

  • Lord of the Rings by J . R. R. Tolkien – 150 Million Copies Sold
  • Le Petit Prince (The Little Prince) by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry- 140 Million Copies Sold
  • Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling- 120 Million Copies Sold
  • The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien – 100 Million copies sold
  • And then there were none- Agatha Christie – 100 Million copies sold
  • Dream of the Red Chamber -Cao Xueqin- 100 million copies sold
  • Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland- Lewis Carroll – 100 million copies sold

The conclusion of our Fiction Guide.

I hope you have enjoyed our article. You should now have a good understanding of the definition of fiction, its elements, and it’s different genres.

Thank you for reading and Writing!