Overview: Genre Fiction

Many new fiction writers find it difficult to classify their work. They may not be familiar with genres, or their work may fit more than one genre. But successful submissions to the appropriate agents and publishers depends greatly on identification.

Here are resources that define genres:

•  List of Genres via Wikipedia
(Keep in mind this open source encyclopedia may change frequently. It also is not the end-all-be-all; for example, at the time this post was first written, slash fiction was not included under Erotica.)

•  Definitions Of Fiction Categories And Genres via Writers Digest University

•  Exploring the Different Types of Fiction - For Dummies
(Note in particular links to guilds/organizations for several genres listed)

There are sub-genres, too; some publishers specialize in niche publishing targeting these smaller categories.

•  Sub-genre definitions via Writers Digest

Understanding critics' analytical process when approaching genre fiction may also help in categorization.

•  Literature, Genre Fiction, and Standards of Criticism by James Harold, Mount Holyoke College via Nonsite.org

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This list of resources may be updated periodically. Hope these resources help you identify your writing for a successful submission!