If you’re a novelist, it doesn’t matter how compelling your story is or how clean your writing is. You won’t get a literary agent to represent you unless you categorize your book correctly. Label your novel with the wrong book genre(s) in your query letter and you run the risk of getting “false positives” that will only lead to rejection.
In other words, if you unwittingly submit your query to the wrong agents and they ask you for more material, they’re going to reject it when they realize your book isn’t what you said it is. And, those agents probably won’t tell you why they’re rejecting your book.
You might think it’s your story or your writing style.
But you might have just gotten
your book genre wrong.
Since identifying the right book genre(s) is easier said than done, I’ve written this article to help you avoid the most common book genre mistake that I see every week as an author coach and consultant. That mistake is… confusing the major fiction categories: Commercial Fiction, Mainstream Fiction, General Fiction, and Literary Fiction.
So, scroll below now to find out what
your book really is—and isn’t.
You might be
surprised…
* * *
Literary Fiction Definition
Books in the Literary Fiction genre tend to be more “sophisticated” than books that are simply labeled as Commercial, Mainstream, or General Fiction. Examples of Literary Fiction authors include Barbara Kingsolver, John LeCarre, and Toni Morrison.
Literary Fiction often has several or all of the following characteristics: slower-paced, advanced vocabulary, poetic or flowery language, longer and more complex sentences, unusual story structure and/or writing style, character-driven instead of plot-driven, complex themes, highly original and/or intellectual ideas, and not-so-simple and/or less-than-happy endings.
Unfortunately, some Literary Fiction authors put too much emphasis on their writing style. When that happens, the story suffers–and so does the reader. Most readers don’t want to read a sentence that’s half a page long. They don’t want to read a sentence five times and still be unsure what it means. And they don’t want to use a dictionary every five minutes.
Think of it this way…
A badly written literary novel is like a good-looking person without any character. That type of person and that type of book might be interesting for a few seconds, but that’s about it. If you’re an author and you want to write “smart” fiction, please do. But try to write a novel that straddles the commercial/literary boundary.
That’s the best of
both worlds.
* * *
Commercial Fiction Definition
Some people use the term Commercial Fiction as a compliment; others use it as an insult (usually just Literary Fiction snobs).
Commercial Fiction is fiction with broad appeal and the potential to sell lots of copies. In other words, Commercial Fiction is written in a way (story and style) that’s accessible and likely to be enjoyed by the average reader. Examples of Commercial Fiction authors include Dan Brown, J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter), John Grisham, and Stephen King. Commercial Fiction books often fit into Commercial Fiction sub-genres such as Mystery, Horror, Romance, Fantasy, Science Fiction, etc.
Successful authors of Commercial Fiction sub-genres like those listed above are familiar with the conventions of their genre and they don’t stray very far from them. Readers of Commercial Fiction sub-genres expect certain things and, if you know what’s good for you, you’ll give it to them. For example, if you’re writing a Commercial Romance novel, you better not kill off one of your lovers a third of the way through your book.
Commercial Fiction isn’t necessarily less intelligent than Literary Fiction. It’s simply easier to read and more relatable. Commercial Fiction can be smart or “upmarket” writing that’s rich and meaningful. When compared to Literary Fiction, however, Commercial Fiction is more plot-driven and faster-paced, and more action takes place. That’s why Commercial Fiction is easier to adapt to feature film.
Commercial Fiction usually deals with fairly simple or straightforward themes that are universal. And, Commercial Fiction often appeals to readers of all ages. Harry Potter is a good example because J.K. Rowling included characters of all ages that readers of all ages could relate to.
* * *
Mainstream Fiction Definition
Mainstream Fiction has a lot in common with Commercial Fiction, but the term “Mainstream Fiction” is never used in a derogatory manner.
So, what’s the difference between the two?
Mainstream Fiction books don’t fit neatly into a Commercial Fiction sub-genre such as Mystery, Horror, Romance, etc. One of the reasons is that Mainstream Fiction is less formulaic or predictable than Commercial Fiction when it comes to the plot, themes, or characters. As a result, Mainstream Fiction tends to be a bit more original, thought provoking, and meaningful—but not always.
* * *
General Fiction Definition
General Fiction can mean two different things.
When literary agents say they’re interested in “General Fiction” they sometimes mean they’re generalists, eclectic and open to any type of well-written novel.
Other times, book agents who say they’re interested in General Fiction mean they’re interested in novels that combine or cross book genres and don’t fit cleanly into one category.
* * *
Putting It All Together – What Genre Is Your Book?
If you’re struggling to figure out which genre(s) your book fits into, you’re not alone. Look up any book on Amazon.com and BN.com and you’ll probably see subtle (or dramatic) differences in how the book is classified.
That’s because there’s often more than one way to correctly label a book. And because book genre definitions are impossible to define perfectly. Publishing professionals, at the highest level, often disagree about the definitions. Like so many other things in publishing, they’re subjective.
If you want help figuring out the best way to position your book… with the goal of securing a top literary agent, publisher, and book deal… click here now to see how you can schedule an Introductory Coaching Call with me.
Before we get on the phone (or Skype if you’re not in the United States), I’ll review any/all of the following that you have available and help you improve them (query letter, synopsis, book proposal, sample pages, etc.). Of course I’ll answer any questions that you have during our time together as well.
Remember…
Getting published isn’t luck,
it’s a decision.
All my best,
– Mark
* * *
* * *
MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children's books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company 
MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children's books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company 
WOW and thank you. This was insightful.
Roberta
Thank you Roberta and I’m glad the article was helpful.
Have a great day, and week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
hi Mr.Mark, i’m Ahmed from Morocco, i really didn’t find a way to communicate with an agent, i have a book, an big idea. even for Morocco, the first language is french in this country, but i began to write the story in english… i can’t find any publisher, would you help please, i need your experience;THANK YOU
Hi Ahmed,
Most literary agents in the United States will consider any book if it has appeal for the American market. In other words, the primary focus and value of the work needs to include content that an American reader can relate to. As long as you do that, you can write about anything, anyone, and anyplace.
Also, if you haven’t already done so, make sure you click here to access to all the valuable resources I have about getting an agent in my private, members-only area (no charge): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. Once you’ve entered your name and email address there, click on the link that says, “Audio Training Library”. Then you’ll see my main audio training (and text transcript), which reveals the 7 Insider Secrets You Need to Know to Get a Top Literary Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal.
If you want help with anything else, you can post questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. You can also (if you haven’t done so already) get access (no cost) to all the valuable resources in our private, members-only area here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
Have a great day, and weekend!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Your post was quite informative. I hope you’ll check out my book’s website: finishingschool.info. I believe it’s mainstream fiction rather than commercial fiction because the book does not fit into any of the sub-genres. It is, however, controversial and trendy regarding public education in the U.S. today.
Thanks,
TL Zempel
Hi TerryLynn, and thank you… love your cover… took a quick peek.
When it comes to book genres, I often tell my coaching clients they’ll need to call their book different things… depending on who they’re pitching. Some books could be categorized in more ways than one, and that’s good news since that means more agents to pitch to. Those labels sometimes include the broader genres… as you know… of commercial fiction, mainstream fiction, and general fiction.
Take a look at these articles as well, they might help: http://book-genres.com (my website devoted to book genre definitions), along with this article about which book genres are “best”: https://literary-agents.com/book-genres/.
If you want help with anything else, you can post questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. You can also (if you haven’t done so already) get access (no cost) to all the valuable resources in our private, members-only area here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
Have a great week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
hello mark,i find this this very helpful but,i am a first time writer and dot know were to go or what to do,i know i need an agent but don’t know how to get one,like i said(first time writer)commercial writing it’s what i do.
Hi Roberto,
Thank you, and no problem…
The first thing you should do (if you haven’t already) is click here to access to all the valuable resources I have about getting an agent in my private, members-only area (no charge): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. Once you’ve entered your name and email address there, click on the link that says, “Audio Training Library”. Then you’ll see my main audio training (and text transcript), which reveals the 7 Insider Secrets You Need to Know to Get a Top Literary Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal.
If you want help with anything else, you can post questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
Have a great week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
My dilemma is I wrote two good screenplays and since I don’t live in L.A. I was told not to expect an L.A. agent. Can I turn the screenplays into a book? Is that a stupid idea?
It’s a great idea… IF… you also want to write novels.
If you do, it doubles your chances of getting what you want, so why not?
If you want help with anything else, you can post questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
Have a good night!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Useful article. Thanks.
Thank you Richard, and my apologies for being so slow getting back to you. Right after you posted your comment, I had some website issues that caused me some problems. But now I’m back. I appreciate the the kind words… and I’m glad you found the article helpful.
When it comes to book genres, I often tell my coaching clients they’ll need to call their book different things… depending on who they’re pitching. Some books could be categorized in more ways than one, and that’s good news since that means more agents to pitch to. Those labels sometimes include the broader genres of commercial fiction, mainstream fiction, and general fiction as well.
Take a look at these things too if you haven’t seen them yet: http://book-genres.com (my website devoted to book genre definitions), along with this article about which book genres are “best”: https://literary-agents.com/book-genres/.
If you want help with anything, as you know, you can post questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. You can also (if you haven’t done so already) get access (no cost) to all the valuable resources in our private, members-only area here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
Have a great week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
At least, now I’m more informed in case I write fiction in future. Would you say that the novels of Somerset Maugham can be classified as literary fiction and Harold Robbins’s as commercial fiction? I’ve heard of the term yellow fiction/journalism. Do you know what it means?
Hi Saw-Lian, sorry I’m slow getting back to you. Right after you posted your question, I had some website issues that caused me some problems. But now I’m back! Yellow journalism means journalism that is based upon sensationalism and/or exaggeration. And any book you’re wondering about regarding genre, you should look at it on Amazon.com and BN.com. You’ll often see different classifications. Remember, choosing genres is often an imperfect science/art. 🙂
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Dear Mark,
Thank you for asking me if I’m classifying my book in the right genre. After reading your last email I’ve found my next book is definitely Commercial Fiction-horror genre, yet also, like you mentioned, some agents might find it fits in the General Fiction category. I can see why you were frustrated in your job at classifying book genres. It’s a difficult task. Chris
Hi Chris, sorry I’m slow getting back to you. Right after you posted your question, I had some website issues that caused me some problems. But now I’m back! And thank you for the kind words. I’m glad you found the article helpful.
When it comes to book genres, I often tell my coaching clients they’ll need to call their book different things… depending on who they’re pitching. Some books could be categorized in more ways than one, and that’s good news since that means more agents to pitch to. Those labels sometimes include the broader genres of commercial fiction, mainstream fiction, and general fiction as well.
Take a look at these things too if you haven’t seen them yet: http://book-genres.com (my website devoted to book genre definitions), along with this article about which book genres are “best”: https://literary-agents.com/book-genres/.
If you want help with anything, as you know, you can post questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. You can also (if you haven’t done so already) get access (no cost) to all the valuable resources in our private, members-only area here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
Have a great week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Hi Mark,
Thanks for your topic. What puzzles me is: Why would agents work with both Commercial and Literary books? To me, they are opposites. Your thoughts, please! Thanks, and the best,
Esther
Hi Esther, life is full of contradictions, isn’t it? 🙂 Agents are simply people and people often have eclectic tastes. Simple as that. And no matter what genre(s) a book falls into, good writing and story (if it’s fiction) is the glue that holds it all together. That’s the thread running through all good books. Have a great week and good to see you. Mark
Very helpful. I don’t think I’m ready for your coaching. My book has recently been edited by a professional, and I have lots of work to do. Definitely not the fun part of authoring a book. Genre is important. i classify my bood as science fiction because it incorporates theory and fantasy with the life like relationship of two very real people.
Hi Norton, the hardest part is getting started (although some will say finishing is the hardest part!) so congratulations on simply doing that.
While you’re working on your book (if you haven’t already done so) make sure you click here to access to all the valuable resources I have about getting an agent in my private, members-only area (no charge): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. Once you’ve entered your name and email address there, click on the link that says, “Audio Training Library”. Then you’ll see my main audio training (and text transcript), which reveals the 7 Insider Secrets You Need to Know to Get a Top Literary Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal. It can’t hurt to learn, and stay inspired, as you go.
If you want help with anything else, you can post questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And, if/when you’re ready later, you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
And have a great week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I found your definitions of literary genres to be most helpful. My question for you is this. Must EVERY book fit into a genre in order to be seriously marketed? The first guiding priniciple of a story teller is to be true to the whole story. If an author is forced to seriously modify a novel so it fits saftely into one genre, the story suffers. My first novel can fit into at least two genres and is intended to be exactly that–a hybrid genre. The story leads the marketing, right? Not vice-versa?
Hi Mary, thank you and I’m glad you enjoyed the article. And, yes, you should absolutely follow the story. Just make sure you’re as educated as possible about your genre(s) so you can write the best book possible and do the best job positioning it. That’s all. Too many authors just go with the flow when they’re writing, when a little more conscious effort would make a huge difference… improving the quality of their writing… and it’s marketability.
If you want help with anything else, you can post questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
And have a great week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I have read with considerable interest most of your released articles. I have completed my first manuscript. Truly the publication profession is very difficult. It is an unexpected hurdle for a new author. I’m not prepared for pay or delay to succeed. I’m open and seek as much input advise as allowed. I respect your input and compliment your effort to share freely. I define my genre of intrigue in commercial fiction. The subject is Terrorism. I’m retired experienced Marine on fixed income. Help!
Hi Thomas, I’m glad you’re getting a lot out of our articles.
The next thing you should do (if you haven’t already) is click here to access to all the valuable resources I have about getting an agent in my private, members-only area (no charge): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. Once you’ve entered your name and email address there, click on the link that says, “Audio Training Library”. Then you’ll see my main audio training (and text transcript), which reveals the 7 Insider Secrets You Need to Know to Get a Top Literary Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal.
If you want help with anything else, you can post questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And, if/when you’re ready, you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
Thank you for your service.
And have a great week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Mark: Very enlightening! My novels apparently fall in either the Mainstream or General fiction genres; as soon as I am able, I shall schedule an intro coaching call so as to better categorize them. Talk to you then!
Thank you Jeff, I put off writing that article forever because I knew it was going to be a tough one. It’s imperfect because genres do blend and these, especially, don’t fit into neat and tidy boxes, but I gave it my best shot!
Also, if you haven’t already done so, prior to your call with me, make sure click here to access to all the valuable resources I have about getting an agent in my private, members-only area (no charge): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. Once you’ve entered your name and email address there, click on the link that says, “Audio Training Library”. Then you’ll see my main audio training (and text transcript), which reveals the 7 Insider Secrets You Need to Know to Get a Top Literary Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal.
I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
And have a great week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com