Knowledge Base
Find Answers to Your Self-Publishing Questions: Search Our Knowledge Base and Master the Terminology
Starting
Introduction To Childrens Book Publishing
Creating The Ideal Writing Environment For Childrens Book Authors
The Importance Of Crafting An Effective Book Summary
Brainstorming And Conceptualizing Ideas For Your Childrens Book
Planning
How To Plan Your Narrative Pointofview Pov
How To Conduct A Competitive Analysis For Your Book
How To Plan The Plot Climax Or High Point Of Your Story
How To Plan Your Story Using Flow
How To Write An Impressive Author Bio For Your Book
Ideal Word Count For Illustrated Books Based On Age And Book Type
How To Define The Time Setting For Your Story
Setting Your Title And Author Name Before Applying For Copyright
How To Write A Captivating Book Blurb For Childrens Books
How To Plan The Ending Or Resolution Of Your Story
How To Plan The Theme Of Your Book
Should You Establish Your Own Publishing Company
How To Enter The Author Name For Your Book
How To Plan Where Your Story Begins
How To Plan Distribution Options For Your Selfpublished Book
How To Choose The Right Book Type For Your Story
How To Plan And Choose The Right Genre For Your Book
Understanding The Differences Between Fiction And Nonfiction
How To Plan The Plot And Key Conflict Of Your Story
How To Develop Engaging Characters For Your Book
Understanding Book Types Formats And Sizes In Childrens Publishing
Typography And Text Design In Illustrated Books Best Practices
Structuring Your Childrens Book Plot Climax And Falling Action
Your Childrens Book Tone Theme And Point Of View
How To Define The Place And Setting For Your Story
Writing
How To Add Tags To Your Manuscript In Made Live
Crafting A Compelling Plot In Childrens Books
How To Plan Page Turns With Spread Breaks In Made Live
The Milestone Of Completing Your First Draft
Overcoming Writers Block In Childrens Book
How To Selfedit Dialogue In Your Book
How To Plan The Language And Tone For Your Book
Effective Techniques For Childrens Books
Registrations
How To Secure An Isbn For Your Book A Global Guide
How To Enter Your Isbn In The Section
How To Set Up And Modify Your Copyright Information In Made Live
How To Officially File For Copyright Protection As An Author
Designing
How To Add Back Matter To Your Illustrated Book
How To Insert Copyright Information Into The Storyboard
How To Create Effective Pacing In Your Illustrated Book
How To Add Your Barcode To The Back Cover
How To Transfer Your Manuscript To The Storyboard
How To Generate Or Import Placeholder Images In The Storyboard Workspace
How To Import Final Illustrations For Your Illustrated Book
How To Delete Extra Spreads To Avoid Blank Pages In Your Book
How To Design The Back Cover Of Your Book
Basics Of Book Illustration Style And Color In Childrens Books
How To Set Up And Select Color Choices For Your Book In Made Live
Revising Your Books Design And Layout For Optimal Flow
How To Design A Book Cover For Your Book
How To Create A Title Page For Your Illustrated Book
How To Modify Text Blocks In The Storyboard Workspace
How To Check The Visual Appeal Of Your Book For The Target Audience
Creating A Physical Book Dummy For Your Illustrated Book
Adding A Dedication Or Acknowledgements To Your Book
How To Use Visual Storytelling In Your Illustrated Book
How To Check Your Storyboard And Design For Continuity
Choosing The Right Fonts For Your Book
Prioritizing Accessibility In Childrens Book Design
Selfediting Your Book Layout Fitting The Story To The Format
How To Find And Hire A Professional Illustrator For Your Book
Choosing The Right Illustration Style For Your Childrens Book
Editing
How To Edit With A Final Read Aloud Before Sending To An Editor
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Theme
How To Provide Clear Illustration Notes For Your Illustrator
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Your Audience
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Vocabulary
How To Selfedit For Flow By Reading Your Manuscript Aloud
How To Selfedit And Proofread For Grammar Punctuation And Spelling
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Pacing
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Consistency
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Clarity
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Story Structure
How To Selfedit For Filler Words
How To Selfedit For Punctuation In Dialogue
Self Tips And Techniques For Aspiring Authors
How To Review The Cover Design For Your Illustrated Book
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Redundancy
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Illustrations
Steps To Finalizing Your Manuscript For Childrens Book Publication
How To Find And Hire A Professional Editor For Your Illustrated Book
How To Get Feedback On Your Manuscript
Publishing
Choosing The Perfect Title For Your Childrens Book
Preparing For International Distribution Language Translations And Multiple Formats
Going Global Preparing Your Childrens Book For International Distribution
Understanding Isbn Pcn And Pcip For Childrens Book
Navigating Legal Aspects Of Copyright And Infringement In Childrens Book
Navigating Contracts And Rights For Childrens Books
Navigating Self Vs Traditional In Childrens Books
Marketing
Building An Author Brand And Online Presence
Navigating Book Reviews And Publicity For Childrens Books
Connecting With Key Players Engaging With Schools Libraries And Bookstores
Mastering Book Launches And Promotional Events For Childrens Books
Maximizing Your Reach Utilizing Social Media And Online Platforms For Childrens Books
Mastering Effective Strategies For Childrens Books
Community
Joining Writing And Publishing Communities For Childrens Book Creators
Enhancing Skills With Workshops Webinars And Learning Opportunities In Childrens Book Publishing
Maximizing Your Publishing Success With Made Live Resources And Support
Building Connections Networking With Other Childrens Book Authors
Business
Navigating Literary Agents And Query Letters For Childrens Books
Advanced Marketing Techniques And Analytics For Childrens Picture Books
Leveraging Technology In Childrens Book Publishing
Staying Ahead Keeping Up With Industry Trends And Changes In Childrens Book Publishing
Embracing Diversity Exploring Diverse Themes And Representation In Childrens Books
Mastering The Query Process In Childrens Book Publishing
How to Plan and Choose the Right Genre for Your Book
How to Plan and Choose the Right Genre for Your Book
Overview: Choosing the right genre for your book is an essential part of planning your story. The genre defines the style, tone, and content of your book, and helps set reader expectations. From fantasy and mystery to non-fiction and memoirs, each genre has its own characteristics and appeal. Selecting the right genre will help you shape your story and reach your target audience more effectively. In this article, we’ll explore how to choose the best genre for your book and what to consider when planning your story.
Understanding Book Genres
A genre is a category that defines the style, content, and form of a book. Each genre has unique characteristics that set it apart, such as common themes, plot structures, and stylistic elements. Understanding the differences between genres will help you decide which one best fits your story and your goals as a writer.
Fiction Genres:
Fiction genres include a wide range of storytelling styles, from adventurous tales to fantastical worlds. Common fiction genres include:
- Contemporary: Stories set in the present day with realistic characters and events. They often address current issues or depict everyday life. E.g. Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña, a contemporary story about a boy learning to see beauty in the world around him.
- Fantasy: Stories with magical elements, imaginary worlds, or mythical creatures. Often set in fantastical universes with characters that have extraordinary abilities. E.g. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, featuring a boy who imagines himself in a land of wild creatures.
- Horror: Stories that evoke fear, suspense, or the supernatural, often aimed at thrilling or unsettling the reader. E.g. Creepy Carrots! by Aaron Reynolds, a humorous horror story for children about a rabbit being stalked by carrots.
- Mystery: Stories centered around solving a puzzle or crime. The main character usually uncovers clues and solves a problem by the end. E.g. Detective LaRue: Letters from the Investigation by Mark Teague, where a dog solves mysteries through letters.
- Sci-Fi (Science Fiction): Stories based on advanced science, futuristic technology, or space exploration, often blending imaginative elements with scientific principles. E.g. The Darkest Dark by Chris Hadfield, a story inspired by the astronaut’s childhood dream of space travel.
- Traditional Tale: Folktales, fables, and fairy tales passed down through generations. They often convey moral lessons or cultural values. E.g. The Little Red Hen, a classic folktale teaching the value of hard work and perseverance.
Non-Fiction Genres:
Non-fiction genres are based on factual information and real events. These genres aim to inform, educate, or provide insights on a variety of topics.
- Autobiography: A story about the author’s own life, narrated by themselves. E.g. When I Was Young in the Mountains by Cynthia Rylant.
- Biography: A story about a person's life, written by someone else. It often focuses on influential historical or contemporary figures. E.g. The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca.
- Educational: Books created to educate or inform readers on various topics like science, nature, or math. These books are often used in educational settings. E.g. The Important Book by Margaret Wise Brown, which teaches children about the essence of everyday objects.
- History/Science: Books that cover historical events or scientific topics in a factual manner, often blending narrative storytelling with factual content. E.g. How Ben Franklin Solved a Mystery that Baffled All of France by Mara Rockliff, a mix of history and science.
- Self-Help: Books that offer guidance on topics like emotional intelligence, social skills, or personal development. They help readers understand and manage various aspects of life. E.g. What Do You Do with a Problem? by Kobi Yamada, which guides children on how to handle problems.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Book Genre
1. What is the Tone and Theme of Your Story?
The tone and theme of your story will help you determine the right genre. For example, a story with a whimsical tone and magical elements may fit well in the fantasy genre, while a serious story focused on real-world issues might be better suited as non-fiction.
- Identify the tone and theme of your story, and see which genre aligns with these elements.
- Consider the message or lesson you want to convey, and choose a genre that supports this theme.
Questions to Ask:
- What tone do I want to set for my story?
- What is the central theme or message of my book?
2. Who is Your Target Audience?
Different genres appeal to different audiences. Consider the age, interests, and preferences of your target audience when choosing a genre. A mystery novel might appeal to readers looking for suspense, while a self-help book is better suited for readers seeking personal growth.
- Think about your target audience’s preferences and what genres they enjoy.
- Match the genre to the reader’s expectations, ensuring the content aligns with their interests.
Questions to Ask:
- Who is the intended audience for my book?
- What genres do my target readers typically enjoy?
3. How Do You Want to Approach the Story?
The genre you choose will influence how you approach the story’s content and structure. Fiction allows for creative expression and imaginative storytelling, while non-fiction requires factual accuracy and research. Decide whether you want to invent characters and plots or present real-world information and experiences.
- Decide between fiction and non-fiction, based on the content and structure of your story.
- Consider how the genre will shape your storytelling style and approach to the narrative.
Questions to Ask:
- Do I want to create an imaginary world or present real information?
- How does the genre shape the structure and content of my book?
How to Plan the Genre of Your Book
Step 1: Identify the Purpose and Content of Your Story
Determine whether your story is meant to entertain, inform, or persuade. This will help you decide between fiction and non-fiction and narrow down your genre options.
Step 2: Consider the Target Audience and Market
Think about who your readers are and what genres they enjoy. Research the market to see which genres are popular with your target audience and how your book fits into this landscape.
Step 3: Align the Genre with Your Story’s Theme and Tone
Match the genre to the theme and tone of your story. Ensure that the genre you choose complements the content and style of your book, and supports the message or experience you want to create.
Step 4: Experiment and Refine
If you’re unsure, experiment with writing a scene or chapter in different genres. This can help you get a feel for which genre suits your story best and refine your approach as needed.
Final Notes:
Choosing the right genre is an important part of planning your book. By understanding the characteristics of different genres, considering your audience’s preferences, and aligning the genre with your story’s tone and theme, you can create a book that resonates with readers and meets your goals as a writer. Use this guide to plan and choose the genre that best suits your story’s needs.