Knowing the Difference Between Contemporary Fiction and Literary Fiction.

When writing a book, it is beneficial to identify the genre to which your story belongs. This is primarily so you, the author, can find your audience and effectively market your book. This post compares contemporary fiction with literary fiction. Ideally, you'll gain a clearer understanding of which genre your book fits into after reading this piece.

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The majority of modern self-published fiction falls under the category of contemporary fiction. This genre includes stories set in real-world environments, featuring realistic characters, informal and conversational dialogue, and occasionally containing regional dialects. Authors frequently draw from real-life experiences rather than relying entirely on imagination. Contemporary fiction is typically plot-driven and addresses modern-day issues and challenges. A significant advantage of contemporary fiction is its potential for strong sales.

In contrast, literary fiction delves into complex issues, prompting readers to pause and contemplate. It prioritizes provoking thought over commercial success. Literary fiction is commonly linked with descriptors like high-end, academic, and literati. Its writing is frequently poetic, vividly descriptive, and richly detailed.

No matter what genre your book belongs to, the primary goal should always be to deliver a compelling story. In the end, readers will be drawn to an author's unique voice and style if the author can engage them with the story while staying genuine and appealing in their narratives. It's not a specific genre that will distinguish you, but rather your style, voice, and storytelling skills.

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"Literature is where I go to explore the highest and lowest places in human society and in the human spirit, where I hope to find not absolute truth but the truth of the tale, of the imagination and of the heart." Salman Rushdie