The Difference Between Contemporary Fiction and Literary Fiction.

When writing a book, it's helpful to determine the genre of your story. This allows you, as the author, to target your audience and market your book effectively. This post contrasts contemporary fiction with literary fiction to provide you with a clearer insight into which genre your book aligns with.

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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, your primary goal as an author should always be to deliver a compelling story. In the end, readers will be drawn to your unique voice and style if you can engage them with the story while staying genuine and appealing in your narratives.

Always remember, it's not a specific genre that will distinguish you from the rest, but rather your style, voice, and storytelling skills.