Some of the most significant genres of non-fictional literature are, or have been:

- History
- Biographies/Autobiographies/Memoirs
- Travel Guides/Travelogues
- Academic Textbooks
- Philosophy/Insight
- Journalism
- Self-help/Instruction
- Guides/How-to Manuals
- Humor/Commentary
- Sports 

Genres of Non-Fictional Literature

Some of the most significant genres of fictional literature are, or have been:

- Romance
- Action/Adventure
- Science Fiction
- Fantasy
- Speculative Fiction
- Suspense/Thriller
- Young Adult
- New Adult
- Horror/Paranormal/Ghost
- Mystery/Crime
- Police Procedurals
- Historical Fiction
- Westerns
- Family Saga
- Women’s Fiction
- Magic Realism
- Literary Fiction
- Sports

It should be noted that a given story can include elements from multiple different genres.

Genres of Fictional Literature

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A type of communication that usually describes categories of art or entertainment based on agreed-upon conventions.


*Works can fit into multiple genres 

Genre

Westin, D. (2021, July 6). Different Types and Kinds of Literature. Pen and the Pad. Retrieved November 5, 2021, from https://penandthepad.com/different-types-kinds-literature-10025278.html

Types of Literature

Patterson, A. (2021, October 20). The 17 most popular genres in fiction - and why they matter. Writers Write. Retrieved October 29, 2021, from https://www.writerswrite.co.za/the-17-most-popular-genres-in-fiction-and-why-they-matter/. 

MasterClass staff. Learn about nonfiction: Definition, examples, and 9 essential nonfiction genres - 2021. MasterClass. (2021, September 29). Retrieved October 29, 2021, from https://www.masterclass.com/articles/learn-about-nonfiction#what-is-the-difference-between-fiction-and-nonfiction. 

- Poetry
- Novels
- Novella
- Short story
- Graphic novel
- Electronic literature

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