For author’s the definition of their fiction into a specific genre can be either simple, or difficult, depending on their choice of subject matter, or trope. You may write stories based on books you enjoy reading and therefore, have a good understanding of the reader expectations for that genre.  For example, if you maintain a propensity for romance, it can be easier. However, you then have to decide which sub-genre your story fits into. This list shows the wide range of choice for the ‘spice’ level, era and theme, among other considerations of your romance novel.

• Romantic comedy
• Paranormal romance 
• Fantasy romance 
• Queer romance 
• Christian romance 
• Young adult romance 
• New adult romance 
• Historical romance 
• Regency romance 
• Contemporary romance 
• Erotic romance 

There may also be a cross reference into other genres, such as crime stories with main character romantic relationships. Even then crime stories themselves can be divided into sub-genres.

• Romantic suspense 
• Cosy mysteries 
• Classic detective/PI 
• Police procedural
• Hard-boiled crime 
• Thrillers (legal, medical, forensic, military) 
• Suspense thriller 
• Psychological thriller 

So, how do you define your novel’s genre? Use this easy equation based on the four elements or parts your novel consists of: character, story, plot and setting. So use: Story (Action) + Plot + Character + Setting = Genre.

 In the past there were set genres, but many have evolved over time to merge with another to form a ‘new’ genre. For example, you may choose historical romance, a paranormal thriller or a medical romantic suspense; just make sure the definition is not too complicated. Another sub-genre is the age group the narrative is targeting, so another descriptor can be used, such as YA paranormal, or romance, Middle grade adventure, or fantasy.

 Here are some basic genres:

• Fantasy
• Science Fiction
• Paranormal
• Mystery
• Thriller
• Suspense
• Literary
• Historical
• Women’s
• Christian
• Horror
• Romance
• Western
• Crime-detective
• Action-adventure

The best way to understand which genre your novel ‘fits’ into is to identify the topic or theme. In simplistic terms the genre describes the type of story being told, thus setting the stage, so to speak and the expectations of your reader. This classification exists to help your readers find the books they like by giving them the general aspects of the book’s content and then adding a sub-category which tells them more precisely about the book’s content.