What determines the genre of a novel?

by Adrian Sroka
10th April 2014

Is it the plot, storyline, underlying theme, setting or protagonist?

Have you read a novel that you believe was given the wrong genre?

Replies

Well, that depends on the elements it possess's and it's content. Primarily though it's the audience the work is based and aimed at, that's the main thing- if it's for children/Young Adults/Adults.

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Ritesh
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Ritesh Nimmagadda
11/04/2014

Kate Morton says (video clip on her website) that 'you don't pick a genre... the genre picks you.'

I suggest, write what you would like to read yourself and let the publishing world and your readers decide on the genre. You could be stifling your creative juices by getting bogged down on classification.

Others may have a different view of course :-)

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Carla
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Carla Devereux
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