Nonfiction is a very wide area of writing that includes all books that use facts and not fiction.
Many of them can be based on a person’s life or a historical event, but nonfiction can also be an instructional piece, a commentary, or a humorous take on a given idea. These genres can also go deep, asking philosophical questions.
Essential Nonfiction Genres
If you are interested in writing a nonfiction book, you need to understand the different genres you can write in.
1. Self-help and instruction
One of the bestselling subgenres in the realm of nonfiction, self-help books encompass a whole range of subjects.
Browse the shelves in any bookstore and you’ll find books that can help you with your business, self-development, home organization, relationship problems, or even your diet! If you have a problem in any area of life, most likely, you’ll find a solution in the self-help section.
Examples:
- The 7 Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
- The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
2. How-to manuals and guides
A close cousin of self-help and instruction books, these deal more specifically with skills and practical steps. Nonfiction books in this subgenre include sheet music books and manuals for sports and instructions for different hobbies.
Examples:
- The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Fermenting Foods by Wardeh Harmon
- Knitting Basics for Beginners by Katrina Gale
3. History
Historical events are some of the biggest themes of nonfiction books, but how much they rely on historical facts depend on the writer. Some writers choose to present historical events in an objective way, while others opt to pepper their writing with personal commentary.
Examples:
- The Story of Mankind by Hendrik Van Loon
- 1776 by David McCullough
4. Biographies, memoirs and autobiographies
A biography is the story of a person’s life written by someone else, while an autobiography and memoir are written by the person himself. Because of that, biographies are written in the third person, while autobiographies and memoirs are usually written in the first person.
A memoir usually covers only a specific part or theme from a person’s life, instead of their entire life.
Examples:
- The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
- The Story of My Life by Helen Keller
5. Journalism
Journalism is one of the broadest subgenres in nonfiction, and exists in many forms. We usually read journalism works in magazines and newspapers (both in paper and online), TV news reports, and monthly journals. Journalism is usually based on true events and mostly has relevance to our present-day needs.
Nonfiction books can also be journalistic in nature, such as in the case of true crime and narrative nonfiction stories. Journalism works may win awards like the Peabody and Polk awards, or the Pulitzer Prize.
Examples:
- A Whole New Mind by Daniel Pink
- Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
6. Humor and Commentary
Commentary and humor are a form of creative nonfiction, with the author adding his own reflection and analysis of real events. Sometimes he may choose to inject humor, or it may also be serious and contemplative. Although the author’s opinion may not be objective, this type of writing still falls under nonfiction because of its dealing with real events.
Examples:
- A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson
- The Grass is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank by Erma Bombeck
7. Philosophy and insight
Philosophy books may cover topics from classical philosophy (like the teachings of Aristotle, Plato, or Descartes). They can also cover scientific concepts, or even modern analyses of cultural or scientific phenomena.
Examples:
- A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking
- The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran
8. Religion and spirituality
Books that deal with religion and faith fall under nonfiction, even if they range across theological studies or share personal experiences. Some may even be structured as a self-help book, such as those that guide readers in their quest for their personal spiritual beliefs.
Examples:
- Passion for Jesus by Mike Bickle
- The Book That Transforms Nations by Loren Cunningham
9. Business and economics
Most writers in business and economics subgenre have had successful experience in their chosen field, sharing their tips and strategies to help others walking the same path.
Examples:
- Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
- The E-Myth by Michael Gerber
10. Personal finance
These books are aimed at helping people manage their finances better. These can include books that help people set a budget, get out of debt, or even make wise investment decisions.
Examples:
- The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
- The Cashflow Quadrant by Robert Kiyosaki
11. Health and wellness
Health and wellness books may also fall under self-help, but the sheer number of volumes available, especially in recent years, warrants its own category. This can include topics ranging from diet, exercise, sleep, and even stress management and mental health.
Most writers in this arena are doctors and researchers, or at least those who have the technical expertise to present sound advice and insight.
Examples:
- The Daniel Plan by Rick Warren, Dr. Daniel Amen and Dr. Mark Hyman
- The 40-Day Sugar Fast by Wendy Speake
12. Travelogues and travel guides
These nonfiction books focus on showing tourists and travelers new places to discover. Travel guides are more comprehensive and objective, while travelogues tend to share the author’s experiences of journeying through a specific place.
Examples:
- The Travel Book by Lonely Planet
- Wanderlust by Moon Travel Guide
13. Children’s nonfiction
The world of nonfiction is not limited to adults. Children’s books also include nonfiction picture books and chapter books covering topics such as history, biographies, and science books, among a whole plethora of other subjects. These books usually rely a lot on excellent illustrations to keep the children engaged.
Examples:
- Always Inventing: A Biography of Thomas Edison by Frank Murphy
- The Fallacy Detective by Nathaniel Bluedorn
14. Language books
Another area of nonfiction is foreign languages instruction. These include guides on how to speak or understand a new language, but it can also include books that delve into more complex topics surrounding these languages. Again, these kinds of nonfiction books require authors who are adept at the subject.
Examples:
- Learn Spanish for Beginners by Michael Navarro
- Mandarin Chinese for Beginners by Yi Ren and Xiyuan Liang
15. Relationships
These books serve as a guide for people in relationships. These may include books on communication, or other interpersonal skills we need to deal with other people in a healthy way.
Examples:
- Keep Your Love On by Danny Silk
- Love After Marriage by Barry and Lori Byrne
16. Cookbooks
These books contain recipes that readers can follow, and usually leverage on a lot of high quality images to show the actual output of a recipe.
Examples:
- The Daniel Plan Cookbook by Rick Warren et.al.
- Vegetable Kingdom by Bryant Terry
17. Gardening
These books will help readers get started or improve their gardening skills. These can include urban gardening options as well.
Examples:
- Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholomew
- The Vegetable-Gardener’s Bible by Edward Smith
The Difference Between Fiction and Nonfiction
Fiction works may include or be based on facts, but for the most part, they rely heavily on the author’s imagination. Fiction is typically delivered as a narrative, such as a novel or short story. Fiction also includes includes poetry, screenplays, and theatrical plays.
Nonfiction, on the other hand, must contain nothing but facts. While fiction can include facts, a work cannot be considered nonfiction if it contains even one single piece of fiction or fabrication. Much of nonfiction details real events and research, but it can include opinion-driven commentary. Learn more about the difference between fiction vs. nonfiction.
Writing Nonfiction Books
Writing nonfiction books is an exciting, albeit challenging, endeavor. But if you are writing about something you are passionate about and have expert experience in, it can be very rewarding.
Because nonfiction books are grounded in facts, you will need to do a lot of research, but in the end, it will all be worth it, as it will help you create a work that will be a big help to your readers.
If you’re interested in turning your ideas into a life-changing book, check out our post on how to write a great book. Or, if you’ve already done that and are ready to find a publisher, check out TCK Publishing’s submission guidelines. We’re always on the hunt for excellent nonfiction!
Did you find this post helpful? Let us know in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- Why Publishers Reject Manuscripts: Tips for Nonfiction
- List of Nonfiction Writing Contests (Updated for 2021)
- List of 21 Nonfiction Book Coaches Ready to Help You Finish Your Book
- Fiction vs. Nonfiction: Breaking Down the Differences
Yen Cabag is the Blog Writer of TCK Publishing. She is also a homeschooling mom, family coach, and speaker for the Charlotte Mason method, an educational philosophy that places great emphasis on classic literature and the masterpieces in art and music. She has also written several books, both fiction and nonfiction. Her passion is to see the next generation of children become lovers of reading and learning in the midst of short attention spans.
