Structural library / 07 genres
Every genre has its own rules
A mystery is broken by a clue that arrives after the reveal. A romance is broken by a conflict a single conversation would fix. The outline is planned against the genre’s actual structure before a word is drafted, which is what makes the difference.
Choose a production profile
Elements / subgenres- 01
Romance
Stories centered on a romantic relationship with an emotionally satisfying and optimistic ending (HEA/HFN).
7 elements
6 subgenres - 02
Mystery
Stories centered on solving a crime or puzzle, with clues for readers to follow along.
7 elements
6 subgenres - 03
Fantasy
Stories set in imaginary worlds with supernatural elements like magic, mythical creatures, or alternate realities.
6 elements
6 subgenres - 04
Thriller
Fast-paced stories with high stakes, danger, and constant tension. The protagonist often races against time or a powerful antagonist.
7 elements
6 subgenres - 05
Literary Fiction
Character-driven stories that emphasize prose style, thematic depth, and the human condition over plot mechanics.
6 elements
6 subgenres - 06
Science Fiction
Stories that extrapolate from current or imagined science and technology to explore their impact on humanity and society.
4 elements
6 subgenres - 07
Horror
Stories designed to frighten, unsettle, or disturb through supernatural or psychological elements.
4 elements
6 subgenres - 08
Historical Fiction
Invented characters living inside a real past, where the period constrains what they are able to want, say, and do.
6 elements
6 subgenres - 09
Young Adult
Stories for readers roughly 13-18 driven by identity, first autonomy, and consequences that are allowed to be permanent.
6 elements
6 subgenres - 10
Middle Grade
Adventures for readers roughly 8-12 in which a young protagonist tests themselves against a world that is bigger than their family but still safe at the edges.
6 elements
6 subgenres - 11
Children's
Short illustrated-style chapter books for readers roughly 5-9, built on one clear problem, a warm voice, and a reassuring resolution.
6 elements
6 subgenres - 12
Memoir
A true account of a bounded period of the author's own life, shaped around one question the author is genuinely trying to answer.
7 elements
6 subgenres
Genre guidance shapes the outline; your brief still decides the setting, people, voice, and direction of the book.
Start from your brief