You know you want to fire up your computer and write a story, but the question is: should it be fiction or non-fiction? What it all really comes down to is your interests, preferences, and what you’re most comfortable writing about. If you feel stuck on which genre you should write, we’ve broken down how to weigh your options and choose what’s right for you. Below, we discuss writing fiction vs. non-fiction.  

Fiction Pros

Unlimited Creativity

Writing fiction gives you the freedom to run wild with creativity. You’re able to create your own characters, stories, and a whole new world if you want to. This is your chance to tap into your imagination and give readers something unique and creative to read. 

Appeals To Audience Looking For An Escape

When readers pick up a fiction book, they are likely looking for an escape from the real world. Being able to step into someone else’s shoes and read about other worlds is entertaining, exciting, and allows the reader to tap into their imagination. It can be fun to just be transported into another dimension with a fictional book. 

Create An Emotional Connection With Your Readers

Fiction is a great way for readers to emotionally connect. Whether the reader becomes emotionally invested in a character or feels emotional about a situation that’s occurring, fiction lets the reader become invested and really feel connected to the book. 

Non-Fiction Pros

Appeals To An Audience Who’s Interested In The Topic

Non-fiction gets readers excited about the topic that’s being discussed because it provides real-world knowledge and even personal growth. Some readers have a curiosity about a certain topic, and non-fiction books allow them to dig deeper into the topic. This could be about past events, memoirs, recipe books, travel books, etc. 

You Can Discuss A Topic You’re Interested In

Is there a topic you love to discuss with other people that you’re truly fascinated with? This is your chance to write about it. You can use your love of writing and the love of your interests and combine them to create a book that others who have a common interest can appreciate. 

Share Your Expertise/Experience On A Topic

This is an excellent opportunity for you to dive deep into a topic you’re interested in and explain your knowledge or your research to readers. You’ll have the chance to do extensive research and thoroughly explain to your audience maybe something they don’t know about the topic that’s factual. Don’t forget to share any credentials/experience you may have on this topic. It’ll provide you with more credibility on the topic.

Which Do You Choose?

If you’re interested in creating new worlds, story-telling, character development, and exploring tropes, writing a fiction story is potentially the route you’ll want to take. If you prefer facts, discussing your experience and knowledge on a topic, and thoroughly performing research, non-fiction may be the way to go. 

In Conclusion 

While it may be challenging to choose the genre of the book you want to write, our breakdown of fiction vs. non-fiction should help you to decide.

Once you’ve completed your story, you’ll need a way to promote your book. At Book Brush, you can easily promote your fiction or non-fiction book with our community templates. We have templates you can use and customize for any genre you write about. This is a simple way to get your fiction or non-fiction book to stand out on social media. Make sure you check out all of the templates and mockups we offer at Book Brush!