16 Types of Nonfiction Books You Can Write To Expand Your Audience
If you’re a hardcore fiction fan, the thought of diving into a nonfiction book may sound positively dull. Who wants to read about productivity when there are dragons to be slain, untold wonders to be discovered, and kingdoms to be toppled?
The answer: a lot of people. According to a 2023 Nonfiction Book Sales Statistics report published by WordsRated, adult nonfiction generates more revenue than any other genre in the US book market with more than 360 million physical copies sold in 2022 alone.
With such high demand, it’s no wonder many experts, educators, coaches, speakers, creatives, marketers, executives, business owners, and other industry leaders are beginning to package a portion of their unique perspectives and insights into a single evergreen product like a nonfiction book.
Does that mean Penguin Random House is handing out book deals left and right? Um, no. Traditional publishing is still a very exclusive club—one many authors are deciding may not be worth the cost of entry.
Only 25% of the nearly 4 million books launched every year come from traditional publishers. Yes, there are some not-so-great nonfiction titles that are more rough draft than reader-ready, but there is also a significant opportunity for authors to publish books that amplify their impact and drive revenue in their business if they’re willing to invest in creating a high-quality product.
If you’re thinking about tapping into the nonfiction market and leveraging your knowledge, experience, and insights to write and self-publish a book to grow your business, elevate your brand, and position yourself as a go-to expert in your industry, here are a few things you need to know about the nonfiction genre.
Characteristics of nonfiction books
Unlike fiction, which thrives on storytelling and imagination, nonfiction seeks to inform, educate, and engage readers with accurate information. This is not to say nonfiction doesn’t include storytelling—quite the opposite.
Storytelling in nonfiction isn’t reserved for creative or narrative nonfiction. As any good marketer or copywriter will tell you, storytelling is a tool to hook the reader, convey your message in a way that sticks, build trust, and provide evidence or case studies to support your claim.
In addition to strategic storytelling, nonfiction generally includes these key characteristics:
A Core Thesis or Claim: Unlike fiction, nonfiction presents a key argument that is the basis for the structure of the entire book.
Clear Reader Objectives: The most successful nonfiction books focus on the reader and the benefit they receive, the action they should take, or the knowledge they should have after completing the book.
Factual Information: Nonfiction is rooted in reality, presenting verifiable information and data.
Real-world Examples: Illustrations from the real world enhance understanding and provide practical insights.
Objective Tone: Nonfiction maintains an informative tone, avoiding fictional elements.
Research and Citations: Credible sources and proper citations are integral to nonfiction, ensuring accuracy.
Informative and Educational: The primary goal of nonfiction is to inform and educate, leaving readers with valuable knowledge.
The business of nonfiction publishing
Need more evidence that nonfiction books are more than just tools for academic rigor? Here are a few more interesting statistics about the business of nonfiction book publishing:
Global Revenue: The nonfiction book market was just over $14 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach more than $16 billion by 2026.
US Book Sales: According to Statista, book sales in the US in 2021 totaled nearly $30 billion.
Amazon Self-Publishing: Through Kindle Direct Publishing, authors self-publish 1.4 million books every year, and Amazon pays out nearly $520 million in royalties each year to 1 million authors.
Self-Publishing Growth: The self-publishing market is expected to grow at a rate of 17% each year, while the global publishing market is expected to only grow by 1%.
Business Impact: A Grammar Factory Publishing Company survey found that 34% of entrepreneurs doubled their earnings since publishing their book and 86% experienced significant business through and increased exposure through speaking engagements or PR.
Who writes nonfiction books?
Nonfiction authors come from diverse backgrounds, and their motivations for writing vary. The following types of individuals often venture into nonfiction writing:
Experts and Professionals: Professionals in various fields, such as business leaders, scientists, and psychologists, share their expertise and insights.
Entrepreneurs: Business owners often pen books to share their success stories, strategies, and industry knowledge.
Podcasters and Bloggers: Similar to experts and entrepreneurs, podcasters and bloggers are already sitting on a gold mine of content that is perfectly primed to be repurposed into a book.
Thought Leaders: Influential figures in society use nonfiction as a platform to communicate their ideas, influence public opinion, or expand the global discourse on a given topic.
Academics: Scholars and researchers contribute to nonfiction by publishing books that explore their academic findings and theories.
Celebrities: Public figures write autobiographies or delve into specific topics to connect with their audience on a deeper level.
16 nonfiction genres and their characteristics
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most widely recognized nonfiction genres, including examples of books published in those categories and genre-defining characteristics.
Biography and Autobiography
Examples: Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson, The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls
Characteristics: Life Stories, Historical Significance
Self-Help and Personal Development
Examples: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey, Atomic Habits by James Clear
Characteristics: Practical Advice, Personal Transformation
How-To and Guides
Examples: How to Be Weird by Eric G. Wilson, The Four-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss
Characteristics: Instructional, Step-by-Step Guidance
Philosophy and Insight
Examples: The Obstacle Is The Way by Ryan Holiday, Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder
Characteristics: Philosophical Reflections, Deep Insights
History and Politics
Examples: An Indigenous People's History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt
Characteristics: Historical Events, Social Commentary
Science and Nature
Examples: Cosmos by Carl Sagan, Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
Characteristics: Scientific Exploration, Natural Phenomena
True Crime
Examples: In Cold Blood by Truman Capote, The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
Characteristics: Real Criminal Cases, Investigative Journalism
Humor and Commentary
Examples: Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling
Characteristics: Witty Observations, Satirical Commentary
Religion and Spirituality
Examples: The Four Loves by C. S. Lewis, The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
Characteristics: Spiritual Teachings, Religious Insights
Health and Wellness
Examples: The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg, The Whole30 by Melissa Hartwig and Dallas Hartwig
Characteristics: Lifestyle Improvement, Well-being Strategies
Essays
Examples: Why I Write by George Orwell, Slouching Towards Bethlehem by Joan Didion
Characteristics: Thoughtful Reflections, Personal Essays
Business and Economics
Examples: Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner, Zero to One by Peter Thiel
Characteristics: Economic Analysis, Business Insights
Cookbooks
Examples: Five Marys Ranch Raised Cookbook by Mary Heffernan, Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat by Samin Nosrat
Characteristics: Culinary Recipes, Cooking Techniques
Crafts and Hobbies
Examples: Floret Farm’s Cut Flower Garden by Erin Bensakein, The Nordic Knitting Primer by Kristin Drysdale
Characteristics: DIY Projects, Hobby Exploration
Travel
Examples: Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer, Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Characteristics: Travel Adventures, Exploration Narratives
Journalism
Examples: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot, She Said by Megan Twohey and Joei Kantor
Characteristics: Investigative Reporting, Journalistic Narratives
Ready to become a modern, self-published author?
If you're passionate about turning your ideas into a nonfiction book that allows you to create impact at scale, grow your income and business, establish yourself as a go-to expert, and open exciting new doors of opportunity, it’s time to partner with a nonfiction book editor and self-publishing specialist who can help you reach your next level of success.
Inquire today to start your authorpreneur journey and take your big idea from bucket list to bookshelf!
