What Sells Best – Fiction or Non-Fiction

You’ve written a book and you’re ready to self-publish. The next step is to choose what category your book will fall into, fiction or non-fiction. But which one sells better? The answer may surprise you.

According to Bowker’s annual “Bookstats” report, self-published books are growing at a rate of 300% per year. In 2012, 391,000 self-published titles were released compared to only 120,000 in 2009. This rapid growth can be attributed to two factors; the ease of self-publishing and the ever-increasing popularity of eBooks.

Of the 391,000 self-published books released in 2012, 54% were classified as non-fiction while only 46% were fiction. This is in line with traditional publishing where non-fiction books have always outnumbered fiction titles. It’s also no surprise given that consumers are always looking for new information to help them improve their lives. In fact, some of the most popular genres of non-fiction include; Business, Cooking. How To & Self Improvement eBooks continue to be extremely popular with both traditional and self-publishers.

Business & Money and Self Help were the top two categories on Amazon Kindle in 2012. And it’s not just Amazon where nonfiction dominates, on Barnes & Noble’s Nook platform 62% of bestselling titles are nonfiction. Consumers want helpful information that they can apply to their lives and they’re willing to pay for it. Traditional publishers have always known this which is why they’ve been hesitant to release quality eBooks under $9.99. They know that people are willing to pay more for nonfiction titles because they offer value.

If you’re a non-fiction author there has never been a better time to self-publish. With quality eBook readers like the Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, and Sony Reader now selling for around $100 there is a huge potential market for your book. And with 70% of eBook buyers willing to spend $9.99 or more on a single title, you can make a good living as a self-published author without having to give away 70% of your royalties to a traditional publisher.

Here are some best-selling genres, I have listed below:

1. Romance novels

These are one of the most popular genres of ebooks, and they often sell very well. Romance novels typically focus on the relationship between two people, and they often have a happy ending. If you’re looking to write a romance novel, it’s important to make sure that your story is well-written and that the characters are believable and relatable.

2. Crime thrillers

These are another popular genre of ebooks, and they often sell very well. Crime thrillers typically focus on crimes such as murder or robbery, and they often include elements of suspense and mystery. If you’re looking to write a crime thriller, it’s important to make sure that your story is well-plotted and that the characters are compelling.

3. Self-help books

Self help books are another popular genre of ebooks, and they often sell very well. Self-help books typically focus on topics such as relationships, careers, or personal finance. If you’re looking to write a self-help book, it’s important to make sure that your advice is sound and that you’re qualified to give it.

4. Cookbooks

Cook books are another popular genre of ebooks, and they often sell very well. Cookbooks typically contain recipes for meals or snacks, as well as tips on cooking techniques or ingredients. If you’re looking to write a cookbook, it’s important to make sure that your recipes are easy to follow and that your tips are helpful.

5. Travel guides

Travel-guides are another popular genre of ebook, and they often sell very well. Travel guides typically contain information on attractions, hotels, restaurants, and other things to do in a particular destination. If you’re looking to write a travel guide, it’s important to make sure that your information is accurate and up-to-date.

6. History books

Historcal books are another popular genre of ebook, and they often sell very well. History books typically focus on a particular time period or event in history. If you’re looking to write a history book, it’s important to make sure that your information is accurate and that you’re able to tell a good story

Although Fiction eBooks still make up the majority of titles available, Non-Fiction is growing at a much faster pace and offers authors several advantages over their Fiction counterparts. With more people buying eBook readers every day and a willingness by consumers to spend more money on quality Non-Fiction titles, now is the time for Non-Fiction authors to take advantage of the self-publishing boom.