Booker Prize books are chosen by a panel of five judges from titles submitted by publishers plus judges’ call-ins; see the longlist, shortlist and eligibility steps.

An ARC is an advance reader copy of a book given to reviewers, booksellers and librarians before publication; learn what ARCs are, how to get them and the etiquette.

Upmarket fiction blends literary quality with commercial appeal, offering strong stories and writing that suit book clubs; learn how it differs from literary and commercial fiction.

High fantasy takes place in an invented world, while epic fantasy involves large-scale conflicts and quests; learn how the terms overlap and differ with examples.

Hard science fiction emphasizes scientific accuracy and plausible technology; learn what defines it, how it differs from soft sci-fi and which books to read.

A cozy mystery is a gentle whodunit with an amateur sleuth, a small-town setting and little on-page violence; learn the features, tropes and best authors to start with.

Gothic literature blends horror, romance and mystery in dark, atmospheric settings such as haunted houses and decaying castles; see its features, history and best-known books.

A bildungsroman is a coming-of-age novel that follows a young person’s growth from childhood to adulthood; learn its origins, features and the best examples.

An unreliable narrator tells a story in a way that readers cannot fully trust, because of lies, bias, limited knowledge or mental state; see types, famous examples and how authors use them.

Speculative fiction is an umbrella term for stories that imagine things beyond the real world, including science fiction, fantasy, horror, dystopia and alternate history.