Genre Specific Fonts – Fiction Writers

There is a popular saying that a picture is worth a thousand words. And, it is absolutely true. An image gives birth to a rainbow of emotions and thoughts, which when penned down can fill up dozens of pages, and hence the adage. Unlike images, text doesn’t boast such a virtue. Or does it?

I believe it does. There is a way to make text a little more exciting, especially where fiction writing is concerned. The question is, how?

Fonts of course!

It has a powerful impact on human psyche. A genre specific font can actually make the writing appear stronger and educe appropriate mood. A word of caution here ― there is no substitute for creative writing though. Most of the folks are not aware that typefaces and fonts are different and they can’t be interchangeably used. While the former is a package of typographical symbols and characters the latter is defined as a wholesome character set which vests within a particular typeface. In today’s digital times, fonts are typically discussed in terms of type family.

Categorising typefaces and type families –

One of the common ways typefaces and type families are categorised is through “style” parameter which includes serif, sans-serif, script etc. Interestingly, typefaces and type families are also classified as proportional or mono-spaced, and in some cases catalogued based on elucidation or emotion that they evoke. The general rule of thumb is ― serif fonts such as Bookman are much easier to read in print. On the other hand sans serif fonts lack crispiness.

Typical fonts and their parent style –

Serif fonts – Times Roman, Courier, New Century Schoolbook, and Palatino.
Sans serif – Arial, Helvetica, Sans Serif.
Mono-spaced – Courier.

Difference between serif and sans-serif –

Serif style sports extension at the top or bottom. This lean or ornate annexe is what distinguishes it from its other siblings. On the other hand the word “sans” in French means devoid of or lacking. This implies that Sans Serif fonts do not have such extensions.

Genre Specific Publishing Fonts –

Literary Fiction – Baskerville, a transitional serif, is an acknowledged font for this genre. It represents a perfect blend of old style and neoclassical characteristics. Incidentally, Baskerville was designed in the 1750s by John Baskerville in Birmingham, England.

Romantic Fiction – Sabon is an old-style serif typeface which complements romantic fiction writing. It was designed by the German typographer Jan Tschichold. It literally stirs the pages and the emotions of the reader. Another font which suits this genre is Garamond.

Science / Fantasy Fiction – Calibri is a perfect choice for literature which is often inspired by real world myth and folklore. It is known to excite and accelerate the mood of the reader. Incidentally, Calibri is sans-serif typeface.