Think of it like this:
* Genre: The main category, like "Fiction" or "Nonfiction."
* Subgenre: A smaller category within that main category, like "Science Fiction" within "Fiction" or "Biography" within "Nonfiction."
Here's how subgenres work in different genres:
Fiction:
* Genre: Fantasy
* Subgenres: High Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Sword and Sorcery, etc.
* Genre: Romance
* Subgenres: Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Paranormal Romance, Erotic Romance, etc.
Nonfiction:
* Genre: History
* Subgenres: Ancient History, Medieval History, Military History, Social History, etc.
* Genre: Self-Help
* Subgenres: Personal Development, Business, Relationships, Health and Wellness, etc.
Why are subgenres important?
* More targeted recommendations: Subgenres help readers find books that align with their specific interests within a genre.
* Better understanding of a book's content: Knowing a subgenre can give readers a better idea of what to expect in terms of themes, plot, and characters.
* More refined browsing: Subgenres allow readers to browse for books more effectively, focusing on their specific preferences within a genre.
Ultimately, subgenres provide a way to classify books with greater precision, making it easier for readers to discover and enjoy the stories they love.