Creative non-fiction combines fiction and non-fiction techniques to present factual information in a story-like format. It includes literary and non-literary elements, such as research and narration, and is gaining recognition as a literary genre. Writers must be careful to avoid exaggerating or fabricating events. The genre is open to scrutiny and ethical criticism, and authors can target various markets for publication.
Creative non-fiction is a type of fact-based writing that uses both fiction and non-fiction techniques in presenting factual information. Sometimes referred to as literary nonfiction or narrative nonfiction, creative nonfiction often reads like a story, but the events are true. Combining real-world facts with literary elements can be difficult for some writers, who must be wary of inventing or inflating events. Creative fiction as a recognized writing genre is a fairly new concept. However, the market for this type of writing is large, and a narrative nonfiction writer can be published in much the same way as any other author.
Both nonfiction and literary elements are present in creative nonfiction. Examples of nonfiction elements may include format, the presence of research, and a focus on facts and ideas rather than the language used. At the same time, examples of literary elements that may be present include a real story with narration, plot and setting. Typically, creative nonfiction conveys the presence of a literary or authorial voice that is personally involved in the story. Readers usually have no problem detecting the author’s presence.
Some examples of creative nonfiction include essays, personal essays, or memoirs. Because these nonfiction pieces allow for creative literary elements, writers must be careful to avoid exaggerating or embellishing the facts, as well as fabricating events that didn’t occur. Despite being relatively new, the creative nonfiction genre is gaining recognition as a work worthy of the same kind of literary criticism that fiction and poetry receive. As such, it is open to scrutiny and ethical criticism. Writers who fail to present the truth, or who knowingly write about experiences that didn’t happen, can jeopardize their reputation and career as authors.
Authors interested in publishing their own creative nonfiction can target a variety of markets. Certain types of journals, such as literary journals and anthologies that combine a series of personal essays and true stories, accept applications and submissions for narrative nonfiction. Of course, writers of memoirs and autobiographies may turn to literary publishers who focus on pieces of this magnitude. Publishing creative, fact-based writing is similar to publishing any other type of writing. Authors should search the marketplace for publishers who accept the exact type of writing they wish to submit, as well as carefully read and follow the query and submission guidelines.
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