Think about your own reading preferences. If you want a story that follows a set pattern and gives you the expected thrills of a particular genre, like the excitement of a space adventure in science fiction or the romance in a love story, then it's category fiction. But if you're in the mood for something that will make you think deeply, explore complex emotions and relationships, and perhaps has a more sophisticated writing style, it's more likely to be literary fiction. You can also look at reviews. Reviews for literary fiction often mention the depth of the writing, while reviews for category fiction might focus more on how well it adheres to the genre norms.
Check for genre - specific elements. If there are a lot of typical genre tropes like a detective solving a crime in a very formulaic way, it's probably category fiction. Literary fiction will often break away from such obvious formulas. Also, consider the author's reputation. Some authors are known for writing literary fiction and others for category fiction. If it's an author who has won literary awards for their complex and profound works, it might be literary fiction.
Look at the writing style. If it's very descriptive and the language is rich and complex, it might be literary fiction. General fiction usually has a simpler style. Also, check the reviews. Literary fiction reviews often talk about themes and character development, while general fiction reviews may focus more on the plot.
Look at the cover and the blurb. Popular fiction often has flashy covers that are designed to catch the eye immediately and blurbs that highlight the exciting plot points. Literary fiction covers may be more subdued or artistic. The blurb might talk more about the themes and the writing style. For example, a popular thriller's cover might have a big explosion on it and the blurb says 'a race against time to stop a terrorist plot'. A literary fiction book's cover could be a simple, yet thought - provoking image and the blurb mentions 'an exploration of love and loss in post - war society'.
Look at the cover and blurb. Commercial fiction often has flashy covers and blurbs that promise an exciting or emotional ride. Literary fiction might have a more subdued cover and a blurb that hints at deeper themes. For example, a commercial romance might have a couple embracing on the cover and a blurb about their passionate love story. A literary fiction book might have a simple, artistic cover and a blurb about exploring the meaning of life.
One way to distinguish is by the writing style. Literary fiction usually has a more elaborate and sophisticated style compared to general fiction. Also, literary fiction often delves deeper into themes like the human experience, morality, etc.
Look at the author's intention. If the author is trying to create an imaginary world or tell a made - up story, it's probably fiction. If they are presenting real - life information or experiences, it's literary nonfiction.
One way is to look at the writing style. Literary works usually have a more refined and complex writing style. Fiction can have a wide range of styles, from simple and straightforward to highly elaborate. For instance, a literary novel might use a lot of symbolism and allusions, while a simple fictional story for kids might be very direct.
Look at the writing style. Literary fiction usually has a more elaborate and sophisticated style. Genre fiction is more straightforward in terms of getting to the genre - specific elements. For example, if it's a thriller, it quickly sets up the suspense.
One way to tell is by looking at the writing style. Realistic fiction usually has a more straightforward style, while literary fiction often has a more complex and nuanced style. Also, the focus of the story can be a clue. If it's mainly about real - life situations and characters, it's likely realistic fiction. If it seems more about exploring ideas and emotions through unique writing, it's probably literary fiction.
Look at the plot structure. If it's a simple, page - turning plot with a clear goal, like solving a crime or getting the girl in the end, it's likely commercial fiction. Literary fiction might have a more meandering plot.
Look at the plot. In commercial fiction, the plot is usually action - packed and moves at a brisk pace. It has a clear goal or problem to be solved. In literary fiction, the plot may be more meandering, with the focus on the characters' internal growth and relationships. For example, in a commercial spy novel, the plot revolves around the spy's mission, but in a literary novel about a family, the plot may be about the changing dynamics within the family over time.