Fiction or Non-Fiction?
A book is either fiction or non-fiction. There is no way for a book to fall into both groups. It can be a narrative non-fiction that follows the shape of a novel, but it’s still non-fiction. A novel can be a historical drama relying on facts and and dates and real people, but that doesn’t mean it’s non-fiction.
Some typefaces do better on the pages of a novel and some shine when used in a technical tome. And then some fit well into both categories. I put together a small list of typefaces that are frequently recommended, frequently used, and recognized as being part of good book design. Just because a typeface is on the fiction list doesn’t mean you can’t use it for non-fiction and the same goes for using typefaces from the non-fiction list in fiction. Think of this list more as a suggestion.
So… Pick your poison.
Fiction
- Sabon
- Bembo
- Baskerville
- Garamond
- Fournier
- Dante
- Janson
- Electra
Non-Fiction
- Caslon
- Utopia
- FF Scala
Both
- Minion
Okay, let’s get cracking and narrow this down even more. There are two ways we can break this down more than by fiction or non-fiction. Either by tone or genre. Genre is easier, but I think you’ll find a better fit with tone since it encompasses so much more.
However, for those who just want to get to the answer, use genre. For those who are interested in learning the voice of a typeface can amplify the voice of a book, select tone.
I am writing a self-help/inspirational book and only have Microsoft Word. I don’t have access to Caslon, Utopia etc.
I do have Sabon Next, Bembo, Baskerville, Minion Pro and a version of Garamond.
– Bembo is attractive, but I’m afraid the strokes are so light that it won’t look good in POD
– I don’t like the very heavy cap weights in Baskerville, my eyes are draw to them to much.
– Of the remaining three (Sabon, Minion and Garamond) which would be best?