Clean fiction and Christian fiction are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. While both genres strive to provide uplifting and inspiring stories, they have different audiences and goals.
Clean fiction, as we discussed in a previous blog post, is a term used to describe books that are free from explicit content, such as profanity, sex, and violence. These books are often marketed to readers who prefer a more wholesome and uplifting reading experience, but they are not necessarily tied to any specific religious beliefs or values. Clean fiction can be found in a variety of genres, from romance to mystery to science fiction.
Christian fiction, on the other hand, is a genre specifically targeted to readers who are looking for stories that align with their Christian beliefs and values. These books often feature Christian themes, such as faith, forgiveness, and redemption, and may include characters who are Christian or struggle with their faith. Christian fiction can be found in a variety of genres as well, from romance to historical fiction to speculative fiction.
While there is some overlap between clean fiction and Christian fiction, not all clean fiction is Christian fiction and vice versa. For example, a clean romance novel may not have any overt religious themes or characters, but it may still be marketed as a clean book for readers who prefer a more wholesome reading experience. On the other hand, a Christian romance novel may have Christian themes and characters, but it may not necessarily be free from explicit content.
One of the key differences between clean fiction vs. Christian fiction is their intended audiences. While clean fiction can be enjoyed by readers of all faiths or no faith at all, Christian fiction is specifically targeted to readers who share a Christian worldview. This means that Christian fiction may not appeal to readers who do not share those beliefs or may even feel excluded by the religious themes.
It is also worth noting that not all Christian fiction is created equal. Just as there are different denominations within Christianity, there are also different approaches to Christian fiction. Some Christian fiction may be more overtly religious, while others may take a more subtle approach. Often, "Christian fiction" is a label selected by the authors (or publishers) rather than by a list of specific criteria, and some authors choose the label simply because they believe their story might appeal to a Christian audience... so the application of the "Christian fiction" term may vary. Some Christian fiction books may focus on evangelism and sharing the gospel, while others may simply seek to provide a positive and uplifting reading experience for Christian readers or may be writing from an implied Christian worldview.
In conclusion, while clean fiction and Christian fiction share some similarities, they are not the same thing.
The difference in clean fiction vs. Christian fiction can really be boiled down to this:
Clean fiction refers to books that are free from explicit content (but may or may not address Christian themes), while Christian fiction refers to books specifically targeted to Christian readers and/or books which feature Christian themes and characters.
While both genres seek to provide uplifting and inspiring stories, they have different intended audiences and goals. It is important for readers to understand these differences so that they can choose the books that are right for them.
Here on PirateCat, we do clean fiction. While the owner of PirateCat/our primary authors are Christians (and therefore our books are written from a Christian worldview), most of the books in our portal are clean fiction written for a general market audience--which means they do not specifically address spiritual or religious themes, or do so in subtle ways emerging from the characters and stories, rather than as a primary focus or theme.
However, as we grow and expand, some of our content may also be Christian fiction with more prominent religious or spiritual themes! (If so, this will be indicated in the description of the book inside our portal.)
Still unsure about the difference of clean fiction vs. Christian fiction? Contact us to chat more about it! You can find us on Instagram at instagram.com/piratecatpublishing, Facebook at facebook.com/piratecatpublishing, or reach out to us directly through this website using our contact form or email.
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