Non-literary texts:
* Technical writing: Manuals, instructions, reports, scientific papers, etc., prioritize clarity and accuracy over artistic expression.
* Journalism: News articles, editorials, and other forms of reporting focus on factual information and immediacy.
* Business writing: Memos, proposals, emails, etc., primarily serve practical purposes.
* Advertising: Copywriting aims to persuade and sell, not necessarily to create artistic merit.
* Legal documents: Contracts, statutes, and other legal materials are designed for clarity and legal precision.
* Government documents: Official reports, regulations, and other public records primarily focus on information dissemination.
Other categories often excluded:
* Fanfiction: While often creative, it's typically based on existing works and may lack originality or artistic depth.
* Erotica: While it can be creatively written, it often prioritizes sexual content over literary merit.
* Self-help: While some self-help books may be well-written, they are primarily focused on providing advice and practical strategies.
It's important to note:
* There are gray areas. For example, some creative nonfiction, such as memoirs and travel writing, can be considered literature.
* Subjectivity plays a role. What one person considers literature, another may not.
* Context matters. A text might be considered literature within a specific historical or cultural context.
Ultimately, the question of what is and isn't literature is open to interpretation. The key is to consider the purpose, style, and artistic merit of the writing when making such a determination.