Why did Truman Capote call In Cold Blood a nonfiction novel?

Truman Capote labeled In Cold Blood a "nonfiction novel" because his primary aim was to recount actual events and real people using the dramatic power, excitement, and intricate structure typically associated with a novel.12

By employing the narrative techniques of fiction—such as developing characters, utilizing sustained dialogue, and constructing vivid scenes with dramatic tension—Capote sought to elevate journalistic storytelling. He spent six years conducting exhaustive research and interviews to ensure the account was factual, attempting to present the story without intruding his own commentary or distorting the truth.3142

This approach was central to the New Journalism movement, which sought to push the boundaries of traditional reporting. While Capote’s work was highly acclaimed, his claim of inventing a new genre triggered significant controversy; critics and skeptical reporters questioned whether a journalist could—or should—combine the subjective, dramatic elements of fiction with the strict factual requirements of journalism.325