How Many Words Should a Novel Have?
Understanding the ideal length of a novel, which is influenced by genre, audience expectations, and publishing standards, is crucial for authors. Most novels fall between 50,000 and 100,000 words, but different genres have distinct norms. For instance, novellas are usually 20,000 to 50,000 words, while epic fantasies often exceed 120,000 words. This understanding is instrumental in shaping stories effectively.
Standard Word Counts by Genre
Adhering to the word count expectations of different genres is not just a matter of convention, but a strategic move. Staying within these ranges significantly increases the chances of satisfying readers and industry professionals, making your novel more marketable and appealing.
Literary Fiction
Literary fiction, typically between 80,000 and 110,000 words, prioritizes prose style and deep themes. Examples include Donna Tartt’s The Goldfinch (~300,000 words) and Sally Rooney’s Normal People (~80,000 words).
Science Fiction and Fantasy
Sci-fi and fantasy novels often require extensive world-building, leading to longer lengths of 90,000 to 150,000 words. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss (~250,000 words) and Dune by Frank Herbert (~180,000 words) are prime examples.
Romance
Romance novels are 50,000 to 90,000 words. While contemporary romances are often shorter, historical romances can be longer. Examples include Pride and Prejudice (~120,000 words) and The Hating Game (~99,000 words).
Thriller and Mystery
Fast-paced and plot-driven thrillers and mysteries generally range from 70,000 to 100,000 words. Bestselling examples include Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl (~95,000 words) and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (~135,000 words).
Young Adult (YA)
YA novels typically range from 50,000 to 90,000 words, balancing readability with engaging storytelling. Examples include The Hunger Games (~99,000 words) and The Fault in Our Stars (~67,000 words).
Middle Grade
Written for younger readers, middle-grade books fall between 25,000 and 55,000 words. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (~77,000 words) and Wonder by R.J. Palacio (~73,000 words) illustrates the upper end.
Memoir and Biography
Memoirs typically range from 60,000 to 90,000 words, depending on the depth of the story. Educated by Tara Westover (~129,000 words) and Becoming by Michelle Obama (~165,000 words) serve as examples.
Why Word Count Matters in Writing a Novel
Word count is not just a technicality, but a powerful tool that influences reader expectations, pacing, and marketability. A well-balanced novel, in terms of word count, keeps readers engaged without feeling rushed or overextended. This is a key factor that publishing professionals consider, as books that align with standard industry expectations are easier to market and sell.
Factors Influencing Word Count
Many factors determine the ideal word count for a novel, including:
Story Complexity
Books with intricate plots, multiple perspectives, or deep world-building naturally require more words. Conversely, tightly focused narratives can be shorter while maintaining depth.
Target Audience
Different audiences expect different lengths. Middle-grade readers prefer shorter books, while adult epic fantasy fans anticipate longer, immersive reads.
How to Adjust Your Novel’s Word Count Without Compromising Quality
If your novel is too long or too short, here’s how to refine it:
Planning
Outlining before writing helps maintain control over pacing and structure, preventing unnecessary length or brevity.
Tips for Expanding
If your novel feels too short:
- Develop subplots that enrich the main story.
- Expand character backstories and relationships.
- Enhance world-building through vivid descriptions.
Tips for Trimming
If your novel is too long:
- Remove redundant scenes and filler dialogue.
- Tighten descriptions and eliminate unnecessary exposition.
- Focus on pacing by cutting slow-moving sections.
Tools for Word Count Management
Software like Scrivener, ProWritingAid, and Grammarly can help monitor word count and suggest areas for improvement.
Famous Exceptions: When Word Count Rules Don’t Apply
Some novels, like War and Peace (~587,000 words) and The Catcher in the Rye (~73,000 words), prove that compelling storytelling can transcend strict length requirements, offering authors hope for the success of their work.
FAQ Section
How many words are in a novel chapter?
Chapters typically range from 1,500 to 5,000 words, though this varies by style and genre.
How much does word count affect publishing?
While agents and publishers favor books within standard word count ranges, it’s important to remember that strong writing can override strict adherence, validating the author’s craft and storytelling ability.
What happens if my novel doesn’t meet standard word counts?
Short books may feel underdeveloped, while overly long books risk losing reader engagement. Editing can help balance length.
Can self-published books have different word count expectations?
Self-publishing offers authors the flexibility to experiment with word count, but staying within standard ranges can improve readability and sales potential, empowering authors to make informed decisions about their work.
