How Many Words in a Novel: Complete Guide
When starting a novel, one of the first questions that often comes to mind is, “How many words should it be?” Understanding the typical word count for different types of novels can help you structure your writing and set realistic goals.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, knowing industry standards by genre and audience can guide you.
In this article, we’ll explore how many words for various genres, factors influencing these numbers, and tips for finding the correct length for your story.
Standard Word Counts by Genre
Understanding the expected word counts for different genres can help you tailor your novel to industry standards. Here’s a breakdown by genre, with examples of well-known books in each category.
After you finish learning about word count, consider also checking our article on how to write an entire novel.
Literary Fiction
Literary fiction typically falls between 80,000 and 100,000 words. This genre often prioritizes character development, thematic exploration, and prose style over fast-paced plotting. Its audience expects depth and a focus on nuanced storytelling.
Example: Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird is approximately 100,000 words. This novel aligns well with the genre’s emphasis on deep character development and exploring complex themes such as morality, justice, and human nature.
Tips for Writing Literary Fiction:
Readers appreciate well-developed characters and complex themes. Invest time in creating multidimensional characters with internal conflicts and unique perspectives.
This genre often allows for more experimentation with prose. Use language that enhances your themes and reflects the characters’ emotional journeys.
While the plot is essential, literary fiction often prioritizes thematic exploration. Let the story unfold organically around the themes you want to explore: identity, family, morality, or societal critique.
Science Fiction/Fantasy
Science fiction novels generally range from 90,000 to 120,000 words, though some epic fantasy works can exceed this. The larger count allows authors to develop complex worlds, intricate magic systems, and expansive plots.
Example: Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card, about 100,000 words. This novel explores complex themes such as leadership, strategy, and empathy within a futuristic, militarized setting, making it a staple of the science fiction genre.
Tips for Writing Science Fiction/Fantasy:
World-building is key in sci-fi and fantasy. Flesh out the rules of your world, including technology, magic systems, and societal structures. A believable, detailed setting will immerse readers and make your story more engaging.
Avoid overwhelming readers with complex details at once. Integrate world-building naturally through character actions and dialogue to keep the pace steady.
Sci-fi and fantasy can be a playground for exploring philosophical, ethical, or societal themes. Use these genres as a lens to examine real-world issues, making your story resonate with readers on a deeper level.
Romance
Romance novels can vary in length, but they often stay between 50,000 and 90,000 words. Shorter romances may focus on quick, intimate story arcs, while longer ones allow for more detailed character growth and relationship dynamics.
Example: The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks – about 52,000 words. This popular romance fits into the lower end of the range, with a story focused on emotional depth and character connection.
Tips for Writing Romance:
Readers want to connect with the characters in a romance novel. Develop layered characters with relatable motivations, vulnerabilities, and strengths.
Take time to develop a believable and gradual relationship. Avoid clichés and focus on natural interactions to create authentic chemistry that readers root for.
Romance thrives on tension. Use obstacles, misunderstandings, or external conflicts to build suspense but ensure a satisfying resolution that gives readers a payoff.
Thriller/Mystery
Thrillers and mysteries usually range from 70,000 to 90,000 words. These genres benefit from a tighter structure to maintain suspense, pacing, and intrigue, keeping readers hooked until the mystery is solved.
Example: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn – approximately 80,000 words. Flynn’s book uses a lean structure, maintaining suspense while fleshing out characters and plot twists.
Tips for Writing Thriller/Mystery:
Grab the reader’s attention quickly with an intriguing event, question, or character action. This is essential to draw readers into the suspenseful tone of a thriller or mystery.
Reveal clues and develop twists at a steady pace to maintain intrigue. Avoid giving away too much too soon; keep the readers guessing.
Readers expect a sense of closure in thrillers and mysteries. Ensure all loose ends are tied up and that the solution to the mystery is logical, satisfying, and surprising if possible.
Young Adult (YA)
Young adult novels are typically 50,000 to 80,000 words. The lower end caters to younger YA readers, while the upper-end suits complex, mature themes for older teens. YA novels often focus on coming-of-age themes and relatable characters.
Example: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins – around 100,000 words. This book is a slightly longer YA novel with an intricate plot and world-building that appeals to teens and adults.
Tips for Writing YA Novels:
YA readers quickly pick up on inauthentic language. Keep your characters’ voices and perspectives genuine and relatable, reflecting their age and experience.
Cover themes of identity, relationships, and self-discovery. Be mindful of current issues that resonate with young readers, such as mental health, social justice, or friendship dynamics.
A faster pace, with action, emotional beats, and character growth happening steadily. Keep the narrative moving to engage young readers.
Middle Grade
Middle-grade novels generally have between 20,000 and 80,000 words. Written for readers aged 8-12, they are shorter and more accessible, with straightforward plots and relatable themes.
Example: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling – about 77,000 words. The Harry Potter series remains popular for its relatable characters and engaging story.
Tips for Writing Middle-Grade Novels:
Middle-grade readers enjoy characters around their age (8-12) who face age-appropriate challenges. Keep the protagonist relatable, curious, and proactive in the story.
Use straightforward language and clear structure. Middle-grade readers appreciate easy-to-follow plots, but that doesn’t mean stories can’t be imaginative or deep.
Middle-grade books often blend adventure with subtle life lessons. These stories can help young readers understand concepts like friendship, bravery, or empathy without being overly didactic.
Word Count for Different Novel Types
When it comes to novel writing, word count plays a significant role in shaping the expectations of both readers and publishers. While genre is a major factor in determining ideal count, the type of novel you’re writing—a debut novel, part of a series, or a novella—can also influence length.
Below, we’ll explore various novel types, the word counts typically associated with each, and tips on deciding what’s best for your story.
Debut Novels
For first-time authors, debut novels often range between 70,000 and 90,000 words, depending on genre and audience. Publishers often prefer shorter debut novels, which are easier to sell, edit, and market. This word count range helps new writers maintain a focused narrative without risking unnecessary complexity.
Why the Range? Debut authors benefit from a slightly shorter manuscript because it allows them to showcase their storytelling skills in a concise format, with a focus on character development and plot structure.
A tighter count also reduces the likelihood of pacing issues, a common challenge for new writers.
Tips for Debut Novels:
Avoid getting lost in unnecessary subplots or extensive descriptions. Focus on a streamlined narrative that highlights your strengths as a writer.
A shorter debut novel is easier to edit and refine, which is advantageous when working with an editor unfamiliar with your work.
Example: The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger is around 73,000 words and is an excellent example of a concise, compelling debut novel that remains engaging without a complex structure.
Series Novels
There is more flexibility with word count for novels that are part of a series. Series novels typically range from 80,000 to 120,000 words. However, books in established series—especially in fantasy and science fiction—often exceed 120,000 words, particularly as the story progresses and the world becomes more detailed.
Why the Range? In series novels, readers are often invested in the characters and plot. This allows for a deeper dive into the world and the development of complex story arcs. Larger word counts are expected as the series progresses, giving authors room to explore multi-layered plots, side stories, and evolving character relationships.
Tips for Series Novels:
Maintain a consistent count across books in a series, especially in the early stages, as this sets reader expectations for each installment.
Leave room for your story to grow in complexity as the series continues, both in terms of word count and narrative depth.
Example: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling starts around 77,000 words. In comparison, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix reaches approximately 257,000 words, illustrating how series books often expand as the plot and characters evolve.
Standalone Novels
Standalone novels usually have a word count between 80,000 and 100,000. These novels have to wrap up all plot threads within a single book, so the word count must be long enough to develop the story and characters but concise enough to avoid unnecessary tangents.
Why the Range? Since standalone novels don’t have sequels to flesh out additional character growth or subplots, they need a balanced length to give readers a complete experience. Readers expect a satisfying resolution within a standalone novel, so using the word count effectively is crucial to bring closure to every major element of the story.
Tips for Standalone Novels:
Prioritize a well-defined plot arc. Side plots should support the main story rather than serve as standalone narratives.
Readers appreciate closure, especially in standalone novels. Use the count to resolve all major storylines and provide a satisfying ending.
Example: The Road by Cormac McCarthy, at about 90,000 words, is a standalone novel that engages readers with a powerful, self-contained narrative.
Novellas and Shorter Novels
Novellas are shorter works that typically range from 20,000 to 50,000 words. These compact stories are perfect for exploring single themes, ideas, or characters in depth without the commitment of a full-length novel. Some shorter novels may slightly exceed this range, but they offer a quicker, more focused reading experience.
Why the Range? The novella format is appealing because it allows for concise, impactful storytelling. Novellas are often used for standalone stories or as side stories within a larger fictional universe. The shorter word count encourages efficiency, making every word count and keeping readers’ attention from start to finish.
Tips for Novellas:
Stick to a single main conflict or theme. A novella’s shorter length doesn’t allow for complex, multi-layered plots.
Novellas often leave a lasting impression by emphasizing a single theme or emotion. Use the word count to delve deeply into one central idea or character arc.
Example: Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck is a classic novella, coming in at around 30,000 words, that delivers a powerful story within a brief word count.
Epic and High Fantasy Novels
Epic and high fantasy novels have an average word count of 100,000 words or more, with many extending to 150,000 or even 200,000 words. This genre’s lengthy word count allows for in-depth world-building, detailed character arcs, and intricate plots involving multiple characters and storylines.
Why the Range? Epic and high fantasy readers expect developed worlds with complex social structures, magic systems, and historical backgrounds. The longer word count accommodates these expectations, giving writers room to build immersive settings and multilayered conflicts.
Tips for Epic and High Fantasy:
Lay the groundwork for your world’s history, politics, and magic early on, so readers are With a large count, you have room to explore multiple character perspectives and story arcs.
Ensure that each character’s arc contributes meaningfully to the main plot.
Example: A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin is around 298,000 words and demonstrates the expansive storytelling that high fantasy allows, with numerous characters, plots, and richly detailed settings.
Experimental or Avant-Garde Novels
Experimental novels don’t always conform to traditional word count standards. They can be as short as a novella or as long as an epic, depending on the author’s vision. This category often includes unconventional narrative structures, fragmented plots, or unique storytelling techniques.
Tips for Experimental Novels:
In experimental works, the story’s format, style, or presentation may be just as important as the content. Let your creative approach guide the length.
While experimental novels allow for creative freedom, ensure that your unique structure or style still engages readers.
Example: House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski is a well-known experimental novel with approximately 150,000 words, blending narrative with typographical innovation.
Each novel type brings unique word count expectations and storytelling challenges. By understanding these standards, you can craft a narrative that meets your novel’s specific goals and reader expectations.
Factors Influencing Word Count
How many words in a novel is influenced by a range of factors, from genre expectations to story complexity. Understanding these factors can help you determine an appropriate word count for your book, keeping your narrative engaging and well-paced while meeting audience and publisher expectations.
Here are some key elements that influence word count and how they might shape the length of your novel.
1. Genre Expectations
Different genres have established word count norms that align with reader preferences and market standards. For instance, Sci-Fi and fantasy often have higher word counts (90,000–120,000 words or more) to accommodate detailed world-building, while romance novels tend to be shorter (50,000–90,000 words), focusing more on relationships and emotional arcs.
Middle-grade and young adult books generally have lower word counts to match the age and attention span of their target audience.
How Genre Shapes Word Count: Understanding your genre’s standard word count range is crucial, as readers often have set expectations. A romance reader might expect a shorter, more intimate read, while a fantasy fan may look forward to an immersive, long-form adventure. Knowing your genre’s norms can help you design a story structure that aligns with reader expectations.
2. Target Audience
How many pages is also influenced by the age and reading level of the intended audience. Middle-grade readers, typically 8-12 years old, are often more comfortable with shorter books (20,000–50,000 words) that maintain a more straightforward structure and vocabulary. Young adult novels written for teenagers are generally longer (50,000–80,000 words) and can tackle more complex themes.
Adult novels vary greatly, but understanding your audience’s preferences can guide you toward an ideal length in each case.
Balancing Complexity with Age: Younger readers benefit from stories that maintain a steady pace and avoid lengthy descriptions. On the other hand, adult readers may enjoy a slower, more contemplative narrative. Tailoring the word count to your audience’s preferences helps create an age-appropriate and engaging reading experience.
3. Story Complexity
The complexity of your story directly affects how long it will take to tell. A multi-layered plot with several characters, subplots, and themes will naturally require more space to develop.
Epic fantasies, historical fiction, or stories with intricate political or social structures often have higher word counts, allowing for in-depth exploration of each element.
Single vs. Multi-Threaded Narratives: A single, straightforward plotline generally requires fewer words, allowing for a tighter, faster-paced story. Multi-threaded narratives, with multiple characters and intersecting plotlines, need more words to provide depth and clarity.
Deciding on the complexity of your plot early in the writing process can help you estimate the necessary length.
4. World-Building Requirements
World-building plays a significant role in word count for novels that take place in complex or fictional worlds—such as fantasy, Sci-Fi, or historical settings. Describing new locations, cultural elements, languages, or technological advancements requires additional words to give readers a clear and immersive picture.
Fantasy and sci-fi authors often include extensive descriptions of their worlds to ensure readers can fully grasp the setting.
Balancing Description with Pacing: While detailed world-building can enhance reader immersion, balancing it with narrative pacing is essential. Overloading the text with excessive description can slow down the story and potentially disengage readers.
Introduce world details naturally through characters’ experiences and dialogue to keep the story moving while maintaining an immersive atmosphere.
5. Publisher and Market Trends
Publisher and market trends can also influence word count expectations. Publishers may have specific guidelines for debut authors, often favoring shorter novels that are easier to market. Additionally, industry trends can change over time—historical trends favored shorter novels, but today’s readers often welcome longer works, especially in digital formats.
Considering Marketability: Debut authors may benefit from shorter manuscripts, as they’re easier to edit, market, and sell to new readers. Following industry trends can also impact word count, but it’s essential to balance meeting market demands and preserving the integrity of your story.
6. Authorial Style
Lastly, an author’s writing style can impact the number of words in a novel. Some authors write concisely and minimalist, favoring shorter novels with direct storytelling. Others use a more descriptive, layered approach that may naturally increase word count.
Finding Your Natural Length: Embrace your unique style when determining word count. If you prefer concise prose, a shorter novel may be appropriate. A longer word count can allow you to develop your story if your style is more elaborate. Remember, word count guidelines are flexible and the story’s quality is more important than its length.
By understanding these factors, you can make informed decisions about your novel’s word count, creating a book that’s both well-paced and meets reader expectations.
FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about how many words in novels.
Why do word counts matter when writing a novel?
Word counts are essential in novel writing because they help set reader expectations and can impact the story’s pacing, structure, and marketability. Different genres have recommended word counts, which provide a guideline for writers and ensure that a novel is comprehensive yet concise enough to maintain readers’ interest. Understanding the typical word count for novels can help authors craft stories that meet industry standards.
How many words are in a typical novel?
A typical novel usually contains between 70,000 and 100,000 words, depending on the genre and audience. Word counts can vary for adult fiction, but an average novel in this category often falls within this range. Shorter novels may have fewer words, while epic or literary novels sometimes exceed 120,000 words. However, most publishers suggest staying close to the standard range to appeal to mainstream readers.
How many words for adult fiction?
For adult fiction, the average word count typically ranges from 80,000 to 100,000 words. This length provides enough room for in-depth character development and plot complexity, making it suitable for the adult market. However, the exact word count can vary by genre; for instance, thrillers might be shorter, while historical fiction often runs longer.
How does word count affect the pacing and flow of a novel?
The word count in a novel impacts its pacing, as longer novels allow for more detailed scenes and character exploration, while shorter ones focus on quick plot progression. A typical novel’s word count is designed to create a balanced narrative flow, giving readers an immersive experience without overwhelming them. By staying within an average word count range, writers can maintain readers’ engagement throughout the story.
