A Novel is a book that contains more than 50,000 words.
While a novel is technically a work that has a word count greater than 50,000 words, most will contain 60,000 or more words. Anything less is considered a novella, short story or flash fiction. The average novel length is around 80,000 words which is what publishers call the “sweet spot.” These novels aren’t too short or too long and seen as safe in the eyes of most publishers.
Below are the classifications for works containing various word counts:
- Novel: 50,000-110,000 words (on average)
- Novella: 30,000-50,000 words
- Short Story: 1,500-30,000 words
- Flash Fiction: 300-1,500 words
You may be asking, why does it matter how many words are in my novel?
First, if you are looking to go through traditional publishing, following a basic guideline — such as staying within word count parameters — shows the publisher you are willing to follow the rules of the industry. The publisher sees you as easier to work with when you don’t have to constantly be corrected.
Secondly, most readers (consciously or subconsciously) have certain expectations per genre. Even if the reader doesn’t realize it, if you stay within word count parameters, you are more trustworthy to the reader. Now, if you are a well known author, chances are you can be a bit more flexible with your word counts because you already have an audience. However, if you’re reading this blog post, you’re probably an aspiring author who is working on their debut novel and wants to know where to start (but don’t give up hope! You may eventually be a household name if you persevere).
Word Count per Genre
Now to the part you’ve been waiting for:
- YA: 50,000-80,000 words
- Romance: 50,000-100,000 words
- Sci-Fi/Fantasy: 90,000-120,000 words (sometimes more)
- Historical Fiction: 80,000-100,000 words
- Thrillers/Horror: 70,000-90,000 words
- Crime/Mystery: 70,000-90,000 words
- Memoirs: 80,000-100,000 words
- Biography: 80,000-200,000 words
Now that you know where to start, happy writing! If you’re ready to set goals and chase your writing dreams, check out my post on how to make writing goals that you can actually stick to. For more tips on writing, sign up for my newsletter so you never miss a new post (Don’t worry — I won’t email you ever day. Those people drive me crazy too!).
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XO,
