When you’re in the thick of writing a novel, word count might seem like the least important thing.
The characters are talking, the plot is unfolding, and you’re just trying to get the story down.
But sooner or later—whether you’re submitting to agents or preparing to self-publish—you’ll run into the question: how long should this be?
The purpose of understanding how many words in a novel is to align your book with reader expectations, market standards, and storytelling clarity.
Understanding the typical word count for your genre won’t just help you avoid red flags—it’ll give you a clearer sense of what your book is becoming, and where it fits.
That’s what this guide is here for.
How many words in a novel?
For most novels, the standard word count falls somewhere between 70,000 and 100,000 words.
That’s not a hard rule, but it is a useful benchmark. These ranges have developed over time because they reflect what readers tend to expect—and what publishers know will sell.
Too short, and a story may feel underdeveloped. Too long, and it risks losing momentum or raising production costs. Even for indie authors, it’s worth treating these numbers as a helpful frame, not a constraint.
That said, writing isn’t a numbers game.
A strong novel earns its length, whether it’s 60,000 words or 120,000.
Word count only becomes a problem when it signals something deeper: a manuscript that’s rushed, padded, or not quite sure what it is.
So while it’s smart to know where your word count stands, what matters more is whether each word is doing its job—and whether the overall length supports the kind of story you’re trying to tell.
Word count by novel genre
Different genres come with different expectations—and that includes how long the story should be.
While great writing can always make an exception work, understanding the usual word count range for your genre helps ensure your book feels “right” to the reader.
It’s less about following rules and more about respecting rhythm, pacing, and the kind of experience your audience is looking for.
Here’s a breakdown of typical word counts by fiction genre—and why they tend to fall where they do:
Literary Fiction (80,000–110,000 words)
These novels often prioritize interiority, voice, and thematic depth. They take their time—and readers expect that. The higher word count allows for nuance and layered storytelling.
Science Fiction & Fantasy (90,000–120,000+ words)
Worldbuilding takes space. These genres frequently involve complex settings, systems, and character arcs, which naturally require more words to deliver a satisfying experience.
Romance (70,000–90,000 words)
Romance thrives on emotional beats and chemistry between characters. A tight, focused story usually serves this best, especially in genre fiction or series formats.
Mystery, Thriller, and Crime (70,000–90,000 words)
These stories rely on pacing, tension, and clarity. The word count supports a gripping plot without unnecessary detours, helping the reader stay hooked from start to finish.
Historical Fiction (100,000–120,000 words)
Like fantasy, historical fiction requires rich context and detail to immerse the reader in another time. The higher word count supports the research, setting, and scope these stories demand.
Young Adult (YA) Fiction (50,000–80,000 words)
YA leans on fast pacing and character-driven plots. The slightly shorter length reflects its younger audience, without sacrificing complexity or emotional impact.
Middle Grade (25,000–50,000 words)
Middle grade novels are concise by design, offering accessible narratives for younger readers with shorter attention spans. Every word counts—and must connect.
Memoir / Narrative Nonfiction (60,000–90,000 words)
Personal stories work best when they’re focused. This range allows enough space for meaningful reflection and storytelling without drifting into autobiography territory.
Don’t treat the above word counts as hard as fast rules. Instead, consider them helpful guidelines, particularly if you’re unsure of how many words to aim for in a given genre.
Tips for working with word counts
Word count can be a useful guide—but only if you treat it as a tool, not a measuring stick for your worth as a writer.
If you’re still writing your novel, resist the urge to check your word count obsessively.
Instead, set broad milestones and focus on writing with intention. Use tools like Scrivener, Word, or even a simple spreadsheet to track progress in a way that supports—not pressures—you.
Once you’re getting close to a finished draft, then it’s worth checking in.
Ask: Am I way outside the range for my genre? If so, why?
Maybe your story needs trimming—or maybe you’re doing something different on purpose.
Either way, clarity matters.
Understanding how your word count aligns with reader expectations lets you make informed choices, not accidental ones.
Common questions about word counts in novels
Here are quick, honest answers to the most common questions about how long novels should be.
- What’s the minimum word count for a novel?
Generally, around 50,000 words is considered the floor for adult fiction. Anything shorter may be classified as a novella. - What’s the difference between a novel and a novella?
A novella typically runs between 20,000–50,000 words. Novels usually start around 50,000 and go up from there. - Can I break the rules if the story justifies it?
Yes—but understand the trade-offs. A 150,000-word debut fantasy might scare off agents, but if you’re self-publishing and your readers love long epics, it could work beautifully. - Will readers care if my book is “too short” or “too long”?
They might—if it affects their experience. A rushed ending or dragging middle is often a sign the word count isn’t serving the story well. - Should I aim for the exact average in my genre?
Not necessarily. Aim for the range, and let the story guide the final number. Think of word count as a lane, not a tightrope. - Does self-publishing give me more flexibility?
Absolutely. But flexibility isn’t an excuse to ignore what readers expect. Even indie books benefit from thoughtful pacing and structure. - How can I know when my word count is “right”?
When the story feels complete, the pacing works, and you’re delivering the experience your readers came for—that’s a good sign you’ve hit the right length.
Are you ready to discover how many words your next novel will be?
Whether your novel ends up at 60,000 words or 110,000, what matters most is that it tells the story you set out to share, with purpose and clarity.
If you’re ready to take the next step—whether that’s outlining, writing, or preparing to publish—selfpublishing.com offers the tools, guidance, and support to help you bring your book to life with confidence.