Quick answer
A science fiction novel typically runs 90,000–125,000 words, with a sweet spot of 100,000–115,000 words.
Start writing with this targetHow long will that take?
Reading
452 min
at 238 WPM · midpoint
Speaking
768 min
at 140 WPM · midpoint
Drafting
~215 hr
at ~500 words/hour · midpoint
Structure template
Three-act science fiction novel — roughly 110,000 words
- Act I — World & premise27,000 words
- Act II.A — Exploration28,000 words
- Act II.B — Complications28,000 words
- Act III — Resolution27,000 words
Hard SF with heavy worldbuilding can push higher; soft SF benefits from tighter pacing.
Comparable published works
Dune
Frank Herbert · 1965
187,240 words
Ender's Game
Orson Scott Card · 1985
100,609 words
The Left Hand of Darkness
Ursula K. Le Guin · 1969
85,592 words
Where this range comes from
SFWA Nebula Award prose category definitions; Writer's Digest genre length guide · Last verified 2026-04-20
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