Quick Answer: Standard Novel Length
Most novels are 70,000-100,000 words. Debut authors should aim for 80,000-90,000 words in most genres. Fantasy and sci-fi can go longer (100,000-120,000), while YA and romance often run shorter (50,000-80,000).
Count Your Novel's WordsComplete Word Count Reference by Genre
| Genre | Standard Range | Debut Target |
|---|---|---|
| Literary Fiction | 80,000-100,000 | 70,000-90,000 |
| Commercial/Mainstream Fiction | 70,000-100,000 | 70,000-90,000 |
| Romance (Category) | 50,000-70,000 | 55,000-65,000 |
| Romance (Single Title) | 75,000-100,000 | 75,000-90,000 |
| Romantic Suspense | 80,000-100,000 | 75,000-90,000 |
| Historical Romance | 80,000-100,000 | 80,000-95,000 |
| Mystery/Crime | 70,000-90,000 | 70,000-85,000 |
| Thriller/Suspense | 80,000-100,000 | 70,000-90,000 |
| Horror | 70,000-90,000 | 65,000-85,000 |
| Science Fiction | 80,000-115,000 | 80,000-100,000 |
| Fantasy (Epic/High) | 90,000-130,000 | 95,000-115,000 |
| Fantasy (Urban) | 80,000-100,000 | 75,000-90,000 |
| Young Adult (YA) | 50,000-80,000 | 55,000-75,000 |
| Middle Grade | 25,000-50,000 | 30,000-45,000 |
| Women's Fiction | 80,000-100,000 | 75,000-90,000 |
| Historical Fiction | 80,000-120,000 | 80,000-100,000 |
| Western | 50,000-80,000 | 55,000-75,000 |
| Memoir | 70,000-90,000 | 70,000-85,000 |
Understanding Novel Word Counts
Word count expectations exist for practical reasons: printing costs, reader expectations, shelf space, and genre conventions. Understanding these norms helps you target the right length for your manuscript.
Genre-Specific Guidelines
Romance Novels
Romance has the widest variation in acceptable lengths due to its diverse subgenres:
- •Category Romance (Harlequin): 50,000-70,000 words. Each line has specific requirements—check Harlequin's submission guidelines for exact targets.
- •Single-Title Romance: 75,000-100,000 words. More plot complexity and character development.
- •Historical Romance: 80,000-100,000 words. Period setting requires more description.
- •Romantic Suspense: 80,000-100,000 words. Dual plot lines (romance + suspense) add length.
Fantasy & Science Fiction
Speculative fiction often runs longer due to worldbuilding requirements:
- •Epic/High Fantasy: 90,000-130,000 words. Established authors regularly publish 150,000+ word books, but debut authors should stay under 120,000.
- •Urban Fantasy: 80,000-100,000 words. Real-world settings reduce worldbuilding needs.
- •Science Fiction: 80,000-115,000 words. Hard SF with technical exposition may run longer.
- •Space Opera: 90,000-120,000 words. Epic scope requires more words.
Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
- •Cozy Mystery: 60,000-80,000 words. Lighter tone, simpler plots.
- •Mystery/Crime: 70,000-90,000 words. Tight plotting is valued.
- •Thriller: 80,000-100,000 words. Complex plots and stakes justify length.
- •Psychological Thriller: 70,000-90,000 words. Interior focus means fewer words.
Literary & Mainstream Fiction
- •Literary Fiction: 80,000-100,000 words. Quality of prose over plot complexity.
- •Commercial/Mainstream: 70,000-100,000 words. Broad appeal, accessible length.
- •Women's Fiction: 80,000-100,000 words. Relationship-focused narratives.
- •Historical Fiction: 80,000-120,000 words. Research and period detail add length.
Young Adult & Middle Grade
- •Middle Grade (ages 8-12): 25,000-50,000 words. Shorter attention spans and simpler vocabulary.
- •Young Adult: 50,000-80,000 words. Teens prefer faster pacing.
- •YA Fantasy: 60,000-90,000 words. Worldbuilding allows slightly longer.
Why Word Count Matters for Publishing
Traditional Publishing
Literary agents and publishers have practical reasons for word count preferences:
- •Production costs: Longer books cost more to print
- •Risk assessment: Debut authors are unproven; shorter books are safer investments
- •Reader expectations: Genre readers have length preferences
- •Shelf space: Bookstores have limited room for thick spines
Self-Publishing
Self-published authors have more flexibility, but still face constraints:
- •Kindle Unlimited: Page reads determine royalties, favoring longer books
- •Print costs: POD services charge by page count
- •Reader expectations: Still matter regardless of publishing path
- •Series strategy: Many indie authors use shorter, rapid-release books
Frequently Asked Questions
How many words is a novel?
A novel is typically 50,000-110,000 words. Most publishers consider 50,000 words the minimum. The average novel is around 80,000-90,000 words.
How long should a debut novel be?
Debut novels should typically be 70,000-90,000 words for most genres. This range is easier for publishers to take a risk on. Fantasy debuts can go to 100,000-115,000.
Can my novel be too long?
Yes. For debut authors, exceeding 120,000 words significantly reduces chances of traditional publication (except in epic fantasy). Even for established authors, very long books face higher production costs.
Can my novel be too short?
Below 50,000 words is generally considered a novella, not a novel. In most genres, under 60,000 words may feel slight to readers expecting a full novel experience.
How many pages is a 90,000-word novel?
At standard formatting (250 words/page), 90,000 words is about 360 manuscript pages. In published book form, it's typically 300-350 pages depending on formatting.
Tips for Hitting Your Target Word Count
- •Outline first: A detailed outline helps you pace your story to the right length.
- •Track as you write: Use a word counter to monitor progress and adjust pacing.
- •Cut ruthlessly: Most first drafts have 10-20% bloat. Edit with word count in mind.
- •Don't pad: Agents can tell when writers add filler to hit targets. Write naturally, then trim.
- •Study your genre: Read current releases and note their lengths and pacing.
Track Your Novel's Progress
Use our free word counter to track your manuscript length, set writing goals, and monitor your progress toward publication-ready word counts.
Start Counting Words