Quick Answer: How Long is a Novella?
A novella is 17,500 to 40,000 words (approximately 60-150 pages). This places it between a novelette and a full-length novel.
Count Your Novella's WordsFiction Word Count Comparison
| Format | Word Count |
|---|---|
| Flash Fiction | Under 1,000 |
| Short Story | 1,000–7,500 |
| Novelette | 7,500–17,500 |
| Novella | 17,500–40,000 |
| Novel | 50,000–110,000 |
| Epic Novel | 110,000+ |
What Defines a Novella?
A novella is a work of fiction that falls between a short story and a novel in length. The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA), which presents the prestigious Nebula Awards, defines a novella as a work between 17,500 and 40,000 words.
Beyond word count, novellas have distinct characteristics:
- •Focused narrative: Usually follows a single plotline with limited subplots
- •Smaller cast: Typically features fewer characters than a novel
- •Concentrated timeframe: Often covers a shorter period than a full novel
- •Single theme: Explores one central idea or conflict in depth
- •Faster pacing: Moves more quickly than novels due to length constraints
Novella Word Count by Genre
While the 17,500-40,000 word range is standard, some genres have specific expectations:
Romance Novellas
Romance novellas typically run 20,000-40,000 words. The romance genre has embraced the novella format, with many publishers offering novella-length series. Harlequin's various lines have specific word count requirements ranging from 20,000 to 55,000 words.
Science Fiction & Fantasy Novellas
SF/F novellas often push toward the longer end of the spectrum (30,000-40,000 words) to accommodate worldbuilding. Tor.com Publishing has revitalized the SF/F novella market with their novella line.
Mystery & Thriller Novellas
Mystery novellas typically fall in the 20,000-35,000 word range. The format works well for cozy mysteries and locked-room puzzles that don't require extensive character development.
Literary Fiction Novellas
Literary novellas can be shorter (15,000-30,000 words) as they focus more on prose style and thematic depth than plot complexity.
Famous Novellas and Their Word Counts
The Old Man and the Sea
Ernest Hemingway
~27,000
Animal Farm
George Orwell
~30,000
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
Robert Louis Stevenson
~25,000
A Christmas Carol
Charles Dickens
~28,500
Heart of Darkness
Joseph Conrad
~38,000
Of Mice and Men
John Steinbeck
~30,000
Publishing Novellas: Your Options
Traditional Publishing
Novellas are notoriously difficult to sell to traditional publishers. They're often considered "too long for magazines, too short for bookstores." However, options include:
- •Tor.com Publishing: Actively publishes SF/F novellas
- •Harlequin: Various romance novella lines
- •Small presses: Many specialize in novellas
- •Literary magazines: Some accept novella-length work
- •Anthologies: Novella collections from multiple authors
Self-Publishing
Self-publishing has revolutionized the novella market. Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and other platforms allow authors to sell novellas as standalone ebooks or as part of a series. Many successful indie authors use novellas as:
- •Series starters or prequels (often free or $0.99)
- •Between-book stories in an established series
- •Rapid-release series where multiple novellas combine into a longer arc
- •Kindle Unlimited reads (where page count matters for royalties)
Pricing Novellas
Self-published novellas typically price between $0.99 and $3.99, depending on length and series position. Traditional publishers often price novellas at $4.99-$9.99 for ebooks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many words is a novella?
A novella is typically 17,500 to 40,000 words. This places it between a novelette (7,500-17,500 words) and a full novel (50,000+ words). The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA) and most publishers use these ranges.
What is the minimum word count for a novella?
The minimum word count for a novella is generally considered to be 17,500 words. Works shorter than this are typically classified as novelettes (7,500-17,500 words) or short stories (under 7,500 words).
Can a novella be 50,000 words?
No, 50,000 words is generally considered the starting point for a novel, not a novella. Novellas typically end at around 40,000 words. A 50,000-word manuscript would be classified as a short novel.
How many pages is a novella?
A novella is typically 60-150 pages in a standard paperback format (250 words per page). The exact page count depends on formatting, font size, and publisher specifications.
What is the difference between a novella and a novel?
The main difference is length: novellas are 17,500-40,000 words while novels are 50,000+ words. Novellas typically have fewer characters, subplots, and a more focused narrative scope compared to full-length novels.
How long does it take to read a novella?
At an average reading speed of 250 words per minute, a novella takes 1-3 hours to read. A 20,000-word novella takes about 80 minutes; a 40,000-word novella takes about 2.5-3 hours.
Is it easier to write a novella than a novel?
Not necessarily. While novellas are shorter, they require tight plotting and economy of words. You must tell a complete story with character development in fewer words, which some writers find more challenging than the expansive canvas of a novel.
How many words is a novelette?
A novelette is 7,500 to 17,500 words, placing it between a short story (under 7,500 words) and a novella (17,500-40,000 words). The SFWA uses this range for Nebula Award categorization.
What is the difference between a novelette and a novella?
A novelette is 7,500-17,500 words while a novella is 17,500-40,000 words. Novelettes are shorter and typically focus on a single scene, event, or character arc, while novellas can develop more complex narratives with multiple plot threads.
Tips for Writing a Novella
Writing a novella requires a different approach than writing a novel:
- •Start close to the action: You don't have space for lengthy exposition. Begin near your inciting incident.
- •Limit your scope: Focus on one main conflict, one protagonist's journey, one central theme.
- •Streamline your cast: Include only essential characters. Each should serve a clear purpose.
- •Cut ruthlessly: Every scene must advance plot or develop character—ideally both.
- •Embrace the format: Don't try to compress a novel into novella length. Write a story that belongs at this length.
Track Your Novella's Progress
Use our free word counter to track your manuscript length, set writing goals, and monitor your progress toward that 17,500-40,000 word target.
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