Story Word Count Guidelines
Flash, short story, novelette, novella, and novel lengths
Here are commonly accepted ranges for fiction word counts. These are guidelines, not rules — always check your target market or publication.
Form
Typical Word Count
Flash Fiction
Up to 1,000
Short Story
1,000–7,500
Novelette
7,500–17,500
Novella
17,500–40,000
Novel
50,000–110,000+
Quick answers
Short story: 1,000–7,500 words. Novelette: 7,500–17,500. Novella: 17,500–40,000. Novel: 50,000–110,000+ depending on genre.
Tips
- Target the lower end for debut submissions; editors prefer tight prose.
- Genre expectations vary — check recent titles in your category.
- Revise for clarity and pacing; length follows story needs.