The Word Count Guidelines for Different Genres of Novels
by Veronica Manoa-Hofbauer
When embarking on the journey of writing a novel, one of the most pressing questions for many writers is: "How long should my book be?" While there’s no strict rule that dictates the perfect length of a novel, understanding the general word count guidelines for different genres can help shape your writing process and meet industry standards.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the commonly accepted word counts for various genres, including fantasy, fiction, and nonfiction, and discuss why these guidelines can be important.
General Word Count Ranges for Novels
1. Fiction:
- Word Count: 70,000 - 100,000 words
- Overview: Fiction novels can vary in length, but most successful adult novels fall within this range. For debut authors, it’s generally advisable to aim for the lower end to increase the chances of acceptance by literary agents.
2. Fantasy:
- Word Count: 80,000 - 150,000 words
- Overview: Fantasy novels often embrace longer word counts due to world-building, character development, and intricate plots. Epic fantasies can sometimes exceed this range, but first-time authors should be cautious not to exceed 120,000 words without good reason.
3. Science Fiction:
- Word Count: 90,000 - 120,000 words
- Overview: Like fantasy, science fiction often requires more space to explore complex settings and ideas. High-concept sci-fi may extend beyond the upper limit but should be justifiable to avoid losing reader interest.
4. Mystery/Thriller:
- Word Count: 70,000 - 90,000 words
- Overview: These genres benefit from fast pacing and tighter plots, making them typically shorter than fantasy or sci-fi novels.
5. Romance:
- Word Count: 50,000 - 100,000 words
- Overview: Romance novels tend to vary widely based on their subgenre. Contemporary romance often falls around 70,000-90,000 words, while category romances can be shorter.
6. Young Adult (YA):
- Word Count: 50,000 - 100,000 words
- Overview: YA novels are often more concise than adult novels, allowing them to maintain captivating pacing. Contemporary YA tends to be around 70,000 words but can vary based on themes and complexity.
7. Non-fiction:
- Word Count: 40,000 - 100,000 words (variable)
- Overview: Non-fiction books can also vary greatly depending on the subject matter. Memoirs and narrative non-fiction generally fall between 60,000 to 100,000 words, while self-help or prescriptive works may be shorter, around 40,000 to 60,000 words.
Why Word Count Guidelines Are Important
1. Publisher Expectations: Publishers often have specific word count expectations based on the genre. Adhering to these guidelines can increase your chances of getting published.
2. Audience Attention Span: Different genres have reader expectations established over time. A well-paced novel within the accepted word count can maintain reader engagement and satisfaction.
3. Market Viability: Knowing the norms for your genre helps position your book within the market. Books that fit established norms are more likely to appeal to agents, publishers, and readers alike.
4. Structural Clarity: Sticking to a certain word count can help ensure you maintain a succinct and clear structure in your writing. Longer works might contain unnecessary subplots, while shorter works might feel rushed without enough development.
Conclusion
Word count is not an absolute determinant of a novel’s quality but rather a guide to help aspiring writers navigate the intricate labyrinth of publishing. By understanding the expectations associated with genre-specific word counts, you can give your novel the best chance for success in the competitive literary landscape. Have your story ideas ready, and as you write, remember that these are guidelines meant to support your journey rather than hinder creativity.
Writing has always been my sanctuary—a space where imagination meets purpose, and words become a bridge between emotions and stories. Whether crafting poetry or novels, I embrace the power of storytelling to create vivid worlds and compelling narratives.
Through my writing, I hope to inspire, connect, and leave a lasting imprint on those who turn the pages of my work.
Happy writing!