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If you’re curious about how long a typical novel is, you’re not alone. Many writers wonder what a good word count looks like and how it varies across genres. Stick with me, and I’ll show you what the average novel length is, how different genres influence that, and some tips for figuring out what works for your story. By the end, you'll have a clearer idea of how to set a length that fits both your story and your goals.
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
- Most novels are between 70,000 and 100,000 words, with a minimum of 40,000 for full-length status.
- Genres influence length: fantasy/science fiction often range from 90,000 to over 200,000; romance/thriller are typically 50,000 to 90,000; YA and middle grade are shorter.
- Knowing the typical word count helps plan pacing, edits, and submission readiness, preventing stories from being too long or too short.
- Use genre standards as a guide but stay flexible; some classics succeed outside typical ranges—story quality matters most.
- Estimate final length by breaking your story into scenes or chapters, tracking progress, and writing outlines to set realistic goals.
- Trim unnecessary scenes and descriptions to decrease length or expand character and world details to add words—aim for a natural flow.
- When your story feels complete and shows strong plot development, it’s usually time to finish the first draft, then revise after a break.
- Avoid forcing your story into a specific word count; focus on telling a clear, engaging story—length is a tool, not a goal.
- Tools like Scrivener, writing challenges, and online communities can help manage word count and keep you motivated.
The average word count of a novel generally falls between 70,000 and 100,000 words. This range is considered industry standard for most traditional books, with a minimum around 40,000 words to qualify as a full-length novel. Genre plays a big role in determining the typical length, so it's good to keep that in mind.
Basic Word Count Ranges for Novels
While there’s some variation, here are common ranges for various genres:
- Fantasy & Science Fiction: 90,000 to 200,000 words (average around 109,000)
- Romance & Mystery/Thriller: 50,000 to 90,000 words (average around 91,000)
- Young Adult & Middle Grade: 60,000 to 90,000 words for YA; 20,000 to 55,000 for middle grade
Shorter novels, like some classics, can be below these ranges, for instance, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe clocks in at just under 40,000 words.
How Genre Affects Word Count Standards
Fantasy and Science Fiction
These genres tend to be longer because world-building is intricate. Expect about 90,000 to 200,000 words, with some epic tales surpassing 250,000 on occasion. Notable examples include the Harry Potter series and The Lord of the Rings.
Romance and Mystery/Thriller
These often stay shorter and snappier. Typical word counts are around 50,000 to 90,000 words. Think of cozy mysteries or romance novels that focus on quick pacing and character interactions.
Young Adult and Middle Grade
YA novels usually hover between 60,000 and 90,000 words, while middle grade books are shorter, often under 55,000 words, making them accessible to younger readers and easier to write within a manageable length.
Literary and Contemporary Fiction
These novels tend to stick close to the industry average, around 80,000 to 110,000 words, though some may be slightly shorter or longer depending on the story style and depth.
Why Word Count Matters for Writers
Having a ballpark figure helps writers plan edits, pacing, and publishing efforts. Accurate expectations also guide decisions when submitting to agents or publishers who often favor certain lengths for their genres.
Knowing your target word count can prevent over- or under-extending your story, ensuring it stays engaging and complete without dragging or feeling rushed.
For those considering self-publishing, understanding typical word counts can impact formatting and cover decisions, as well as marketing strategies. For example, novels on platforms like (https://automateed.com/how-to-publish-a-graphic-novel/) often perform best when they meet genre norms.
Guidelines and Flexibility in Word Count
While these ranges are helpful, don’t get too caught up in strict numbers. Some stories need more space to develop characters or worlds, and others may be punchier shorter works that stand out. The key is clarity of storytelling rather than hitting an exact word count.
Many successful books fall outside typical ranges—think The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe or Animal Farm, both shorter than 40,000 words but still classics. Use these guidelines as a compass, not a strict rulebook.
Want to aim for a comfortable length? Many pros suggest around 80,000 words as a safe middle ground for most genres. If you're unsure, consider checking out (https://automateed.com/winter-writing-prompts/) to help shape your story length naturally.
Ready to set your target? Remember, the best stories often come from a clear vision of what length best serves your plot and characters. Keep your story tight, but don’t be afraid to let it breathe if needed. After all, word count is just a tool—your storytelling’s heart makes the real difference.
How to Estimate Your Novel’s Final Word Count
Knowing how long your story will end up can help you plan your writing process more effectively. One way is to break down your story into scenes or chapters and estimate an average word count per scene.
Use your target genre’s typical range as a guide—for example, aiming for 80,000 words for most adult fiction. Keep track of your progress regularly to see if you're on track to meet that goal.
Another tip is to write a detailed outline first; this gives a clear picture of how much content each section might need, helping you set realistic milestones.
Don’t forget to leave room for editing and rewriting, which can increase your word count.
Online tools like (https://nanowrimo.org) can motivate you to hit your daily or weekly goals, shaping your final length.
Tips for Increasing or Decreasing Your Word Count
If your story feels too long, look for scenes or descriptions that can be trimmed without losing impact.
Focus on eliminating repetitive language, filler scenes, or unnecessary details. Instead, prioritize strong, purposeful scenes that push the story forward.
To add length, consider expanding character backstories, world-building, or adding subplots. But don't just stretch for the sake of it—make sure each addition feels organic.
Reading your draft aloud can help identify parts that drag or feel rushed, guiding where to cut or flesh out.
Using (https://automateed.com/auto-crit-review-2/) with editing features can also help you spot areas for trimming or expanding more objectively.
Recognizing the Signs You're Done with Your First Draft
When your story feels complete, and you’ve addressed all key plot points, it's a good indication your first draft is ready for the next stage.
Most writers find that once they reach their target word count range and their story arc is fully developed, it’s time to set the manuscript aside for a few weeks.
During this break, you can come back with fresh eyes—often, you'll notice places that need more work or areas that can be cut.
Another sign is when you feel a sense of satisfaction about the story’s closure, even if it’s not perfect yet.
Remember, your first draft is just that—a starting point. Don’t aim for perfection now, just completeness.
Common Mistakes When Judging Your Novel’s Length
One mistake is obsessively trying to hit a specific word count and forcing scenes that don’t serve the story. Story comes first, then length.
Another error is comparing yourself to published novels that might be unusually short or long—trust your story’s natural pace.
Sometimes writers underestimate how much they need to develop characters or world-building, leading to a rushed ending or shallow plot.
Conversely, over-writing can lead to bogged-down passages that bore readers—keep things punchy where needed.
Check your manuscript’s pacing by asking if each chapter or scene adds value or develops the story meaningfully.
Tools and Resources for Managing Word Count
Software like (https://automateed.com/is-scrivener-worth-it/) makes it easy to track your word count across scenes and chapters, giving you a visual gauge of progress.
Writing challenges like (https://nanowrimo.org) are great motivators to push through your target length within a set timeframe.
Many online communities and forums offer accountability partners and feedback on your manuscript’s length and pacing.
Using (https://automateed.com/auto-critiq-review-2/) helps you identify filler content and tighten your writing to stay within your desired range.
Finally, reading widely in your chosen genre will give you a better sense of natural story lengths and pacing conventions.
FAQs
The average novel usually contains between 70,000 and 100,000 words, but this can vary depending on the genre and target audience. It's a common range that helps guide writers to meet industry expectations.
Genres like fantasy and sci-fi tend to be longer, often exceeding 100,000 words due to world-building. Romance and mystery usually stay within 70,000 to 90,000 words, while YA novels are often shorter, around 50,000 to 80,000 words.
Word count helps writers align with industry standards, target the right readership, and manage the scope of their story. Staying within typical ranges can also improve chances for publishing or success in competitions.
Yes, there is room for flexibility. While standard ranges exist, publishers and readers often accept variations based on story complexity. Focus on telling a complete story rather than hitting a specific word count strictly.
