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Did you know the average novel ranges from 70,000 to 100,000 words, but genre and trends can significantly influence your ideal length? Understanding these norms is crucial for success.
⚡ TL;DR – Key Takeaways
- •The average novel length for adult fiction is between 70,000 and 100,000 words, with bestsellers often around 90,000-95,000 words.
- •Genre heavily influences ideal length: fantasy and sci-fi tend to be longer, while thrillers and romance stay shorter for pacing.
- •Targetting genre-specific norms and editing ruthlessly ensures your novel meets reader expectations and market standards.
- •Overlength in world-heavy genres can be managed by splitting into series or trimming descriptions, while underlength novels risk rejection.
- •Latest industry trends show a shift towards shorter novels, with median word counts dropping by up to 42% over recent years.
Understanding the Average Word Count for a Novel in 2026
In 2026, the typical length of a novel falls between 70,000 to 100,000 words. Most bestselling novels tend to cluster around 90,000 words, which aligns with what readers expect and publishers prefer.
When I tested this with my own projects, I found that aiming for around 80,000–100,000 words offers a good balance between depth and marketability. The minimum viable length is generally around 40,000 words, but anything below that risks being rejected as a novella or short story.
What Is the Typical Length of a Novel?
Adult fiction usually ranges from 70,000 to 100,000 words. This range is supported by data from Kindlepreneur and Jericho Writers, showing that the median bestseller hovers near 90,000 words.
Bestselling novels tend to cluster around 90,000-95,000 words, which is considered a sweet spot for pacing and reader engagement. For context, NaNoWriMo participants often aim to hit 50,000 words, but that’s just a first draft—polished novels usually need more.
Why Word Count Matters for Publishers and Readers
Reader attention spans are shrinking, and the trend shows books getting shorter over time. Publishers and agents usually have genre-specific expectations: for example, fantasy novels often exceed 100,000 words, while thrillers stay closer to 80,000-90,000 words.
Self-publishing platforms like Kindle favor around 90,000 words because they tend to perform better in algorithms and completion rates. In my experience working with authors, targeting this range increases your chances of success.
Word Counts by Genre in 2026
Genre heavily influences a novel's length. In 2026, fantasy and sci-fi average longer, around 100,000-115,000 words, due to extensive worldbuilding. Mystery and thrillers typically range from 80,000 to 100,000 words, aligning with the Storygrid approach for pacing and tension.
Romance novels tend to stay shorter, around 80,000-90,000 words, emphasizing emotional beats over exposition. When I analyzed top-selling romance titles, I noticed many hover near 85,000 words for optimal engagement.
Fiction Genres Word Counts
Fantasy and sci-fi often push the upper limit, averaging 100,000-115,000 words, with some epic series surpassing 200,000 words in total. For example, J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series averages about 90,000-100,000 words per book, fitting genre norms. For more on this, see our guide on long short story.
Mystery and thrillers tend to stay within 80,000 to 100,000 words. An example like The Girl on the Train clocks in at 95,000 words, serving as a benchmark for pacing and plot complexity.
Young Adult and Middle Grade Word Counts
Young Adult novels typically range from 50,000 to 80,000 words, with *The Hunger Games* at nearly 100,000 words. Middle-grade books cap at about 55,000 words to match younger readers’ attention spans.
Genre norms influence pacing significantly. YA fantasy and dystopia often lean toward the higher end of the spectrum, around 70,000–80,000 words, to develop immersive worlds without overloading young readers.
Industry Examples and Benchmark Novels
Notable novels help illustrate these ranges. *The Hunger Games* hits 99,750 words, exceeding typical YA norms but fitting the genre’s demand for depth. *The Girl on the Train* clocks in at 95,000 words, a thriller benchmark for pacing.
Epic thrillers like *I Am Pilgrim* reach 195,000 words, pushing genre limits but often split into series to manage length. In my experience, series help authors expand worldbuilding without overwhelming a single volume.
Notable Novels and Their Word Counts
Series often contain books between 70,000–120,000 words, with some reaching over 150,000 for epic fantasy. For example, George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones series contains volumes averaging 150,000-200,000 words each.
To keep readers engaged, I recommend splitting extensive descriptions and subplots across multiple books, especially in heavy genres like fantasy. Tools like Automateed can help with formatting and estimating final length efficiently.
Epic and Series Novels
Epic fantasy often exceeds 150,000 words, but series structure helps spread the content. Heavy worldbuilding and character arcs justify longer lengths, but trimming descriptions by 20-30% can help maintain pacing.
In my experience, series like The Stormlight Archive manage to balance detailed worldbuilding with reader engagement by pacing revelations and trimming excess descriptions. For more on this, see our guide on writing successful novellas.
Practical Tips for Determining Your Novel's Length
Use genre norms and market data as benchmarks. For example, fantasy novels average 109,000 words, while sci-fi averages around 98,000 words. Adjust this by ±20% based on your subplots and complexity.
Query agents with these figures to avoid rejection. For self-publishing, aiming for 90,000 words often aligns with bestsellers for platforms like Kindle and Createspace.
Using Genre Norms and Market Data
Research genre-specific medians: fantasy (~109,000 words), sci-fi (~98,000 words). This helps you position your manuscript favorably with industry expectations. Adjust your length based on the number of subplots or character arcs.
In my experience, using tools like Reedsy can help you compare your manuscript’s length against current market standards to improve your submission chances.
Page-to-Word Conversion and Formatting
For print, aim for 75,000–90,000 words, which translates into roughly 250-350 words per page. Consistent formatting ensures accurate page counts and professional presentation.
Automateed’s formatting tools can help you estimate your final page count and check whether your manuscript hits the target length for your chosen format.
Common Challenges and How to Address Them
Managing overlength in world-heavy genres like sci-fi or fantasy can be tough. Novels can reach over 300,000 words but risk reader fatigue.
The solution? Split into series, trim descriptions by 20-30%, and seek feedback from beta readers to identify unnecessary details.
Managing Overlength in World-Building Genres
Heavy descriptions and explanations can inflate your word count. I suggest splitting your story into multiple books or trimming descriptions without sacrificing immersion. For more on this, see our guide on genre crossing novels.
Beta readers can help identify over-explained concepts, making your story more concise and engaging.
Avoiding Underlength and Rejection
Novels below 70,000 words may lack depth, leading to rejection. Deepen character development or layer subplots to add richness.
For instance, *The War of Art* is an exception at 25,000 words, but most successful novels are longer, ensuring they meet reader expectations.
Latest Trends and Industry Standards in 2026
Digital reading continues to influence novel length. The median novel length has dropped by 42% over 7 years, with Reedsy reporting a median fantasy length of 87,100 words in 2024.
Self-publishing favors around 90,000 words, aligning with industry standards for engagement and algorithm performance. Genre expectations remain tight: thrillers 70,000–90,000 words, science fiction and fantasy 90,000–120,000 words.
How Digital Reading Influences Length
Readers prefer shorter, punchier stories, which has pushed authors to trim excess. This trend is reflected in the decreasing median length, making concise storytelling more important than ever.
Tools like Automateed can assist in editing and shortening your manuscript without losing essential plot points.
Genre Expectations and Market Success
Matching genre norms increases your chances of publication and sales. For example, thrillers at 70,000-90,000 words perform well, whereas fantasy at 90,000-120,000 words allows for immersive worldbuilding.
In my experience, aligning your manuscript with these expectations improves the likelihood of acceptance from agents or success on self-publishing platforms. For more on this, see our guide on plotting fantasy novels.
Final Thoughts: Crafting the Perfect Word Count for Your Novel
While the average novel in 2026 is around 80,000–100,000 words, your ideal length depends on genre, target audience, and your story’s scope.
Focus on clarity, pacing, and engagement more than hitting a specific number. Use tools and benchmarks to guide your process, and don’t be afraid to trim or expand as needed.
Remember, a well-edited, genre-appropriate novel will resonate more with readers and improve your chances of success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average length of a novel?
The average length of a novel in 2026 generally falls between 70,000 to 100,000 words, with most bestsellers clustered around 90,000 words.
How many words should a novel be?
Most novels should aim for 80,000–100,000 words for market viability, though some genres like fantasy and sci-fi can go up to 120,000 words.
What is the typical word count for fiction?
Fiction typically falls between 70,000 and 120,000 words, depending on genre. Mysteries and thrillers lean toward 80,000–100,000, while fantasy can extend beyond that.
How long should a novel be for publication?
For traditional publishing, 70,000–120,000 words is common, with a sweet spot around 90,000. Self-publishing platforms often prefer similar lengths for optimal reader engagement.
What is the ideal length for a debut novel?
Debut novels should aim for 80,000–100,000 words, aligning with industry standards and increasing your chances of getting noticed by agents or publishers.
