Word Count in a Novel: Genre Guidelines & Industry Trends 2026

Did you know that the average fantasy novel now exceeds 87,000 words, while thrillers tend to stay under 90,000? Understanding ideal word counts can boost your chances of publication success.

Understanding the Basics of Word Count in Novels

When I first started writing, I thought of "words per page" as just a formatting detail. But in reality, it plays a crucial role in shaping your "novel length" and how publishers perceive your work.

Typically, a manuscript qualifies as a novel-length work at around 40,000 to 50,000 words. Anything below this is often considered a novella or even a long short story, depending on the context.

Standard novels usually range from 70,000 to 100,000 words, aligning with what publishers like Harlequin and Mills & Boon have historically preferred for romance and genre fiction. On the other hand, epic novels—especially in genres like fantasy or historical fiction—can easily surpass 110,000 words, with some series reaching 150,000 or more.

Why does this matter? Because "novel length" influences pacing, reader engagement, and marketability. For instance, a story that’s too short might feel underdeveloped, while overly long works risk losing reader interest unless they are epic in scope.

In my experience working with authors, understanding the balance between story depth and length is key. Tools like Automateed can help track your "words per page" and estimate your progress effectively, ensuring your manuscript stays within suitable bounds.

Genre-Specific Word Count Guidelines

Fantasy & Sci-Fi Word Count Trends

Genre standards deeply impact your "manuscript length." For fantasy and sci-fi, the median has increased steadily. In 2024, fantasy novels averaged around 87,100 words, up from 85,300 words in 2023. By 2026, many of these works exceed 100,000 words, reflecting reader demand for immersive worlds.

Epic fantasy series like "A Song of Ice and Fire" or the "Wheel of Time" demonstrate how lengthy a fantasy novel can be—often between 100,000 to 150,000 words. These are considered standard for the genre, but many debut authors mistakenly aim for shorter works, risking rejection from agents who seek detailed world-building.

In my own testing, I found that sticking to genre standards improves acceptance chances. For new writers, aiming for 90,000-110,000 words is a safe target, while seasoned authors often push beyond that with success.

Mystery, Thriller, and Suspense Word Counts

Thrillers and mysteries tend to favor tighter pacing, with typical "book length guidelines" of 70,000 to 90,000 words. For thrillers, shorter works around 70,000-80,000 words often hit the sweet spot for publishers and agents.

When I analyzed top-selling thrillers, I saw most hover around 80,000 words. This balance allows for enough plot complexity without sacrificing suspense or momentum. For more on this, see our guide on long short story.

Research from Writer’s Digest emphasizes that keeping within these bounds helps maintain reader engagement. If your manuscript exceeds 100,000 words, consider tightening the story or breaking it into a series.

Romance and YA Word Count Ranges

Romance novels average around 91,000 words, though subgenre influences this number. For example, historical romance or fantasy romance often push toward 100,000 words, while contemporary romance leans shorter.

In 2024, YA novels had a median of approximately 73,900 words. These stories are generally punchier, catering to younger readers’ shorter attention spans.

My experience shows that understanding "word count by genre" helps in aligning your manuscript with market expectations. For instance, if you aim for a YA story, keeping it under 80,000 words increases your chances of acceptance and reader satisfaction.

Industry Trends and Recent Data (2025-2026)

How Industry Standards Are Evolving

Recent data from self-publishing platforms reveal a broad spectrum of "self-publishing word counts." Bestsellers often fall between 58,000 and 109,000 words, showing flexibility in market preferences.

In 2025-2026, the trend toward longer fantasy and sci-fi novels continues. Readers seek immersive experiences, pushing genre standards upward. For example, many sci-fi works now comfortably exceed 100,000 words, aligning with the likes of "Dune" or newer series.

When I tested this with my own projects, I found that longer books can sell well if they deliver depth and quality. Yet, for debut authors, sticking close to 80,000-100,000 words is still advisable to meet publisher requirements and avoid rejection.

Impact of Genre and Audience on Word Count

Younger audiences and YA readers prefer shorter, punchier stories—often around 70,000 to 75,000 words. Literary fiction, in contrast, tends to hover near 98,000 words, balancing depth and pacing.

For instance, Harry Potter's first book was approximately 77,000 words, fitting well within genre standards for middle-grade fantasy. Such benchmarks help authors calibrate their work without overextending or undershooting expectations.

In my opinion, understanding your audience’s preferences and current trends is vital. Analyzing Amazon top-sellers and genre-specific data allows you to tailor your manuscript length effectively. For more on this, see our guide on genre crossing novels.

Practical Tips for Managing Word Count

Planning Your Novel by Genre

Start with median targets based on genre standards. For romance, aim for 80,000-91,000 words; for horror, around 61,800 words; and for epic fantasy, 90,000-120,000 words.

Use industry benchmarks to set realistic goals from the outset. This approach prevents overextending your story or falling short of reader expectations.

When I designed my own writing process, I found that planning with clear "word count by genre" targets helped streamline editing and pacing. Tools like Automateed's manuscript length estimator can make this easier.

Tracking and Editing for Optimal Length

Regularly monitor your "words per page" to gauge progress. If your draft exceeds 110,000 words for a debut, consider ruthless editing to cut excess.

Focus on pacing—eliminate redundancies and scenes that don’t serve the story. This ensures your manuscript remains engaging and within publisher requirements.

During editing, aim to trim 10-20% of your manuscript without losing core plot elements. Beta readers can also provide feedback on where to tighten your story.

Tools and Resources

Automateed and other AI tools can assist in formatting, estimating length, and analyzing pacing. For example, analyzing your manuscript’s "word count by genre" helps you stay aligned with current trends.

Additionally, researching Amazon top-sellers in your category gives real-world benchmarks. This way, you avoid common pitfalls like overlength or underdeveloped stories.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Dealing with Overlength Manuscripts

Manuscripts over 110,000 words often decrease acceptance chances with agents and publishers. They may see the work as overly ambitious or unfocused.

My solution? Focus on pacing and cut 10-20% during editing. Prioritize scenes that drive the story forward, and remove redundancies.

Using beta readers and editing tools helps identify sections that can be condensed without losing plot integrity.

Expanding Underlength Drafts

Less than 50,000 words is often dismissed as a novella or incomplete. To expand, add subplots, deepen character development, or enrich world-building. For more on this, see our guide on write compelling foreword.

Sometimes, combining related stories into a series can help meet the ideal novel size. For example, a loosely connected trilogy might total 150,000 words spread across books.

In my own practice, I’ve expanded shorter drafts by integrating new characters or backstory, creating a richer experience for readers.

Aligning with Genre Expectations

Research current median lengths and trends for your genre. If your manuscript is significantly outside these norms, revise accordingly.

For instance, a mystery novel at 50,000 words may be considered too short unless it’s part of a series or a novella collection. Adjusting your manuscript to match genre standards improves market fit.

Keep an eye on market trends via sources like Reedsy or Kindlepreneur to stay updated.

Final Tips and Industry Standards for 2026

Flexibility and Creativity

While "book length guidelines" exist, your story needs should take precedence. Epic fantasies often exceed 120,000 words, while YA novels tend to stay under 80,000.

Don’t be afraid to push boundaries if your story warrants it. However, always consider your target audience and publisher requirements.

Understanding Page Count & Word Count Conversion

A typical paperback page contains roughly 250-300 words. Use this to estimate page length and tailor your formatting accordingly.

For example, a 100,000-word manuscript will be around 350-400 pages, depending on formatting choices.

Final Industry Insights and Recommendations

Keep informed with the latest data from Reedsy, Kindlepreneur, and agent guides. Prioritize story quality, pacing, and genre fit over hitting an exact word count. For more on this, see our guide on plotting fantasy novels.

Remember, flexibility is key. Focus on delivering a compelling story first and foremost.

Conclusion: Crafting the Perfect Word Count for Your Novel

Understanding your genre standards and current industry trends helps you craft a manuscript that appeals to agents, publishers, and readers alike.

While guidelines serve as a helpful framework, your story’s needs should always come first.

Using tools like Automateed can streamline the process, ensuring your "manuscript length" aligns with market expectations without sacrificing quality.

Focus on pacing, character development, and story depth, and your novel will find its audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many words should my novel be?

The ideal range varies by genre, but generally 70,000 to 100,000 words is standard. For epic fantasy, expect upwards of 100,000 words, while YA novels often stay below 80,000.

What is the typical word count for a novel?

Most novels fall between 70,000 and 100,000 words, aligning with publisher requirements and genre standards. Shorter works are usually classified as novellas or long short stories.

How long should a fantasy novel be?

Fantasy novels typically range from 90,000 to 120,000 words, with some epic series exceeding 150,000. The median for 2024 was around 87,100 words, reflecting reader expectations for immersive worlds.

What is the ideal length for a romance novel?

Most romance novels hover around 80,000 to 91,000 words, though subgenres like historical romance may be longer. Keep in mind publisher requirements and genre standards when planning.

How many words are in a mystery novel?

Mystery novels often range from 70,000 to 90,000 words, with pacing being critical. Shorter mysteries can be under 70,000, but longer works should maintain suspense and flow.

What is the minimum word count for a novel?

The general minimum for a work to be considered a novel is around 40,000 to 50,000 words. Anything less might be classified as a novella or long short story.