How Many Words in a Novel? The ULTIMATE Guide To Novel Length
NaNoWriMo is just around the corner, and many people are getting ready to write novels with their words. But how many words does a novel contain? And how important is it to follow the rules, such as standard word counts?
Why does word count matter?
If you’re hoping to land a book deal with a traditional publisher, you don’t want to give them a reason to reject your book. “Word count limits sometimes appear to be suffocating artistic flow, but they are usually there for a reason,” says Freelance Editor Jessica Hatch.
How many words should my novel be?
To qualify for NaNoWriMo, a manuscript must be over 50k words long, compared to the average novel length of 50,000-70,000 words. C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is under 40k words long.
What are the standard word counts by genre?
If you’re a first-time author, you might be wondering how long your novel should be. Reedsy’s editors have compiled a list of recommended word counts for each genre. Take the quiz below to see if your book is above, below, or in the ideal word count for its genre.
How many words should a fiction novel be?
Commercial and literary novels are typically between 80,000 and 110,000 words long; examples include Milan Kundera’s The Unbearable Lightness of Being and Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility.
How many words should a fantasy novel be?
Fantasy and science fiction novels are known for being longer than other books, with some fantasy series books exceeding 140,000 words; however, the average word count for science fiction and fantasy novels is between 100,000 and 115,000.
How many words should a romance novel be?
Romance novels are typically shorter, ranging between 80,000 and 100,000 words; however, due to the many sub-genres of romance, this figure may vary. Before you begin writing your book, we recommend researching the niche and checking specific imprints.
How many words should a middle-grade novel be?
Middle-grade novels are typically between 20,000 and 55,000 words long; JK Rowling’s longest novel, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, is 257,045 words long, while Diana Gabaldon’s debut novel, Outlander, is 305k words long.
How do Reedsy books compare?
An excessively long manuscript could indicate major plot or pacing issues in a novel; Reedsy editors offer advice for authors looking to reduce word count, and hiring a professional editor is a good rule of thumb for ensuring your manuscript is in top shape.
How to stick to word count guidelines
Writer tips: Don’t edit until the first draft is finished; if a detail isn’t necessary, it should be cut. “Be aware of what characters would know about each other/themselves, and try to be creative when imparting this information.”
To bend or not to bend the rules
Traditional publishing houses believe that books that meet genre expectations are easier to market, so writers don’t have to view “the rules” as rigid and unbending. With a larger pool of publishing options, writers don’t have to view “the rules” as rigid and unbending.
What is a good length for a fiction book?
If you’re writing your first novel, aim for a word count of 80,000 to 100,000 words. While anything over 40,000 words can be considered a novel, 50,000 is considered the minimum novel length, and anything over 110,000 words is considered too long for a fiction novel.
How long are most books?
Adult fiction (especially crime, thrillers, women’s fiction, saga, and romance) should aim for 100,000 words for a book that is published in paperback format and has a length of 300-400 pages.
Is 70 000 words enough for a novel?
For a novel, the standard word count is between 70,000 and 100,000 words; fantasy can go up to 110,000, but if the word count is higher for a debut, it will be difficult to sell.
How many pages is a fiction book?
First, while most books are between 240 and 300 pages, most NOVELS are longer; nobody is buying 30,000-word novels, and the shortest that regularly gets contracted is the category romance, which is around 55,000 words.
Is 20 000 words enough for a book?
It will soon be determined whether this is the sweet spot for an increasingly fragmented audience; for writers, this means faster completion and shorter paths to publication; and even 20,000 words can make for a very rich book, such as Clarice Lispector’s extraordinary Hour of the Star.
What is the length of an average novel?
Average Novel Length Most publishers consider novel length to be between 50,000 and 110,000 words, with the average being around 90,000 words. Big, epic stories can be 120,000 words, so aiming for around 90,000 words is a safe goal if you’re a first-time writer.
Is 30000 words enough for a book?
Answer: A 30,000 word count will create about 60 pages single-spaced or 120 pages double-spaced when using normal margins (1u2032u2032) and 12 pt font. Typical documents that are 30,000 words include novels, novellas, and other published books.
How fast can an average person read?
According to many sources, the average reading speed of most adults is around 200 to 250 words per minute, with college students speeding up to around 300 words per minute, owing to the fact that they must practice reading.
How many pages is 50000 words?
A manuscript of 50,000 words is approximately 165 pages long.
How many pages is 70 000 words?
Answer: 70,000 words is 140 single-spaced pages or 280 double-spaced pages; typical documents with 70,000 words or more include full-length novels; reading 70,000 words will take approximately 233 minutes.
Can a novel be 60 000 words?
NOVEL: A novel is defined as a manuscript with more than 40,000 words; however, very few novels are that short these days; a 50,000-word novel is the minimum word count, and most novels are between 60,000 and 100,000 words.
How many pages is 90000 words?
Answer: 90,000 words equals 180 single-spaced pages or 360 double-spaced pages.
Is 50 pages enough for a book?
The lengths vary greatly from title to title, but weekly chapters seem to average 16u201320 pages, while monthly chapters seem to average 36u201350 pages, with volumes averaging 180u2013250 pages.
How many pages is a 100000 words?
When using normal margins (1u2032u2032) and 12 pt. Arial or Times New Roman font, reading 100,000 words will take about 333 minutes. A 100,000 word count will create about 200 pages single-spaced or 400 pages double-spaced.
Is 100 pages enough for a book?
A typical manuscript page (8.511 paper, 1-inch margins, standard 11- or 12-point font, doublespacedu2014like you’d type in Word) is considered to be 250 words, so a 25,000-word manuscript is approximately 100 pages.