How Long Is a Novel? Word Counts and Lengths by Genre

You’ve poured your heart into your manuscript. The characters feel alive, the plot twists land perfectly, and you’re finally ready to pitch to agents. Then it hits you: “Wait… is my manuscript too long? Or is it too short? What do agents and publishers actually expect?”

If you’ve ever stared at your word count with a sinking feeling of dread, you’re not alone. The anxiety surrounding ideal book length is one of the most common sources of confusion for aspiring authors. One blog tells you 80,000 words is perfect. Another says 100,000 is the sweet spot. A forum post insists that agents won’t even look at anything under 90,000. Meanwhile, your favourite published author just released a 150,000-word debut that’s flying off the shelves.

The truth is, this confusion isn’t just frustrating, it’s actively jeopardizing your publishing chances. Submit a manuscript that’s wildly off the mark for your genre, and you might find yourself with a rejection before an agent even reads your opening line. Word count isn’t some arbitrary number that publishers dreamt up to make your life difficult. It’s a critical factor that influences everything from production costs to reader engagement, from shelf space to your book’s marketability.

But here’s the good news: once you understand the ‘why’ behind these numbers, managing your manuscript length becomes a strategic tool rather than a mysterious obstacle. This guide will cut through the noise and provide you with definitive, genre-specific word count guidelines backed by genuine industry insights. You’ll discover exactly what agents and publishers expect, why these expectations exist, and most importantly, how to ensure your story finds its optimal form, and its audience.

Ready to stop second-guessing your word count? Let’s dive in and discover the precise targets for your genre, along with actionable strategies to achieve them without sacrificing the story you’re desperate to tell.

What is the Average Word Count for a Book? 

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of genre-specific expectations, let’s establish some baseline numbers. If you’re wondering how many words in an average book or how long is a novel supposed to be, your answers are below:

For fiction novels, the general average sits around 80,000 to 100,000 words. This is the range that most industry professionals consider ‘standard’ when they’re speaking broadly about novels. This standard novel word count of 80,000 to 100,000 words represents what you’ll find in most bookshops, but as we’ll see, typical novel word count varies significantly by genre

Non-fiction books tend to be slightly shorter on average, typically falling between 50,000 and 80,000 words, though this varies enormously depending on the type of non-fiction you’re writing. A business book will have very different expectations than an academic text or a memoir. 

The difference in length in terms of genre explains that just like the size of your book collection can say a lot about your personal taste and interests, the length of your manuscript reflects the genre you’re writing in.

Here’s the crucial bit, though: whilst these figures represent the average length of a book in words, they’re broad averages. Treating them as gospel would be like assuming every person in the UK wears a size medium simply because it’s the most common clothing size. Specific genres and markets vary significantly, and that’s exactly why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for authors.

Once your manuscript meets the right word count and is ready for publication, book designing becomes essential. Professional book Publishing companies offer book designing service that is an integral part of the publishing process. It makes sure your book’s layout and cover design matches with your target audience while maintaining genre expectations.

Word Count vs. Page Count

You might be wondering how manuscript word count translates to the physical book you’ll eventually hold in your hands. The standard industry calculation is roughly 250 words per page in a typical print book. So an 80,000-word novel would translate to approximately 320 pages. Understanding how many words are in a typical book helps you visualise the final product, but remember that standard novel length can feel quite different depending on formatting choices. For a clearer idea, a guide to standard paperback book sizes can guide how your manuscript will appear on the shelf, ensuring it’s not just the right length, but also fits comfortably within industry standards.

But, and this is important, several factors can influence the final page count. Font size makes a difference. Margins matter. Formatting choices, chapter breaks, white space… all of these elements can push that number up or down. This is why publishers and agents always ask for word count, not page count, when you’re submitting your manuscript. Word count is the universal, objective measure.

Introducing Genre-Specific Nuance

Understanding that 80,000 to 100,000 words is a general average is helpful, but it’s not sufficient if you’re serious about getting published. Why? Because a thriller reader’s expectations are vastly different from those of an epic fantasy fan. Just like what makes a library isn’t just about the sheer number of books, it’s about the variety and depth they offer. Similarly, the right length for your manuscript isn’t just about fitting a word count, it’s about ensuring your story feels complete and satisfying. 

A literary fiction audience will tolerate, even expect, a different pacing and depth than someone picking up a contemporary romance. Genre matters. It matters more than almost anything else when it comes to determining your ideal word count. And that’s precisely what we’re about to explore.

Why Word Count Matters

Let’s be brutally honest: word count can make or break your publishing dreams. Here’s why it’s far more than just a technicality.

Impact on Publishing Opportunities

When a literary agent receives your query letter, one of the first things they’ll check is your manuscript’s word count. If it’s significantly outside the expected range for your genre, many agents won’t request the full manuscript, regardless of how brilliant your premise sounds.

This isn’t agents being difficult. It’s risk assessment. Publishers know what sells in each genre. They know what readers expect. And they know that a 200,000-word thriller from a debut author is going to be a much harder sell than an 80,000-word one.

Speaking of debut authors: you face stricter limitations than established writers. An author with three bestsellers under their belt can get away with a 150,000-word fantasy novel. You probably can’t. Publishers view debut authors as higher risk, and an unusually long manuscript compounds that risk. It signals potential editing issues, pacing problems, or simply that you haven’t done your homework on market expectations.

If you want to understand the importance of ideal word counts with more depth, it’s best to consult with professionals like UK Publishing House, a leading UK-based publishing company where their teams of professional writers, editors, and publishers can shape manuscripts to meet industry standards.

Not to mention the value editing brings to the table when ensuring that your manuscript adheres to the right word count while maintaining story quality. Professional editing services can help you refine your manuscript and tighten the narrative without losing its essence.

Production & Marketing Realities

Here’s something many aspiring authors don’t consider: printing costs are directly tied to page count. More pages mean more paper, more ink, more binding materials. For a publisher, this translates to higher production expenses and potentially a higher retail price, which can make your book less competitive on the shelves.

But it doesn’t stop there. Shipping and distribution costs increase with book weight. Retail shelf space is limited, and a massive tome takes up room that could house two or three slimmer volumes. These aren’t just theoretical concerns; they’re practical realities that publishers factor into acquisition decisions.

Reader Experience & Marketability

Let’s talk about readers, because ultimately, they’re who you’re writing for. Reader attention spans matter, especially in fast-paced genres like thrillers or mysteries. An exceptionally long book can deter casual readers who might otherwise give your work a chance. They see a 600-page thriller and think, “I don’t have time for that,” even if every single one of those pages is gripping.

Length also affects pacing and immersion. A tightly plotted 75,000-word thriller keeps readers on the edge of their seats because there’s no room for meandering. Conversely, a 120,000-word epic fantasy has the space to build intricate worlds and develop complex character relationships. When your word count aligns with genre expectations, you’re more likely to deliver the experience readers are seeking.

There’s also a psychological element. Market trends show that digital reading habits may be shifting perceived ideal lengths. E-book readers can consume books faster, but they’re also more likely to abandon a book that drags. The connection between optimal length, reader reviews, and sales performance is real and measurable.

A manuscript that aligns with genre expectations will not only improve your chances of getting published but also enhance its marketability. Once published, marketing can play an amazing part in ensuring your book reaches the right audience. An expert team of a publishing company can provide professional marketing service and publishing service to ensure your book’s success in a competitive market.

Word Count & Pacing: How Length Shapes Reader Experience (and Sales)

Think about how word count impacts narrative pacing. A thriller needs to move quickly, building tension without letting up. This demands concise prose and tight plotting, hence the shorter word counts. Epic fantasy, on the other hand, requires extensive world-building, multiple character arcs, and complex political or magical systems. Readers expect and enjoy this depth, which is why longer word counts are not just acceptable but necessary.

The psychological effect of book length on reader commitment shouldn’t be underestimated. When someone picks up a 400-page novel versus a 150-page one, they’re making different mental commitments. They’re expecting different things. If your thriller delivers a bloated 500-page experience when readers expected a tight 300-page thrill ride, you’ll likely get negative reviews, even if the story itself is solid.

This connection between optimal length, reader satisfaction, and sales performance creates a feedback loop. Books that meet genre expectations tend to get better reviews. Better reviews lead to more sales. More sales lead to better visibility. It all starts with understanding, and respecting, the conventions of your genre.

For many authors, working with a ghostwriter can help shape the narrative into the ideal length, especially when it comes to ensuring the pacing fits within genre expectations. Ghostwriting services provided by experts can help you polish your manuscript that adheres to the best word count practices.

When Word Count is Less Critical

There are exceptions, of course. Established authors with proven track records often have more flexibility. If you’ve already sold a million copies, publishers are more willing to take a risk on your 180,000-word passion project.

Certain niche markets also operate differently. Academic texts, for instance, are judged primarily on the depth and quality of research, not adherence to commercial word count standards. Some experimental fiction deliberately subverts expectations as part of its artistic statement.

Self-publishing offers more flexibility as well. You’re not bound by a publisher’s cost calculations or an agent’s market knowledge. However, and this is crucial, market expectations and reader stamina still apply. Just because you can publish a 200,000-word romance doesn’t mean readers will buy it or finish it.

Detailed Breakdown on Novel Word Counts by Genre

Now we’re getting to the heart of the matter. Let’s break down specific word count expectations by genre, so you know exactly where your manuscript should land.

Understanding Genre Conventions

Each genre has developed its word count expectations for legitimate reasons. Fantasy requires extensive world-building and often features complex magic systems and multiple character perspectives, which demands more words. Thrillers rely on tight plotting and rapid pacing, which means less room for extensive descriptive passages. Literary fiction focuses on character depth and prose quality, giving it some flexibility. Commercial fiction is market-driven, prioritizing strong plots and relatable characters within a framework that’s proven to sell.

These aren’t arbitrary rules handed down by some publishing overlord. They’re conventions that evolved based on reader expectations, market performance, and the practical requirements of storytelling within each genre. That said, they are guidelines, not rigid laws. Deviations are acceptable, even encouraged, if they’re intentional and justified by your story. What’s not acceptable is being wildly off-target because you simply didn’t know the expectations existed.

Genre-Specific Word Count Table

Here’s the comprehensive breakdown you’ve been waiting for:

Let’s expand on some of these key considerations to help you understand why these ranges exist.

Literary Fiction prioritizes character depth and prose quality above almost everything else. The focus is on the interior lives of characters, thematic exploration, and the artistry of the language itself. This gives you some flexibility with word count, you can go shorter if the story is complete, or longer if the depth of exploration justifies it. However, debut authors should aim for the lower end (70,000–90,000 words) to demonstrate they can tell a complete, compelling story without self-indulgence. Literary fiction often plays with layers of meaning, using tools like irony to add depth to the narrative. Understanding types of irony in literature, such as dramatic or situational, can help you develop your story more effectively, all while staying within your genre’s ideal word count.

Commercial Fiction is all about market appeal. These books need to move quickly enough to keep readers engaged whilst developing relatable characters and a strong, often plot-driven narrative. The sweet spot of 80,000–100,000 words reflects what the market has proven will sell.

Thriller/Mystery demands fast pacing and tight plotting. There’s less room for extensive world-building or lengthy character backstories. Every scene should either advance the plot or build tension. This necessitates concise word counts, typically 70,000–90,000 words. Any longer, and you risk losing the breathless momentum that thriller readers crave.

Fantasy (Standard) allows for extensive world-building, intricate magic systems, and developed character arcs. Readers expect to be immersed in a fully realized secondary world, which requires space to breathe. The 90,000–120,000-word range gives you room to establish your world’s rules, history, and cultures without overwhelming readers.

Epic Fantasy takes world-building to another level entirely. Multiple points of view, complex political systems, detailed histories, interconnected storylines, all of this requires significant length. The 120,000–180,000+ word range reflects this need. However, debut authors face a much tougher sell with epic fantasy. Publishers know that convincing readers to commit to a massive tome from an unknown author is challenging, which is why 100,000–140,000 words is more realistic for first-timers.

Science Fiction shares fantasy’s need for world-building but is often more concept-driven. You’re establishing scientific principles, technological systems, or exploring philosophical questions through speculative scenarios. This typically requires 90,000–120,000 words, though you can go slightly shorter if your concept is straightforward.

Romance (Contemporary) focuses primarily on relationship development and emotional arcs. The pacing is geared toward the progression of the romantic relationship, often as part of a series where readers will follow the same world or connected characters across multiple books. This format works beautifully in the 50,000–80,000-word range, keeping the focus tight and the emotional beats landing at the right moments.

Historical Fiction requires period detail, historical accuracy, and often extensive research that needs to be woven naturally into the narrative. Saga-like narratives that span years or generations need even more space. The 90,000–120,000-word range accommodates this whilst debut authors might aim for 80,000–110,000 words to avoid overwhelming publishers with massive manuscripts.

Young Adult (YA) targets teenage readers who appreciate fast pacing, strong character voices, and themes that resonate with their experiences. The 50,000–80,000-word range reflects younger readers’ preferences for tighter narratives and the need to keep the pacing brisk enough to maintain engagement.

Middle Grade (MG) caters to 8–12-year-olds with shorter attention spans and a preference for adventure and discovery over complex subplots. The 20,000–50,000-word range keeps stories accessible whilst still delivering complete, satisfying narratives.

Horror builds tension and atmosphere, often with a strong focus on character psychology and mounting dread. The genre avoids unnecessary padding, every word should contribute to the unsettling atmosphere. This results in word counts of 70,000–90,000 words, though debut authors should aim for the lower end.

Western tends toward concise, action-driven narratives that capture the spirit of the frontier without excessive embellishment. The 50,000–80,000-word range suits the genre’s traditional pacing and style.

Graphic Novels operate on an entirely different metric. Word count is less relevant here; instead, focus on visual storytelling and script page count, which typically ranges from 24 to 100+ pages depending on the project.

Beyond Novels: Word Counts for Novellas, Short Stories, and Non-Fiction

Not everyone is writing a novel, and it’s important to understand expectations for other literary forms as well.

Novellas

Novellas occupy the middle ground between short stories and novels, typically ranging from 20,000 to 50,000 words. They’re characterized by a tighter focus than novels, with fewer subplots and often a smaller cast of characters. The novella format excels at exploring a single relationship, event, or concept in depth without the sprawling scope of a full novel.

Publishing avenues for novellas have expanded significantly with digital-first publishers and e-book platforms. Anthologies also frequently feature novellas, and some genres, particularly romance and science fiction, have robust novella markets.

Short Stories

Short stories are even more focused, typically ranging from 1,000 to 20,000 words, though there’s significant variation. Flash fiction might be under 1,000 words, whilst a novelette falls in the 7,500–17,500-word range. The hallmark of a short story is its focus on a single event, moment of change, or character arc.

Markets for short stories include literary magazines, genre-specific journals, anthologies, and short story collections. Many successful novelists began their careers publishing short stories in respected journals.

Non-Fiction Books

Non-fiction is extraordinarily diverse, with word count expectations varying dramatically based on category, purpose, and target audience. Here’s a breakdown of typical ranges:

Memoir/Biography usually falls between 70,000 and 100,000 words. You need enough space to tell a complete life story or explore a significant period in depth, but readers expect the narrative to remain focused and engaging throughout.

Self-Help/Business books typically range from 40,000 to 70,000 words. These books need to deliver actionable advice and clear frameworks without overwhelming readers with excessive theory or repetition. Conciseness is valued.

Academic/Scholarly works often exceed 80,000 words, sometimes reaching 120,000 or more. The complexity of research, depth of analysis, and expectations for comprehensive coverage drive these higher word counts.

Cookbooks and How-To guides with substantial text usually range from 20,000 to 50,000 words, though many cookbooks rely heavily on recipes and images rather than extensive prose.

The key principle for non-fiction is that word count should be driven by content and purpose. Your book should be as long as it needs to be to thoroughly address your topic and serve your readers’ needs, no longer, no shorter.

Children’s Books

Children’s literature operates on an entirely different scale, heavily influenced by age-appropriate attention spans and the role of illustrations.

Picture Books are very short, typically just 300–800 words. The images carry much of the narrative weight.

Early Readers range from 1,000–2,500 words, designed for children just beginning to read independently.

Chapter Books for slightly older children typically fall between 5,000 and 15,000 words, divided into short chapters that provide natural stopping points.

In all these categories, the interplay between text and illustration is crucial, and the target age group’s developmental stage dictates both length and complexity.

Specific Considerations for Debut Authors & Aspiring Writers

If you’re a first-time novelist, you need to understand that you’re operating under different constraints than established authors. This isn’t meant to discourage you, it’s meant to help you make strategic decisions that maximize your chances of success.

The Debut Author’s Challenge

Publishers view debut authors as higher risk. They don’t have sales data proving you can find an audience. They don’t know if you can deliver a second book. They’re essentially gambling on an unknown quantity. This means they’re less willing to take risks on manuscripts that deviate significantly from proven market formulas.

An extremely long manuscript from a debut author raises red flags. It suggests potential editing issues, an inability to self-edit or identify what’s essential to the story. It means higher production costs for an unproven commodity. And it’s simply harder to sell to readers who might be reluctant to invest time in a massive book from someone they’ve never heard of.

This is the fear many aspiring authors grapple with: “What if I’ve written something that’s automatically unmarketable simply because of its length?” The good news is that understanding these expectations upfront allows you to make informed choices.

Strategic Approaches for First-Timers

If you’re submitting your first novel, aim for the lower-to-mid end of your genre’s word count range. An 85,000-word thriller is a much easier sell than a 110,000-word one, even if both are technically within acceptable ranges.

Avoid submitting multi-book sagas or overly complex series concepts for your debut. Publishers want to see that you can tell a complete, satisfying story in a single volume before they commit to a trilogy. Save the epic series for when you’ve proven you can deliver.

When you’re preparing your query letter and synopsis, clearly state your word count and genre. This demonstrates professionalism and shows you understand industry expectations. Agents appreciate authors who’ve done their homework.

What an Agent/Editor’s Really Look for in a Manuscript’s Length

Literary agents and editors are remarkably consistent about what immediately raises concerns regarding word count. A thriller that comes in at 130,000 words? That’s likely to trigger questions about pacing and editing. A debut epic fantasy at 180,000 words? That’s an instant red flag about whether the author can edit ruthlessly.

Common reasons for immediate rejections based on word count include manuscripts that are too short for the genre (suggesting an underdeveloped story) or excessively long for a debut (suggesting editing problems or an inability to recognize what’s essential). Agents often have specific guidelines posted on their websites, ignoring these is a fast track to rejection.

The importance of hitting stated guidelines cannot be overstated. If an agent says they want thrillers between 70,000 and 90,000 words, and you submit a 110,000-word manuscript, you’ve immediately signaled that you either didn’t read their guidelines or didn’t think they applied to you. Neither impression helps your case.

Exploring Niche & Experimental Fiction

What if you’re writing something that doesn’t fit neatly into traditional genre categories? Hybrid fiction, experimental works, or niche genres present unique challenges when it comes to word count expectations.

The key is to find comparable titles, books that are similar in style, approach, or genre-bending nature to yours. Study their word counts. Research their publishers. Understand their market. This gives you a baseline for what might be acceptable in your particular niche.

For truly experimental work, you may find that traditional publishing isn’t the best path. Some of the most innovative fiction finds its audience through small presses, literary magazines, or self-publishing platforms that prioritize artistic vision over market conventions.

How to Manage Your Novel’s Word Count: Practical Strategies for Authors

Understanding target word counts is one thing. Actually hitting them whilst maintaining story quality is another challenge entirely. Here’s how to approach it strategically at every stage of the writing process.

Before You Write

Research your genre’s typical word count range before you write a single word. This allows you to set realistic goals and structure your story appropriately from the start. If you’re aiming for a 75,000-word contemporary romance, you’ll outline differently than if you’re planning a 110,000-word historical epic.

Outlining for length is a powerful technique. Break your story into acts or major plot points, then estimate how many words each section might require. This doesn’t need to be precise, but it helps you visualize whether your planned story will naturally fit your target range or if you’ll need to adjust scope.

Tools like Scrivener are invaluable for this phase, offering comprehensive project management features and easy word count tracking with customizable goals for each scene or chapter.

During the Drafting Process

Track your progress consistently. Microsoft Word and Google Docs both have built-in word count features that let you see where you stand at any moment. Regular check-ins help you identify early if you’re drastically under or over your target.

If you’re falling short of your target word count, consider strategies for expansion that genuinely improve your story. Can you deepen character arcs by exploring motivations more fully? Are there subplots that could add richness without distracting from the main narrative? Could you expand your world-building in ways that enhance immersion? Add sensory details that bring scenes to life?

If you’re running long, look for opportunities to tighten. Eliminate redundancies, scenes or information that repeat what readers already know. Combine scenes that serve similar purposes. Cut unnecessary characters or subplots that don’t meaningfully contribute to the main story. Tighten prose by removing weak verbs, unnecessary adverbs, and excessive description.

The critical principle: don’t pad or trim artificially. If your manuscript is too short, it genuinely needs more development. If it’s too long, it needs ruthless editing, not arbitrary word deletion that leaves the story incomplete or incoherent.

Post-Drafting & Revision

Once you’ve finished your first draft, the real work begins. Self-editing for length means identifying and eliminating repetitive phrases, replacing weak verbs with stronger ones, and cutting unnecessary descriptions that slow pacing without adding value.

Tools like ProWritingAid and Grammarly can help with this process, highlighting areas where you’re being wordy or repetitive. They’re not substitutes for human judgment, but they’re excellent for identifying patterns you might miss on your own.

Structural editing is equally important. This is where tools like Story Grid Editor come in handy, helping you evaluate your story’s structure and identify areas where more or less content is needed. Are there plot holes that need filling? Is your middle section sagging, suggesting you need to add complications or raise stakes? Or is it bloated with unnecessary diversions?

Seeking feedback from beta readers or critique partners is invaluable. They’ll identify areas that feel rushed or dragged in ways you might not notice because you’re too close to the material. Fresh eyes often see what you’ve become blind to.

The Novel Word Count Blueprint: Hitting Your Target Without Sacrificing Story

Think of managing word count as a three-stage process:

Stage One: 

Outline with intention. Know your target range. Structure your story to naturally fit that range. Identify your major plot points and estimate word allocation for each.

Stage Two: 

Draft with awareness. Track your progress regularly. Don’t obsess over hitting exact numbers in the first draft, but stay conscious of where you stand. Make notes about areas that feel thin or bloated for later revision.

Stage Three: 

Revise strategically. After completing the draft, assess honestly. Is the story complete and satisfying? If you’re under your target, what’s missing? If you’re over, what’s essential versus what’s simply nice to have? Edit accordingly, always prioritizing story quality over hitting an arbitrary number.

Common Word Count Myths & Misconceptions Debunked

Let’s address some persistent myths that might be leading you astray.

Myth 1: 

“Longer books always sell better.”

Reality: Quality and reader satisfaction trump length every single time. A bloated 150,000-word novel that loses readers halfway through will sell far worse than a tight, compelling 75,000-word story that keeps them riveted from start to finish. Length does not equal value.

Myth 2: 

“Every chapter needs to be a specific length.”

Reality: Chapter length should serve your story’s pacing, not arbitrary numerical targets. Some chapters might be 2,000 words, others 5,000. What matters is that each chapter accomplishes its narrative purpose and ends at a natural breaking point.

Myth 3: 

“Word count doesn’t matter for self-published authors.”

Reality: Whilst you have more flexibility in self-publishing, no agent or publisher to satisfy, market expectations and reader stamina still very much apply. If readers in your genre expect 75,000 words and you deliver 150,000, you’ll struggle to find an audience regardless of how you publish.

The difference between traditional publishing and self-publishing isn’t that rules don’t apply; it’s that you have more freedom to intentionally break them if you have a compelling reason. But you still need to understand what readers expect and why they expect it.

Myth 4: 

“You can just ‘pad’ or ‘trim’ word count without affecting quality.”

Reality: Artificial manipulation of word count almost always harms the story. Padding creates bloated prose and filler scenes that bore readers. Arbitrary trimming removes essential character development or plot points that leave readers confused or unsatisfied. If your story needs to be longer or shorter, it requires genuine development or editing, not superficial manipulation.

Myth 5: 

“AI and digital reading are making word counts irrelevant.”

Digital platforms and evolving reading habits are indeed shifting some expectations. E-readers make it easier to consume longer books, and serialized fiction has found new life online. However, fundamental narrative principles remain constant. Pacing matters. Reader engagement matters. A 200,000-word thriller will still feel bloated even if readers are consuming it on a Kindle rather than in paperback.

Myth 6: 

“All non-fiction books have the same word count expectations.”

Reality: Non-fiction is incredibly diverse. A memoir has different requirements than a business book, which differs from an academic text, which differs from a cookbook. Purpose and audience dictate length far more than any universal standard.