how many words in a novel

11 hours ago 3
Nature

The number of words in a novel can vary widely depending on the genre, style, and target audience. However, here are some general guidelines:

Typical Word Counts for Novels

  • Short novel (novella): 20,000 to 50,000 words
  • Standard novel: 70,000 to 100,000 words
  • Long novel: 100,000 to 150,000 words
  • Epic or very long novel: 150,000+ words

Examples by Genre

  • Romance: Usually around 70,000 to 90,000 words
  • Science Fiction/Fantasy: Often 90,000 to 150,000 words or more
  • Mystery/Thriller: Typically 70,000 to 100,000 words
  • Young Adult: Usually 50,000 to 80,000 words

Summary

Most novels fall between 70,000 and 100,000 words , but there’s no strict rule. The important thing is telling your story well and keeping readers engaged. If you want, I can help you find the ideal word count for your specific project!