You are writing your first novel, and the first thing you will probably search for is: “How many words make a novel?”
Don’t make the mistake of thinking word count is just a number. It matters because length plays a big role in the pacing and depth of your story. It can even influence a reader’s decision on whether they want to commit to a book in that genre.
You can’t treat every genre the same. Some demand epic, expansive narratives, while others thrive on crisp, punchy storytelling that wraps up without exaggeration.
Are you also stuck in the dilemma of whether to go beyond 100,000 words or keep your story precise and powerful? This blog will help you figure out the right word count for your novel.
The Top 3 Factors Every Author Should Consider About Word Count
Word count tells you what you are aiming for and is also a determining factor in the success of your novel.
Here’s what you have to think about first:
1. Planning and Pacing
The longer your novel is, the more time it will take to write and proofread your manuscript. Knowing your novel’s word count range helps you set realistic deadlines. Your plot and pacing also depend on the length. It should be neither too short nor so long that it disrupts the flow.
2. Readers’ Experience
Readers quickly lose interest if you add words as fillers with no narrative value. On the other hand, a story that’s too short can leave them unsatisfied with the ending. That’s why maintaining balance is key.
3. Publishing Standards
Publishing agents often use word count as an evaluation tool for manuscripts. It also affects printing costs and audiobook production, making it an important factor beyond just storytelling.
Most Popular Genres And Their Average Word Count
Let’s learn about the most popular genres and their corresponding word range.
1. Literary Fiction – 80,000 to 110,000 words
This genre focuses on deep character development and thematic resonance. Readers of literary fiction expect intricate storylines. That’s why you need to explore the philosophy and emotions of each character in detail. These demands, when combined, often lead to a more extensive word count.
A great example is the classic literary work The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt, which spans over 200,000 words. Its success proves that readers are willing to commit to lengthy novels as long as the plot is strong, the pacing is suitable, and the narrative remains compelling.
2. Fantasy – 90,000 to 150,000 words
Fantasy is one of the few genres where both readers and publishers welcome long, immersive stories. Distant galaxies, complex magic systems, and alternate worlds often form the core of these novels.
When you are building a different world in your fantasy novel, you need:
- Playful twists
- Ancient myths
- Wild imagination
This means diving deep into history, culture, and mythology. Building such elaborate narratives completely justifies the extended word count. While a standalone fantasy novel may average around 100,000 words, an epic series can easily exceed 200,000 words per volume.
3. Historical Fiction – 90,000 to 120,000 Words
Historical fiction demands careful research, richly detailed worlds, and accurate representation of the time period. Whether set in medieval Europe or Ancient Egypt, the writer must create an environment that transports readers into that specific era. Naturally, this often leads to a higher word count.
Many historical novels surpass 100,000 words without losing reader engagement. A great example is Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel, which captivates readers with its depth and accuracy. However, as a first-time author, it’s safer to keep your manuscript between 90,000 and 110,000 words.
4. Science Fiction – 90,000 to 125,000 words
This genre often explores complex concepts and theories. As a science fiction author, you’ll likely be writing about:
- Futuristic cities
- Advanced technology
- Alien worlds
Readers of sci-fi expect expansive stories with steady pacing. That means giving enough room for intricate plots and multi-layered themes.
If you’re writing hard science fiction, you may need even greater length, since scientific explanations of different phenomena demand more detail. Most modern sci-fi novels typically range between 90,000 and 100,000 words.
5. Romance – 70,000 to 100,000 words
Romance novels are generally shorter compared to speculative genres. You don’t need to stretch the length unnecessarily to capture readers’ interest.
In this genre, the focus is on relationships, emotional arcs, and romantic tension. Contemporary romance often falls between 70,000 and 80,000 words, while historical or paranormal romance can extend closer to 100,000 words. That said, even shorter romances ranging from 50,000 to 60,000 words perform well in the market because of binge reading.
6. Thriller – 70,000 to 90,000 words
If you’ve ever looked into comic book publishing services, you’ll know how strict they are about word count and length. The same principle applies to thrillers, where everything revolves around:
- Tension
- Pacing
- Momentum
Too much length can undermine the impact. A shorter word count allows thrillers to maintain a tight, fast-moving narrative that keeps readers hooked. Best-selling examples like The Girl on the Train typically range from 80,000 to 100,000 words. Still, you can extend up to 90,000 words if your plot requires added complexity without losing its intensity.
7. Horror – 70,000 to 100,000 Words
The ideal length of a horror novel often depends on its subgenre. Psychological horror typically leans toward shorter lengths to preserve tension. However, supernatural or cosmic horror may require more words to build an unsettling atmosphere.
Stephen King’s “IT” is an extreme outlier at nearly 400,000 words, but most horror novels average around 80,000 to 90,000 words. Publishers generally advise against stretching the word count too far. It’s because fear is most effective when delivered with precision and conciseness.
8. Middle Grade – 30,000 to 50,000 words
Middle-grade novels are written for children aged 8 to 12. Their word count is much lower because they’re designed for young readers who usually have shorter attention spans.
Experienced publishers, such as children publishers, often encourage authors to focus on adding illustrations rather than increasing word count. Visuals tend to attract children more than text. Even popular series like Percy Jackson and the Olympians stay under 50,000 words while keeping readers hooked.
9. Mystery – 70,000 to 90,000 words
Mystery readers expect a puzzle to solve. It must have a hidden truth so carefully concealed that every guess feels wrong until the final reveal. This genre works best for authors who know how to:
- Plant clever clues
- Build suspense
- Deliver gripping cliff-hangers
- Provide a satisfying resolution
Cosy mysteries often run shorter, around 60,000 to 70,000 words, while more complex mysteries involving murder investigations or police procedurals can stretch closer to 90,000 words.
CONCLUSION
There is no universal “perfect” word count for a novel. The ranges you’ve seen are only average guidelines to help you stay within the boundaries of your chosen genre.
Knowing your genre’s word count sweet spot is always helpful for writers. It’s not just about meeting publisher expectations, but also about delivering a story length that satisfies readers. As an author, when you align your storytelling with genre norms, you increase your chances of engaging both readers and publishers more effectively.
