Does Size Really Matter?

Making sure your novel is the correct length is so important if you intend on publishing your work. This isn’t just for those looking to publish traditionally but also for those who are self-publishing. Writing a book that doesn’t align with your genre guidelines minimises your chance of selling to target readers. Publishing houses know the appropriate book-length for your genre and will dismiss your book if it doesn’t match genre expectations.

So what size should your novel be? 

Novella: 25,000 words

Romance: 50,000 - 100,000 words

Fantasy or Science Fiction: 80,000 - 150,000 words

Commercial and Literary Novels: 80,000 - 110,000 words

Thriller or Mystery: 70,000 - 90,000

Historical Fiction: Approx. 100,000

Memoirs: 80,000 - 90,000

What if you're too short?

Brainstorm ways to increase your word count. Add some more action and conflict. Or maybe you just need to show more in your scenes.

Or too long?

Maybe you have a series on your hands. Book series are great for authors and readers. We create the world once and return to it time and time again whether with a continuing story arc or new characters.

If you prefer your story just the way it is or don't know how to fix it you can always enlist the help of an editor or book coach for paid advice.