Breathe in… breathe out… You’re about to embark on a writing journey.
Whether you’ve finished a manuscript or you’re at the starting blocks with a fresh idea, one question probably lurks at the back of your mind: just how long should your novel be?
You seek an answer, not just from curiosity, but because knowing could be pivotal to your publishing success.
With that said, let’s jump into the seemingly simple yet complex world of writing and understanding the average length of a novel.
The Average Word Count: Not Quite Set in Stone
Several factors influence this number, and while there are popular perceptions around appropriate lengths, the truth is there’s no hard and fast rule.
However, according to many publishing experts and statistically speaking, the “golden range” for the average novel falls somewhere between 70,000 and 100,000 words.
Breaking Down by Genre
Different genres tend to have different average word counts. For instance:
- Romance typically falls into the 50,000 – 100,000-word range.
- Science Fiction and Fantasy can usually be much longer, with an average of 100,000 – 115,000 words.
- Mystery/Thriller/Horror genre books average around 70,000 – 90,000 words.
- Young Adult books often sit between 60,000 – 100,000 words.
Curious about the word count of your novel in progress? You can easily check it using our check your word count here.
These are ballpark averages. Remember, they’re not strict guidelines but offer a helpful compass as you map out your journey.
Debut vs. Established Authors
Another major factor determining word count is whether you’re a new or experienced author.
Debut authors are often advised to keep their books closer to the average word count. Why?
Because longer books cost more to produce—think printing, shipping, and stocking—and publishers are often less willing to take such a financial risk on an unknown author.
Prolific Authors and Word Count
Have you noticed how established authors tend to write longer books? A case in point is the ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ series (known affectionately as Game of Thrones) by George R. R. Martin.
The first novel ‘A Game of Thrones’ has an impressive word count of approximately 300,000 words. And it’s not the longest in the series!
Weighing Word Count and Storytelling
While it’s practical to keep these guidelines in mind, the priority should always be on telling your story effectively. If your narrative is gripping and well-paced and your characters are engaging, don’t get tied down by word count.
The adage “novels should be as long as they need to be” shouldn’t be disregarded. You are, after all, writing a story, not competing to hit a precisely calibrated word target.
The Power of Brevity
Conversely, don’t pad your writing for the sake of augmenting word count. Rich, vibrant prose and unnecessary filler are not the same, and the discerning reader can distinguish between them.
Embrace the power of brevity. As Strunk and White famously advised in ‘The Elements of Style’, “Omit needless words.”
Famous Exceptions to the Rule
There are plenty of novels that have wildly deviated from the ‘average’ word count and have found monumental success.
Remember J.K. Rowling’s first Harry Potter book, ‘Philosopher’s Stone’?
It’s roughly 77,000 words long, but the series’ final book, ‘Deathly Hallows’, stretches to an astonishing 198,000 words. Similarly, Victor Hugo’s ‘Les Misérables’ comes in at an extraordinary 530,000 words!
These books show that sometimes, breaking the rules can yield the most unforgettable stories.
Final Thoughts: Finding The Right Word Balance
So there you have it, a glimpse into the wide-ranging world of novel word counts.
The ‘average’ is far from a fixed demand, but rather a flexible guide. Whether you’re an aspiring author or a seasoned writer, remember that your story is unique.
Let your narrative dictate the word count and not the other way around.
Are you ready for the literary journey of your dreams? Set forth with your words, your heart, and a bit of wisdom about novel lengths.
Who knows, you might just find yourself breaking—or maybe setting—new word count averages!
Happy Writing!