Typical novel length
Key takeaway: Aim for the usual range of your genre. Go outside it only if the story needs it.
A novel is a long work of fiction. Most adult novels fall between about 70,000 and 100,000 words, though length varies by genre and market.
Word count by genre
| Genre | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Romance | 50,000 to 90,000 |
| Mystery and thriller | 70,000 to 90,000 |
| General fiction | 70,000 to 100,000 |
| Fantasy and sci-fi | 90,000 to 120,000 |
| Young adult | 50,000 to 90,000 |
| Middle grade | 20,000 to 55,000 |
Why genre matters
Readers of a genre expect a certain pace. Fantasy readers accept long builds. Cozy mystery readers expect a quick, tidy plot. A very short or very long book can mismatch those expectations.
Convert words to pages
Key takeaway: Divide your word count by words per page. That gives a rough page count.
A common estimate is 250 to 300 words per printed page. The real figure depends on font size, trim size and spacing.
Worked example
Take an 80,000-word novel at 275 words per page. The math is 80,000 รท 275 = about 291 pages.
| Word count | Words per page | Estimated pages |
|---|---|---|
| 60,000 | 275 | about 218 |
| 80,000 | 275 | about 291 |
| 100,000 | 275 | about 364 |
Add pages for the title page, copyright page and any back matter. A large trim size holds more words per page, so the count drops.
Trim size sets how much text fits on a page. Read our trim size guide before you set your layout.
How length affects cost and price
Key takeaway: More pages cost more to print. That raises your minimum list price.
Print on demand charges per page. A longer book has a higher printing cost. That cuts your royalty unless you raise the price.
Learn how the cost builds up in this guide.
Then set a price that still pays you.
Page count also affects spine width, which matters for your cover.
How to plan your word count
- Choose your genre.
- Pick a target inside its range.
- Divide the target by the number of chapters.
- Set a daily word goal.
- Track your progress each week.
For example, an 80,000-word novel in 25 chapters averages 3,200 words per chapter. At 500 words a day, the draft takes 160 days.
Our time guide shows how to build a schedule like this.
Common mistakes
- Padding the draft. Extra scenes that do nothing weaken the book.
- Cutting too hard. Do not squeeze a big story into a small count.
- Ignoring genre norms. Readers expect a pace that fits the shelf.
- Forgetting print cost. Page count changes price and royalty.
- Guessing pages. Use a formula and check in your layout tool.
People Also Ask
What is the average word count of a novel?
Most adult novels run about 70,000 to 100,000 words. Romance and young adult can be shorter, and fantasy can run longer.
How many words is 300 pages?
At 250 to 300 words per page, 300 pages is about 75,000 to 90,000 words. The exact count depends on font and trim size.
Can a first novel be 50,000 words?
Yes, it can. Some genres such as romance accept shorter books. Check typical ranges for your genre and aim to tell the story well.
Set your target today
Choose your genre and a word count range. Convert it to pages. Then check the cost before you finalize your plan.
A clear target keeps the draft on track.
