When I first interview a client, one of the biggest questions that comes up is the appropriate length of a novel. Now, a ghostwriter will think of a book in terms of word count, but most readers think in terms of pages. For that reason, I will be addressing both how many pages in a novel as well as what the approximate word count would be. The literary world is a diverse landscape. Accordingly, it offers readers a large number of genres to explore. Let’s start by discussing what makes a novel a novel.
What Defines a Novel
A novel, at its core, is a literary work that weaves together the essence of storytelling and human experience. These narratives are distinctive for several key features:
Prose Form
Novels are primarily written in prose, which is everyday language as opposed to the structured meter of poetry. This use of prose allows for a direct and accessible form of communication with the reader. As a result, the reader is invited into the narrative without the constraints of rhyme or meter. Ideally, you get so engrossed in the novel that you forget that you’re reading!
Sustained Length
Novels are substantial in size. Unlike short stories, which are concise and focus on a single, succinct narrative, novels provide the space and time for extensive exploration. This extended length enables authors to delve deeply into the characters, settings, and themes. Thus, the author creates a more immersive experience for readers. Honestly, truth be told, most readers expect a healthy word count. They want a lot of pages in a novel so they get their money’s worth.
Complex Storytelling
Novels are renowned for their capacity to convey intricate and multifaceted stories. Furthermore, this complexity can encompass various narrative threads, subplots, and character developments. Unlike shorter forms of fiction, novels allow authors to craft intricate plotlines, explore diverse perspectives, and weave together a rich tapestry of events.
Character Development
The extended pages in a novel permit authors to develop their characters in a more profound and nuanced manner. Readers have the opportunity to connect with the characters on a deeper level, understanding their motivations, aspirations, and personal growth throughout the story.
Themes and Exploration
Novels often delve into complex themes, offering readers a profound exploration of human nature, society, morality, and countless other subjects. The added length of the form allows authors to investigate these themes with depth and nuance, prompting readers to ponder and reflect on various aspects of life and existence.
Emotional Resonance
Novels have the unique ability to awaken powerful emotional responses in readers. Through vivid descriptions, relatable characters, and compelling plots, they can draw out a wide range of emotions. This emotional resonance is a hallmark of the novel as a form of literary expression.
Narrative Freedom
Novels offer authors a broad canvas for creativity and storytelling. They can employ various narrative techniques, including first-person and third-person perspectives, nonlinear timelines, and unreliable narrators. This narrative freedom allows for diverse storytelling approaches and adds to the richness and diversity of the form.
In essence, a novel is an expansive journey through the written word, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the art of storytelling. A great novel explore the depths of human experience, and connect with the characters and themes on a profound level. It is a testament to the creative capabilities of authors and the enduring power of literature to transport readers to new worlds, challenge their perspectives, and stir their emotions.
Diversity Across Genres
Novels span a vast and colorful spectrum of lengths. Truly, the genre often plays a pivotal role in determining a book’s length. “How many pages in a novel?” you ask. Well, let’s take an even deeper dive into popular genres and what is required to satisfy readers and publishers.
Mystery and Thriller:
Mystery and thriller novels are the champions of suspense, designed to keep readers on the edge of their seats with their unexpected twists and riveting plots. The typical range for these gripping narratives is approximately 70,000 to 100,000 words, translating to around 250 to 400 pages. However, it’s important to note that within this category, there is a delightful array of shorter gems, such as the shorter novellas found in Arthur Conan Doyle’s collection of Sherlock Holmes stories.
Science Fiction and Fantasy:
The realms of science fiction and fantasy are known for their creative imagination, intricate world-building, and complex plots. As a result, these genres often feature longer novels, averaging between 100,000 to 150,000 words, which equates to a substantial 400 to 600 pages in a novel. However, it’s worth mentioning that epic sagas like J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” can transcend these boundaries, leading to even more extensive adventures.
However, there are plenty of books that fall into the 50,000 – 75,000 word count range (200 – 300 pages). After all, Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451” was only 46,000 words and Kurt Vonnegut’s “Slaughterhouse-Five” was just a hair under 50,000 words.
Romance:
Romance novels are primarily focused on the dynamics of relationships and the exploration of emotions. These novels tend to be on the shorter side, typically spanning 50,000 to 90,000 words or roughly 200 to 350 pages. This concise length allows for a more concentrated and swift exploration of the romantic narrative, ensuring that love blossoms efficiently.
Historical Fiction:
Historical fiction is a genre that seamlessly blends excellent historical research with enthralling fictional tales. The average word count for these novels typically falls within the range of 90,000 to 120,000 words, which corresponds to approximately 350 to 450 pages. However, it’s important to recognize that there are exceptional cases, where historical novelists such as Ken Follett and Hilary Mantel craft voluminous historical epics that challenge the average boundaries.
Literary Fiction:
Literary fiction emphasizes the art of character development and the craft of prose. These novels typically occupy the range of 80,000 to 120,000 words, equivalent to 300 to 450 pages in a novel. Nonetheless, it’s essential to acknowledge that there are remarkable exceptions, such as Marcel Proust’s multi-volume masterpiece, “In Search of Lost Time,” that venture into the territory of literary magnum opuses.
Young Adult (YA):
Young Adult novels cater to a younger readership, and this often results in shorter, more accessible narratives. These novels generally span 50,000 to 80,000 words, or approximately 200 to 300 pages. However, it’s imperative to remember that there are iconic series, like the enchanting adventures in the Harry Potter world, that defy the norms by offering longer narratives.
Crime and Legal Thrillers:
The genre of crime and legal thrillers immerses readers in intricate investigations and legal intricacies. These novels primarily consist of 80,000 to 100,000 words, amounting to around 300 to 400 pages. Authors such as John Grisham are celebrated for their contributions to this genre, consistently delivering page-turning stories within these length parameters.
Horror:
Horror novels embark on a mission to evoke fear and send shivers down readers’ spines. The length of these narratives can exhibit substantial variation. On one end, you have shorter works with approximately 70,000 words or 250 pages in a novel, while on the other, you encounter monumental tales like Stephen King’s “It,” which meander into the realms of epic storytelling.
Short Stories and Novellas:
Although they don’t strictly fit the definition of novels, short stories, and novellas hold their own unique charm in the world of fiction. Short stories can range from incredibly brief pieces, around 1,000 words, to slightly longer tales that extend to 20,000 words, yielding only a few pages to approximately 80 pages. Novellas, positioned between short stories and full-length novels, usually span 20,000 to 50,000 words or 80 to 200 pages. Novellas offer readers a succinct yet immersive reading experience.
The Influences on Page Count
Plot Complexity: The complexity of the narrative stands as a significant factor influencing the number of pages in a novel. Novels harboring a multitude of subplots and an extensive cast of characters often extend into more voluminous works, immersing readers in intricate and multifaceted stories.
Writing Style: The author’s choice of writing style plays a pivotal role in determining the length of a novel. Elaborate, descriptive prose tends to give rise to longer narratives, while a more straightforward, concise style results in shorter, more streamlined works.
Authorial Decisions: The creative choices made by authors significantly shape the length of their novels. Some writers opt for concise, rapid storytelling, while others embrace extensive character development, detailed world-building, and vivid descriptions, leading to more expansive narratives.
Audience and Market: The target readership and the market’s demands can influence the required number of pages in a novel. Commercial considerations may encourage the creation of shorter novels designed for quick, widespread consumption. In contrast, literary novels often prioritize depth and complexity, to appeal to a more discerning readership.
Publisher and Genre Expectations: Certain genres adhere to established norms for novel length, and publishers may encourage authors to align with these standards to meet reader expectations. For instance, romance novels typically adhere to shorter lengths, while the fantasy and historical fiction genres are renowned for their penchant for longer narratives, fostering epic tales and extensive character development.
Conclusion
Novels are a testament to the diversity and richness of the literary world, accommodating a broad array of tastes and preferences. Beyond the mere counting of words, the true magic of a novel lies in its ability to transport readers to new realms, evoke emotions, and ignite the imagination. So, the next time you embark on a literary adventure with a novel, embrace the narrative. Allow it to sweep you into its captivating realm of words and wonder. Remember, it’s not the page count but the journey itself that truly matters.
If you have any questions or need any help writing your book, please feel free to reach out to me.
