The word count of a book can vary greatly depending on its genre, target audience, and purpose. Here are common word count ranges for different types of books:
- Novels: Average between 70,000 and 100,000 words.
- Thrillers or mystery books often fall between 70,000 and 90,000 words.
- Fantasy and sci-fi books tend to be longer, often reaching 100,000-120,000 words.
- Novellas: 20,000 to 50,000 words.
- Nonfiction Books: Typically range from 50,000 to 80,000 words.
- Children’s Books: Word counts vary by age group:
- Picture books: 300-1,000 words.
- Middle-grade books: 20,000-50,000 words.
- Young adult novels: 50,000-80,000 words.
The word count influences pacing and depth of detail, and writers should aim for a range that suits their genre and readership. For example, while short thrillers can be punchy and fast-paced, epic fantasy often requires more words to fully develop its world and characters.
Why Word Count Matters
Word count is important not just for storytelling but also for publishing standards. Agents and publishers often have expectations regarding how long a book in a particular genre should be. Books that deviate too far from these norms may be harder to sell, while self-published authors may have more flexibility with length.
How to Determine the Right Word Count
If you’re an aspiring author, it’s important to consider the genre and audience you’re writing for. Researching similar works in your genre will give you a good indication of a reasonable target.
