average word count of a novel

The average word count of a novel is a common question among both aspiring writers and avid readers. It is a crucial factor to consider when determining the length and scope of a story. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this query, I will provide you with a general overview of typical word counts for various types of novels.

1. Novella: A novella is a shorter piece of fiction, falling between a short story and a full-length novel. Generally, novellas range from 20,000 to 50,000 words. This length allows authors to explore a single narrative arc with a limited number of characters.

2. Young Adult (YA) Novels: YA novels are targeted towards teenage readers and usually fall within the 50,000 to 80,000-word range. However, it is not uncommon for YA novels to exceed 100,000 words if they delve into complex themes or involve expansive world-building.

3. Mystery/Thriller Novels: Mystery and thriller novels tend to have slightly higher word counts, typically ranging from 70,000 to 100,000 words. This allows authors to maintain suspenseful pacing while revealing a compelling mystery or delivering heart-thumping action.

4. Science Fiction/Fantasy Novels: Science fiction and fantasy novels often demand more extensive world-building and intricate plot development. As a result, their word counts can range from 90,000 to 150,000 words or even more. Epics within these genres can exceed 200,000 words, allowing authors to create rich, sprawling universes.

5. Historical Fiction/Epic Novels: Historical fiction and epic novels aimed at capturing large periods of time or multiple generations may have substantial word counts. These novels typically range from 100,000 to 200,000 words, sometimes exceeding 300,000 words, enabling authors to fully immerse readers in intricate historical settings.

Remember, these word count ranges are not set in stone, and exceptional novels may surpass or fall short of these averages. The most important aspect is to focus on the story's quality and ensure that the length aligns with the narrative's requirements.

If you are interested in exploring popular novels within these genres, here are a few recommendations:

1. Novella: "Animal Farm" by George Orwell (29,966 words)
2. YA Novel: "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green (67,443 words)
3. Mystery/Thriller Novel: "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn (166,368 words)
4. Science Fiction/Fantasy Novel: "Dune" by Frank Herbert (189,224 words)
5. Historical Fiction/Epic Novel: "Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell (418,053 words)

For aspiring writers, it is essential to remember that word count should not be the sole focus. Crafting an engaging, well-paced story and developing compelling characters should be the primary goals. Happy reading and writing!
Star Tomb Fiction
Star Tomb

New work by Xianyun "Cultivation God", book number, already uploaded, seeking support! This is an interstellar era where ancient martial arts coexist with mecha. This is an interstellar era where a nation's strength is measured by its level of civilization. This is an interstellar era of survival of the fittest, intrigue, and the end justifies the means. A young man destined to live a mediocre life is unexpectedly transformed into the strongest in the Earth Federation by a divine artifact from a level twelve civilization. With his emergence, the declining ancient martial arts once again shine brightly. Xianyun's completed works: "Magic Emperor of Cultivation", "Desire of the Dragon Spirit", "Alchemy Expert". Author's custom tags: Blood and Passion.

118.99 Million words | 2022-12-28 17:26Update

science fantasy fiction hard science fiction science fiction in real life

The Song of the Phoenix Shimmers. Fiction
The Song of the Phoenix Shimmers.

She was the beloved concubine of the palace, wise and enchanting. People said that with her presence, the palace lost its purity. He was the powerful prime minister, cunning and ambitious. The commoners called him a treacherous minister, causing chaos in the nation. They were once childhood friends, innocent and carefree. But now, they had become strangers, full of deceit and pretense. She approached him with a smile, hiding her schemes. He faced her calmly, unsure of which sparrow lurked behind. She said, "I know you love me, so I rely on your hesitation to protect his kingdom!"

436.53 Million words | 2023-02-17 07:53Update

realistic contemporary fiction fiction realistic contemporary fiction

The Curse of the Ghost Eye Fiction
The Curse of the Ghost Eye

A zombie massacre triggered by a bug! An alternate dimension unearthed through tomb raiding! This story follows the journey of a biology graduate student, an extravagant and wealthy individual from Beijing, and a seasoned tomb raider, as they unravel the mystery behind the immortal army and enter the enigmatic world of the Twelve Divine Tribes. History books and folklore often depict events that cannot be explained by common sense or science, such as the Chengdu zombies and the mystical winds of Chu. It's all about the supernatural! It's all about the novel! You know what I mean! Just read the novel. It's just a work of fiction.

325.04 Million words | 2021-08-27 02:03Update

speculative fiction books speculative historical fiction is fantasy speculative fiction

Reconnaissance in Force Fiction
Reconnaissance in Force

The purest Star Wars novel, without superpowers, without magical energy, without physically entering the void with a strong body. Here, there are only brave soldiers, strong warriors, cunning soldiers, and stirring iron-willed spirits. A saga from soldier to general, an epic conquest of the galaxy. Humanity has moved from land to sea, from sea to sky, and will inevitably venture out of Earth, out of the solar system, and into the mysterious and unknown vastness of the stars. Earth is the cradle of humanity, but humans cannot be confined to the cradle forever. - The Great Pioneer of Space Exploration: Konstantin Tsiolkovsky.

411.51 Million words | 2020-08-25 21:16Update

speculative fiction horror speculative historical fiction is horror speculative fiction

Chapter of the Demon Fiction
Chapter of the Demon

What would you do if you had only a few hours left in your life? Would you quietly wait, spending the last moments, or would you give it your all, exhausting every bit of strength to fight for survival? Walking in the shadows, darkness is the best disguise, with evil runes engraved in your eyes. With a dagger in hand, piercing through the thick fog of death! Join the book's Q group if you're interested: [Group information omitted]. Come chat and have a good time! The new book "Peerless Martial Saint" has been uploaded, seeking all kinds of support!

220.63 Million words | 2022-05-25 11:33Update

speculative fiction meaning speculative fiction horror is horror speculative fiction

Thousand Faces of Elegance Fiction
Thousand Faces of Elegance

She crossed over and found herself bound to the bed of Murong Ke, the God of War in the Yan Kingdom. She had four faces, and the first son of the Jin Kingdom, Xie An, fell in love with three of them. This is a ridiculous and chaotic world, and she is a captivating woman of chaos. In order to commemorate her, the world created an eternal phrase: peerless beauty! ## Friends, we now have a supergroup! The previous group

66.09 Million words | 2022-01-03 06:57Update

novel historical romance novel romance fantasy ya historical fiction romance

Renting Ghosts Company Fiction
Renting Ghosts Company

Do you want to rent a ghost? Cheap prices, complete variety, excellent service. Whether you want to scare people, play pranks, provide fast delivery service, create visual effects for websites, or be temporary actors in movies, we can fulfill all your needs. What are you waiting for? Come and get it now.

105.69 Million words | 2020-10-13 13:13Update

speculative fiction books speculative fiction examples is horror speculative fiction

The Virus Crisis of Doomsday Fiction
The Virus Crisis of Doomsday

The leakage of the T virus brought nightmares to humanity, but while the virus is frightening, the human heart is a thousand times stronger. In this book, all the characters have names of the readers. From the protagonist to the supporting roles, the readers play all of them, except for the cannon fodder which is a character imagined by the author. This book is written for the readers and is completely free. Readers who want a character can join the group and provide information about the character in the group.

497.91 Million words | 2021-11-29 12:49Update

modern fiction realistic contemporary fiction contemporary fiction

Invading Marvel. Fiction
Invading Marvel.

This is a vast dimension composed of powerful superheroes. Chen Ze wakes up to find himself equipped with the power of devouring... He becomes stronger by devouring! PS: Please do not take the plot from movies or comics as a reference. Although the main focus is on Marvel heroes, there will also be DC heroes.

43.43 Million words | 2023-05-28 09:16Update

war of worlds novel war of the worlds novel light novel world

Shadow Street Fiction
Shadow Street

New book "Chapter of Demons" uploaded, book number , during the release of the new book, please show your support! Li Wei, skilled in calculations, arrived in a fantastical world because of a piece of yellow parchment. Here, there is the tenderness of immortal swords, the invincible strategies of heroes, and the martial arts of Jin Yong. Here, there are also evil zombies and bloodthirsty demons. Want to survive and enjoy all of this? Then become stronger! Reader group number: , VIP

190.99 Million words | 2020-11-19 02:22Update

war of the worlds novel light novel world novel war of the worlds

Love in a Flash Marriage: The Addiction of Mr. Mo's Affection for His Wife Fiction
Love in a Flash Marriage: The Addiction of Mr. Mo's Affection for His Wife

【Love story】Eighteen years ago, she saved his life, and eighteen years later, he promised her a lifetime! He asked her if she was willing to be a widow for life, but instead she worked tirelessly year-round. In the eyes of the world, he seemed inhumane, but only she knew that his passion extended to every corner of the earth. By his unique way, he made it known to

303.99 Million words | 2023-02-14 07:33Update

contemporary fiction contemporary realistic fiction realistic fiction

My world could never be so martial. Fiction
My world could never be so martial.

Well, this is a story about a teenager who crosses over from ordinary Earth to a world of martial arts, becomes the son of the planes, and saves the world. Faced with various creatures that have come through the portal, Ye Xin feels a bit anxious in his heart. Um, Saber, can Excalibur really withstand the attacks of the style sister? [Please click, collect, and recommend]

303.29 Million words | 2020-07-16 09:39Update

realistic fiction def realistic fiction. realistic fiction

The Chosen One in the Apocalypse Fiction
The Chosen One in the Apocalypse

This book is a sci-fi plasma-themed work with intense and bloody plot. It tells the story of the protagonist Wu Fei leading his companions to fight against zombies, mutated zombies, ogres, and humans fighting for resources. The story has already started and will become more exciting and thrilling. I hope readers can enjoy and provide more comments. Thank you all.

35.13 Million words | 2022-07-12 14:59Update

contemporary realistic fiction genre realistic fiction realistic fiction

Players, please board the vehicle. Fiction
Players, please board the vehicle.

"Welcome players to board the Dimension Rift Game Special Train. This train will depart from E-grade Station and travel to D-grade Station. Players are requested to board the train in an orderly and safe manner, and to abide by the passenger rules." "The passenger rules are as follows:" "Do not bring non-game items onto the train. (Undergarments are an exception)" "Consumption is mandatory. (Train staff work without pay)" "Do not turn on the lights after they are switched off. (Exception for those who are brave enough to challenge their artistic talents)" "In addition, the train encourages various recreational activities such as ambushes, fights, and hunting for food. Players are free to choose." "Wishing you a pleasant journey."

365.24 Million words | 2020-07-22 14:44Update

interesting suspense novel mystery and suspense novels mystery and detective fiction

Infinite: The Ultimate Devil Fiction
Infinite: The Ultimate Devil

Betrayal... In fact, I am the one who was betrayed! Even now, I am still being hunted, even now, I am still being hated! Now, with my blinded eyes, I can see a future that others cannot foresee. Sometimes, destiny must be held in one's own hands! This is a story of betrayal and rise, a tale of a demon as cold as the night but afraid of loneliness, spinning endlessly in the infinite dimensions. Solitude, endurance, overturning, assassination, domination... until finally, transcending. -- Thus, looking up at heaven from hell.

164.97 Million words | 2020-11-15 07:07Update

speculative fiction meaning speculative fiction definition speculative fiction vs fantasy

Zero Ling Fragrance Fiction
Zero Ling Fragrance

Entrance into the palace as the queen... The keyword caught Ye Xun's ears keenly. Waking up to find herself transmigrated into the prestigious household as a backup queen was the perfect starting point for a romantic heroine. Just as she anticipated a splendid life ahead, her beautiful dreams were shattered in an instant. The entire family was slaughtered, leaving the queen destitute and wandering the world. With no way out and pursued by enemies, by a stroke of luck, she unexpectedly found herself serving as a maid in the home of her enemies. A decree left behind by a deceased emperor, a clandestine seizure of imperial power; a long-standing blood feud and complex relationships within a royal family. What secrets lie hidden between

478.31 Million words | 2021-07-29 17:00Update

realistic contemporary fiction contemporary fiction contemporary realistic fiction

Political and Legal Affairs Secretary Fiction
Political and Legal Affairs Secretary

Xu Kaizen, the secretary of the political and legal affairs committee.

215.30 Million words | 2023-01-06 01:54Update

modern fiction genre realistic fiction realistic-fiction

Global Awakening Fiction
Global Awakening

If you break free from the shackles of genetics and awaken, what superpower do you hope to obtain? Chen Xiaole, awakened, possesses an incredible superpower... A great era begins... Who will be the favored child of this era? Standing at the forefront, overlooking the world, who will determine the rise or fall?

474.76 Million words | 2021-01-21 10:27Update

speculative fiction meaning speculative historical fiction speculative fiction vs fantasy

Endless toil. Fiction
Endless toil.

The third major cleansing of the self-governing divine realm arrived, causing devastating casualties among the high-ranking reincarnators. In response, a highly unique group of laborers emerged. One among them was the renowned top-tier laborer Gao Xu, who participated in a battle against the difficult boss, Demonic Sword Immortal. However, he was manipulated by the top four teams and forced to persecute elite laborers in order to resist the boss's ultimate move. Rivers of blood flowed, and the scene was unbearable. In the final moment, Gao Xu resorted to desperate measures and perished along with everyone else. Filled with boundless hatred, Gao Xu was reborn on the first day of entering the realm... With power in hand one day, I shall exterminate all those who have ever wronged me! On the surface, this is a story about pretending to be a foolish laborer... But behind the scenes, it is a legend of abducting lolitas, suppressing queens, challenging mature women, leading a team of beautiful laborers, and commanding an army of beauties.

503.97 Million words | 2021-09-03 13:36Update

war of worlds novel war of the worlds novel novel war of the worlds

Rebirth on Campus: The Academic Goddess, Addicted to Love Fiction
Rebirth on Campus: The Academic Goddess, Addicted to Love

In her previous life, her identity was stolen, her status was taken away, her appearance was ruined, and her reputation was destroyed! Reborn, she transformed into an extraordinary academic genius, an all-round queen of the entertainment industry, tearing down the hypocrites and teaching scum how to start anew! However, unexpectedly, she accidentally saved a certain master, and was fiercely entangled with him, unable to break free anymore! He said solemnly, "You saved me, so I choose to offer myself to you." As a result, this certain master became her loyal fan during the day, and started the mode of repayment at night!

172.41 Million words | 2021-03-01 23:43Update

speculative fiction meaning speculative fiction horror speculative historical fiction