How long should a novel be?

A typical novel is 70,000–100,000 words, but this varies by genre. Fantasy and science fiction often run longer (100,000–120,000). Middle grade runs shorter (25,000–50,000). The Novel Word Count Guide covers common genre ranges.

Are these word count ranges rules or guidelines?

Guidelines. Publishers and agents have preferences, not absolute rules, and those preferences vary. The ranges shown are based on commonly cited industry conventions. Always check individual submission guidelines.

Author and Fiction Writing Tools

Check manuscript length, word count targets by genre, synopsis length and submission requirements. Useful for novelists, short story writers and anyone preparing a manuscript.

Novel Word Count Guide

Check your manuscript word count against broad category ranges for short stories, novellas, novels and epics

Book Word Count Calculator

Calculate your book word count and see which broad manuscript category it fits

Manuscript Page Count Calculator

Estimate manuscript pages from word count

Chapter Word Count Checker

Check the word count of your book chapter

Short Story Length Checker

Check the word count of your short story and see which category it fits: flash fiction, short story or novelette

Flash Fiction Word Count Checker

Check the word count of your flash fiction