How long should your book be? The length of a book depends on the genre and the intentions of the writer. If you want to self-publish, it doesn’t matter how long your book is or not, because you have full control. But if you’re looking for a traditional New York publisher, here are some guidelines on how long a book should be.
Please note: these are general guidelines for genre fiction only. There are always exceptions to the “rules”. Be sure to do your own research based on your unique needs and goals. These subgenre lists are substantial but not entirely inclusive. There are always many ways to combine genres.
How long is a fantasy novel?
A fantasy novel contains approximately 80,000 to 100,000 words.
Subgenres of fantasy novels include: alternate history, Bangsian fantasy, comic fantasy, contemporary fantasy (urban fantasy), dark fantasy, fairy tale fantasy, heroic fantasy, high fantasy, historical fantasy (Celtic fantasy, steampunk, wuxia, medieval fantasy, prehistoric fantasy). Fantasy), Juvenile Fantasy, Low Fantasy, Costumbrista Fantasy (Mythic Fiction), Romantic Fantasy, Science Fantasy (Sword and Planet, Dying Earth), Superhero Fantasy, Sword and Sorcery, and more.
How long is a romance novel?
A standalone romance novel (single title) contains between 80,000 and 100,000 words. The romance category (like those in print published by Harlequin) are generally short. Each print has a specific number of words. If you want to write for Harlequin, first identify your label.
Subgenres of romance novels include: adventure romance, black romance, category romance (also known as “series”), contemporary romance, dark fantasy, erotic romance, erotica, fantasy, futuristic romance, GLBT romance, sci-fi gothic romance, historical romance, inspirational romance, interracial romance, mainstream, military romance, multicultural romance, mystery/thriller, paranormal romance, regency romance, paranormal romance, one title romance, traditional romance, one title romance, historical romance, suspense, urban fantasy, women’s fiction, WWII romance, young adult, and more.
How long is a historical fiction novel?
Historical fiction novels are generally between 85,000 and 100,000 words, although some are longer.
Subgenres of historical fiction novels include: alternate history, historical fantasy, historical romance, sagas, sword and sandal, historical whodunit, era subgenres (such as the Renaissance, the Middle Ages, the Civil War, the Second World War, etc.) and more.
How long is a mystery novel?
Mystery novels range in length from 75,000 to 100,000 words. If the mystery has suspenseful elements, the book can be longer. If the mystery is a “cozy” or part of a series, it can be shorter.
Mystery subgenres include: amateur detective mystery, courtroom drama, cozy mystery, crime, fantasy, hardcore mystery, historical mystery, medical mystery, police procedural, private detective, serial killer mystery, science fiction, supernatural, Suspenseful, technical thriller. , suspense, true crime, western, whodunit and more.
How long is a suspense novel?
A suspense novel can be between 90,000 and 100,000 words or more.
Thriller subgenres include: Action Thrillers, Conspiracy Thrillers, Crime Thrillers, Disaster Thrillers, Drama, Eco Thrillers, Erotic Thrillers, Legal Thrillers, Spy Thrillers, Tech Thrillers and more.
How long is a horror novel?
Horror genre novels can be between 80,000 and 100,000 words.
Horror subgenres include: body horror, cross-genre (slipstream), dark, detective, erotic, extreme, ghost, gothic, Lovecraft, noir, occult, psychological, silent, supernatural, surreal, suspense, bizarre, and more.
How long is a youth novel?
Young Adult (or YA) novels can be between 40,000 and 75,000 words, depending on the target age group.
Young adult novels generally have the same subgenres as adult novels. Edgy YA tackles controversial or difficult topics.
How long is a western novel?
Western novels can be between 45,000 and 75,000 words.
Western subgenres include: Coming of Age, Buffalo Runners, Celebrity, Detective, Fantasy, Gothic, Horse, Indian, Inspirational, Land Rush, Lawmen and Law, Mining, Mormon, Highlander, Mystery Rider, Railroads , romance, sci-fi, series, sweet and wild, the west still lives, town marshal, wagon west and more.