Word count requirement for a novel
Typically, a short novel can range from 15,000 - 40,000 words. A novella is often around 40,000 - 60,000 words. For a standard novel, it usually has between 60,000 - 100,000 words. However, epic novels can have well over 100,000 words, sometimes even reaching hundreds of thousands or more. These are just general guidelines, and there are many successful novels that fall outside these ranges.
There is no strict word count requirement for a novel. It depends on various factors such as the genre, the target audience, and the author's intention. For example, young adult novels might be on the shorter side, around 50,000 - 70,000 words. Literary novels can vary greatly in length. Some may be concise at around 60,000 words, while others can be more elaborate with over 100,000 words.
The word count for a novel can be quite flexible. In general, if you're aiming for a mainstream commercial novel, a word count between 70,000 - 90,000 words is often a good target. But for self - published novels, the length can be adjusted according to the story you want to tell. If it's a fast - paced thriller, it could be shorter, say 60,000 - 70,000 words. On the other hand, a complex fantasy or historical novel might need more words, perhaps 100,000 - 120,000 words or more.
