Book length is a common topic of discussion among writers and publishers, as the length of a book can affect its accessibility, appeal, and marketability. But how long should a book be? Here is everything you’ll need to know about each of the book types.
The answer to the book-length question comes down to a few different factors. It will often vary depending on the type of book, its intended audience, and its genre.
The exact length of each piece of writing will always depend on the overall narrative. But here are some guidelines for each of the different types of books: Novels, non-fiction, short stories, comics, and picture books.
How many words for different book types?
Novels
Novels are typically the longest type of book, with the average length ranging from 80,000 to 100,000 words. However, there is no strict rule for the length of a novel, as long as the story is well-structured, engaging, and well-developed. Some novels can be as short as 50,000 words, while others can be much longer, reaching up to 200,000 words or more.
For first-time novelists, it’s recommended to aim for a length of 80,000 to 100,000 words, as this length is more manageable for both the writer and the reader. However, some genres, such as epic fantasy and historical fiction, may require a longer word count to fully develop the world and characters.
Short Stories and Novellas
Short stories are typically between 1,500 and 7,500 words, while novellas are between 20,000 and 50,000 words.
These shorter works are often used as stepping stones for writers looking to publish their first work, and they also provide an opportunity for writers to experiment with different styles and genres.
Comic Books/ Graphic novels
Comic books and graphic novels are heavily supplemented with images and illustrations that help tell a story. As pictures and artwork make it easier to shape a narrative, these types of books will require fewer words than the average short stories.
In general, you will want to aim for about 500 to 1,000 words in comic books. Graphic novels will require a bit more writing, about 1,000 to 2,500 words should be a good target for you to follow. If you’re looking for examples, DC and Marvel comics usually set the standard for stories of this length with their superhero books.
Non-Fiction book types
The length of non-fiction books can vary greatly, depending on the topic and intended audience. For example, a self-help book may be between 50,000 and 80,000 words, while a comprehensive history book can be much longer, reaching up to 200,000 words or more.
For non-fiction works, the length should be determined by the depth and breadth of the topic being covered. A comprehensive guide to a specific topic may require a longer word count, while focused work on a single aspect of the topic can be much shorter.
Picture Books
These are typically shorter than other types of books, with average lengths of 100 to 1,000 words. Picture books are meant to be read to young children and are often used to teach early literacy skills, so the focus is on the illustrations and the story’s overall impact, rather than the length.
The length of a book is determined by a variety of factors, including the genre, intended audience, and the story itself. While there is no strict rule for the length of a book, writers and publishers should aim for a length that is manageable for the reader and that accurately reflects the content of the book.
Whether you’re writing a novel, a short story, a non-fiction book, or a picture book, the most important thing is to focus on telling a compelling and engaging story.
If you’re looking for more narrative guides feel free to check out some of our other blog posts.