How Many Words is a Book?
A typical book contains 50,000-100,000 words, though this varies significantly by genre. Novels average 70,000-90,000 words, while non-fiction books range from 40,000-80,000 words depending on the subject matter.
Quick Answer
Most books are 50,000-100,000 words. Novels typically run 70,000-90,000 words. Non-fiction averages 40,000-80,000 words.
Explanation
Book length varies dramatically by genre and audience. Literary fiction typically runs 80,000-100,000 words, while genre fiction may range from 60,000-120,000 depending on reader expectations.
Publishers have general word count ranges they prefer for different categories. These exist because of printing costs, shelf space, and reader expectations for value and pacing.
First-time novelists are often advised to aim for 80,000-90,000 words. This range demonstrates you can sustain a narrative without being so long that it increases publishing risk.
Non-fiction word counts depend heavily on the topic. Self-help books may be 40,000-60,000 words, while academic or technical books can exceed 100,000 words.
Examples
| Format / Context | Word Count |
|---|---|
| Literary fiction | 80,000-100,000 words |
| Thriller/Mystery | 70,000-90,000 words |
| Romance | 50,000-90,000 words |
| Fantasy/Sci-Fi | 90,000-120,000 words |
| Non-fiction | 40,000-80,000 words |
| Memoir | 60,000-90,000 words |
Word Count Tips
Research word counts for recent bestsellers in your genre to understand current expectations.
Focus on telling your story well rather than hitting a specific number during the first draft.
Use beta readers to identify where content feels rushed or padded, regardless of word count.
Track your daily word count to estimate how long completing your manuscript will take.
Check Your Content with Our Tools
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 40,000 words enough for a book?
40,000 words is a novella. It can be published, especially in digital formats, but traditional publishers typically want 50,000+ words for fiction.
Can a book be too long?
Yes. Excessively long books are expensive to print and may intimidate readers. First-time authors especially should avoid manuscripts over 120,000 words.
How long does it take to write a book?
At 1,000 words per day, an 80,000-word book takes about 3 months of drafting. Add time for planning, revision, and editing—most authors need 6-12 months total.