How Long Should a Book Be? (Well… It Depends)
One of the most common questions writers ask—whether they’re just getting started or knee-deep in revisions—is this: How long should my book be?
It sounds like a simple question, but the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your book’s ideal length depends on several factors, including your genre, your audience, and your publishing goals.
Still, there are industry expectations worth knowing—especially if you want to publish professionally. Whether you’re writing fiction, nonfiction, or educational content, here’s what you need to know about word counts and what they really mean.
First, Let’s Talk About Word Count (Not Page Count)
When it comes to publishing, editors and agents talk in word count—not pages. That’s because page length varies by formatting, font, trim size, and spacing. Word count gives a more accurate picture of how long a book really is.
So, if you’ve been asking, “How many pages should my book be?”—a better question is, “How many words should my book be?”
Recommended Word Counts by Genre
Here’s a general breakdown of standard word count ranges by category:
Fiction:
• Novels (General/Contemporary Fiction): 70,000–90,000 words
• Romance: 60,000–85,000 words
• Historical Fiction: 90,000–100,000+ words
• Fantasy/Sci-Fi: 90,000–120,000 words
• Young Adult (YA): 50,000–80,000 words
• Middle Grade: 25,000–50,000 words
Nonfiction:
• Self-Help / Personal Development: 40,000–60,000 words
• Memoir: 60,000–90,000 words
• How-To / Lifestyle / Christian Nonfiction: 40,000–70,000 words
• Business / Thought Leadership: 50,000–75,000 words
Other Formats:
• Novellas: 20,000–40,000 words
• Short Stories: Up to 10,000 words
• Workbooks / Devotionals / Curriculum: Varies widely (10,000–30,000+ depending on structure)
But Word Count Isn’t Everything
While these numbers are helpful guidelines, they aren’t hard rules. A powerful story told in 55,000 words can have more impact than a 95,000-word novel filled with fluff. A concise, practical nonfiction book can change lives in 40,000 words if it’s well-structured and focused.
What really matters is:
• Is your story complete?
• Does your structure make sense?
• Is anything dragging or repetitive?
• Have you delivered on your promise to the reader?
If you’re too far below or above the expected range, it’s worth asking why—and whether it’s helping or hurting your book’s purpose.
Common Word Count Mistakes Writers Make
1. Trying to “hit” a number too early.
If you’re still in draft mode, don’t worry about the final word count yet. Focus on telling the story or explaining the message. You can always trim or expand during editing.
2. Thinking more = better.
Longer doesn’t always mean stronger. Readers value clarity, flow, and purpose. Avoid padding your book just to meet a word goal.
3. Assuming short = unprofessional.
Plenty of impactful books are under 50,000 words. (The Great Gatsby, for example, is just around 47,000.) Focus on value, not volume.
If You’re Writing a Curriculum or Devotional…
These are often structured around lessons, activities, or daily readings. In these formats, structure matters more than length. Still, it’s helpful to track your word count as you go so you can price appropriately and know what you’re offering.
Final Thought: Your Book Should Be As Long As It Needs to Be
Word count is important—but don’t let it control your creativity. Use these numbers as a guide, not a limit. Let your message or story lead the way, and then shape it during editing.
If you’re still unsure where your book falls—or if it’s too long or too short—I’d be happy to help you figure it out. That’s exactly what a developmental editor or book coach is for.