The optimal length for your novel
=========================================================
In the world of literature, the ideal word count for a novel has long been a topic of discussion. Recent data from Smashwords.com, a popular self-publishing platform, sheds light on this question.
Doug Lewars, the author of this article, is one of the many writers who have found a home on Smashwords.com, having published eight books there. Like many authors, Lewars enjoys various hobbies, including writing, reading, fishing, and sweets.
The data reveals that Smashwords.com has published an impressive 466,440 books, with an average word count of 35,520 per volume. However, when it comes to best-selling fiction novels, the average word count typically falls within the range of 70,000 to 100,000 words, a range that is considered the optimal for maximum reader appeal.
This "sweet spot" balances narrative depth and pacing with practical publishing concerns, such as printing costs, shelf space, and reader attention span. Novels shorter than 50,000 words are usually classified as novellas and may feel underdeveloped, while novels exceeding 110,000-120,000 words may face more scrutiny from publishers, particularly for debut authors, due to the higher production costs and the risk of losing reader engagement.
The data suggests that a minimum word count of 60K is acceptable, with the optimal word count for a novel being 60 - 80K words. Interestingly, there are 125 books in the 60 - 80K word range, while only 120 are in the 70 - 90K range. This indicates a preference for slightly shorter novels among readers and publishers alike.
However, it's important to note that the ideal word count can vary by genre and specific target audience. For instance, some genres, such as mystery and thriller, often require more concise writing, while others, like epic fantasy, may require more detailed world-building.
The data also shows that a book that is too small, around 250 pages or around 69,999 words, can seem insufficient to readers. On the other hand, as the word count increases, the book may appear intimidating, potentially deterring potential readers.
It's also worth mentioning that there are a surprisingly large number of books that exceed 100K words on Smashwords.com. However, among the best sellers, the under 20K group is smaller, suggesting that shorter works may not be as successful in terms of sales.
Some books under 20K words may be children's books, graphic novels, or poetry, with many having illustrations. Classics like Animal Farm, which is only 29,966 words long, fall into this category. While some people have read War and Peace, which clocks in at a whopping 544,406 words, it's not common.
In conclusion, the data suggests that aiming for a word count of 100K or less is recommended for broad reader appeal and publishing viability. However, it's essential to consider the specific genre and target audience when determining the ideal word count for a novel.
"When looking for editing tips, it might be helpful for authors on Smashwords.com to consider the average word count of their books versus the optimal range for maximum reader appeal. For instance, revising a novella under 50,000 words to fall within the 60 - 80K word range could potentially increase its appeal."
"Catering to the preference for slightly shorter novels, authors might find entertainment value in exploring how books between 60 - 80K words perform better in terms of reader engagement and sales, compared to those in the 70 - 90K word range."
