One of the most common questions authors ask is, “How long should my book be?“. The answer is always, “Depends.”

It depends on the genre, audience, and publishing format. Some stories need space to breathe, while others are best kept short and concise.

If you’re writing with traditional publishing in mind, certain word count expectations exist. If you’re self-publishing, you have more flexibility, but you still want to meet reader expectations.

Word Count Guidelines by Genre

Different genres have different expectations when it comes to length. Here’s a general guide:

Novels

Flash Fiction: Under 1,500 words

Short Stories: 1,500 – 7,500 words

Novellas: 20,000 – 50,000 words

Standard Novels: 70,000 – 100,000 words

Epic Fantasy or Historical Fiction: 100,000+ words

Non-Fiction

Self-Help or Business Books: 40,000 – 70,000 words

Memoirs: 60,000 – 90,000 words

Academic or Research-Based Books: 70,000+ words

Children’s & Young Adult Books

Picture Books: Under 1,000 words

Early Reader Books: 1,000 – 10,000 words

Middle Grade: 25,000 – 50,000 words

Young Adult: 50,000 – 80,000 words

What’s the Right Length for Your Book?

These word counts serve only as general guidelines and are not strict rules. The best length for your book is the one that tells the story or conveys the message effectively without dragging or cutting corners.

A book that’s too short might leave readers feeling unsatisfied, while a book that’s too long risks losing their attention. The key is pacing, the speed and the rhythm of your story. If your book feels bloated, it probably is. If it feels rushed, you may need to expand. Our editors will help you hit that perfect range.

Final Thoughts

Instead of worrying about hitting an exact word count, focus on telling the best possible story or delivering the most valuable content. If your book is strong and well-paced, the length will take care of itself.

At Pinpoint Publishing, we help authors refine, format, and publish books in all genres. If you need guidance on word count, structure, or editing, we’re here to help.

No matter the length, your book deserves to be the best version of itself. We’re here to help you meet that goal. Let’s make that happen.