One of the biggest questions you might ask yourself when you decide to write a novel is how many words are in a novel. It’s a simple question on the surface, but the answer can guide everything from your scheduling and daily word goals to how you think about pacing and chapter structure. The chance to map out your word count also gives you direction, helping you anticipate how much ground you’ll cover in your story before you reach “The End.”
Below is a step-by-step tutorial to walk you through the process of mastering your novel’s word count. Along the way, you’ll find practical tips, sample word-count breakdowns, and ways to avoid common pitfalls like bloating your story or struggling with too few words to properly develop your characters. By the time you reach the final step, you’ll have the tools to confidently shape your novel’s length and manage your writing life with less stress.
Step 1: Define your target word count
You might have a vague idea of what a full-length novel “should” look like, but let’s start with some general figures so you can see how they stack up by genre.
Look at common ranges
While word counts vary, many novels fall between 70,000 and 90,000 words. Of course, this isn’t an ironclad rule. Some genres run shorter, while others demand a more epic scope. Here’s a quick look at typical ranges:
| Genre | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Young Adult (YA) | 50,000–80,000 words |
| Romance | 50,000–90,000 words |
| Mystery/Thriller | 70,000–100,000 words |
| Literary Fiction | 70,000–100,000 words |
| Fantasy | 80,000–120,000 words |
| Science Fiction | 80,000–120,000 words |
If you’re writing Young Adult, you’ll likely set your sights on a somewhat shorter draft. Sci-fi and fantasy fans may push to 120,000 words to do justice to a complex fictional universe. Mysteries often hang around 90,000 words, but heavily plotted thrillers can go beyond 100,000 when needed.
Start with a flexible goal
As you figure out how many words belong in your novel, keep your initial target fluid. You might begin with 80,000 as a sweet spot. Later, once you revise, it could dip to 70,000 or climb to 90,000. It’s good to have a ballpark goal—just don’t treat it as a rigid directive.
Factor in pacing and complexity
Ask yourself a couple of key questions: Are you weaving multiple viewpoints together? Do you have extensive worldbuilding or intricate subplots? If yes, your story may demand more words. Conversely, if it’s a straightforward narrative with a single protagonist and minimal location changes, you might work with a leaner count. Being honest about your story’s needs will help you shape a realistic target.
Step 2: Sketch your novel’s structure
Once you know your approximate word count, you’re ready to plan how that count will be distributed across the chapters or major sections of your novel.
Craft a solid outline
An outline is one of the best ways to stay on track with word count. More than just bullet points, a detailed layout might include the purpose of each scene and key turning points. It’s also a perfect moment to think about how many words should a chapter be if you’re unsure how to break up your story. If you need extra insight, check out how many words should a chapter be for more specific guidance on balancing chapter lengths.
- Identify major plot beats or arcs in bullet form.
- Consider subplots, key twists, and any crucial reveals.
- Assign a rough word estimate to each section to see if you’re leaning too heavily in one area.
Divide length by sections or chapters
If your target is 80,000 words and you plan to have 20 chapters, you might aim for 4,000 words per chapter as a starting point. Some chapters will inevitably run longer, some shorter. This mental division keeps you from panicking if one section feels too big. You can adjust as you go along, and it helps you pace the unfolding of your story without accidentally veering into a rushed final stretch.
Adjust the outline as ideas evolve
Don’t be afraid to reshuffle or rename chapters if you find new angles. Your structure should serve your story, not chain it down. The crucial thing is to track your evolving plan so word count doesn’t balloon or shrink without your notice.
Step 3: Set a consistent writing routine
Knowing how many words are in a novel is helpful, but you also need a plan to get them onto the page. This step is all about building a reliable practice to make steady progress.
Break down your daily or weekly goals
Consistency comes from manageable goals. If you can write 1,000 words a day, you’ll hit 80,000 words in about 80 writing days. Of course, “daily” is a guide—life happens. You might write five days a week or only on weekends. What matters is choosing targets that are realistic. You can always ramp up if you see extra time or slow down if you risk burning out.
- Possible daily goals: 500, 1,000, or 2,000 words.
- Possible weekly totals: 3,500 to 10,000 words, depending on your schedule.
Plan for obstacles
At some point, you’ll likely face a dip in motivation or get stalled by writer’s block. It happens to every author. Instead of letting it derail you, recognize early that it’s part of the process. Keep an eye on how to overcome writers block if you’re prone to stalling out mid-draft. A few preemptive strategies help:
- Outline more thoroughly so you’re never stuck with “What happens next?”
- Write a “bad” version of a scene just to keep moving, then fix it later.
- Switch up writing locations or routines for fresh perspective.
Use time effectively
Try to protect your writing windows from other distractions. Maybe you can block off an hour each morning before work, or you can carve out a weekend afternoon. By dedicating time solely to writing, you’ll chip away at those words steadily rather than waiting for a random burst of inspiration.
Step 4: Draft with focus and stay on track
Now that you’ve got a target word count, an outline, and a consistent writing routine, it’s time to delve into the actual draft. Staying focused is a balancing act: you want enough detail to immerse readers, but not so much that you wander off the main plotline.
Write your first draft quickly
Aim to get your main ideas down without pausing too long for fine-tuning. You can revise messy sections later. Drafting quickly keeps your momentum and prevents the dreaded cycle of perfecting one chapter at a time, which can stall progress. Feel free to reflect on how to start writing a novel for a refresher on beginning well and staying motivated.
Here’s a simple approach to maintain focus:
- Write a scene’s main action or conflict first.
- Add minor descriptions or side points.
- Check your approximate word count to keep it in range.
Track your daily progress
Some writers swear by a spreadsheet, while others use apps or a simple notebook to record their daily words. Checking in on word count gives you a sense of accomplishment and flags any worrying shortfalls or overages. If you find yourself overshooting significantly, you can remind yourself to tighten up the next scene or remove an unnecessary subplot.
Keep character arcs front and center
You might find you’re piling on more words than necessary if you stray from the core emotional journeys of your cast. Ask yourself, “Does this happen because it reveals or changes something about my protagonist’s arc?” If not, it might be filler. To develop your characters more intentionally, glance at how to write character arcs so you can keep those arcs engaging without inflating your word count.
Step 5: Revise, refine, and reshape
Revision is where you tailor your novel’s word count. Maybe you overshot by 10,000 words, or your critique partner says certain sections feel rushed. This step is all about paring away fluff or fleshing out thin spots.
Trim unnecessary details
Start with scenes that don’t advance the plot or deepen character relationships. Are there repetitive descriptions or tangents? Sometimes you can merge two scenes into one. Think about each scene’s “job.” If it doesn’t serve your novel’s mission, it’s time to cut or combine.
- Ask, “Does this scene reveal character or push the plot?”
- Delete filler phrases or repeated dialogue that crowd your prose.
- Reevaluate side characters who don’t impact the main narrative.
Expand underwritten parts
On the flip side, if an important emotional beat or turning point feels rushed, expand it. This might mean adding richer setting details or letting two characters talk their conflict through more fully. Use how to write better dialogue for pointers on how to craft conversations that earn their word count.
Maintain consistency in pacing
A common revision challenge is pacing. Maybe the first half is well-balanced, but the second half feels hurried. Look at the word distribution across your chapters. If one section hogs a massive chunk of words with minimal payoff, you might condense it. Likewise, if your ending is too abrupt, you can allocate more words to properly showcase the final conflict and the resolution of arcs.
Step 6: Polish your final word count
By now, your novel might be nearing a cohesive shape. You know how many words you aimed for, and you’ve revised with an eye on clarity and pacing. This step is about confirming you’re on target and preparing your book for the next stage, whether that’s querying agents or self-publishing.
Know when to call it done
There’s a point where additional tweaks don’t substantially improve your novel. If you’ve hit a reasonable final count—sitting comfortably in a typical range for your genre—and each scene has a clear purpose, you might be finished with major word count adjustments. Resist the urge to keep adding or cutting just for the sake of chasing a perfect number.
Seek outside feedback
A critique group or beta readers can offer fresh insights. Maybe a reader notices one chapter has too many flashbacks. Another might say the climax feels too brief. Outside opinions shine a light on issues you might miss on your own. If they’re urging a bit more tension or clarity in a specific part of your novel, you can figure out the minimum words needed to achieve that goal.
Prepare for further fine-tuning
If you’re heading toward publication, keep in mind that editors and agents might request changes. Publishers sometimes have preferences for word count, especially in certain genres. Even so, if you’re well-prepared and flexible, you’ll likely only need to make moderate adjustments rather than rewriting the entire manuscript.
Bonus: Troubleshoot common pitfalls
No matter how well you plan, you may run into classic word count issues. Here’s a quick table to highlight some frequent symptoms and potential fixes:
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Dropping below 60,000 words | Underdeveloped subplots, missing depth | Expand characters’ journeys and strengthen key conflicts |
| Shooting past 120,000 words | Too many side plots or extraneous detail | Combine chapters or events, trim repetitive scenes, focus on core arc |
| Uneven pacing in the middle | “Sagging middle” syndrome | Introduce a plot twist or deeper conflict to reinvigorate momentum |
| Rushing the ending | Compressing final conflict too much | Add emotional closure, show how characters truly resolve tensions |
Keep this at hand as you polish your draft so you can spot and fix issues quickly.
Step 7: Level up your novel with strategy
At this point, you might have fine-tuned your word count, but being a better writer involves more than just hitting a number. There are ways to strengthen your story and sustain momentum far beyond your current project.
Keep learning story structure
If your draft feels bumpy or confusing, a strong structure can be the backbone your word count depends on. For deeper insights into shaping your chapters and plot arcs, explore how to structure a novel. You’ll find ideas to organize your narrative so each part flows naturally into the next.
Build meaningful character arcs
A well-defined character journey ensures your words count for more than just page filler. Readers want to see your protagonist change by the end—maybe your hero starts off hesitant and finishes with the courage to face their biggest fear. Adding growth and emotional investment often means adding words, but it keeps readers engaged. If this interests you, check out how to write character arcs to nail those transformations.
Continually improve your writing craft
Mastery takes time. You want to write more than one novel, right? Regularly practicing can help you develop a sharper voice and learn how to become a better writer. You’ll discover new skills like weaving subplots more naturally, trimming flabby passages, and creating dynamic dialogues that feel real. As you improve, you’ll find it easier to estimate how many words you need to fully tell your story.
Step 8: Celebrate milestones and share your progress
Finishing (or even just hitting a milestone) deserves recognition. Writing a novel is a big undertaking, and word count is only one piece of the puzzle. Rewarding your progress, whether you’ve completed the first draft or sorted out a tricky subplot, grants you motivation to keep going.
Mark your achievements
Try setting a milestone plan. For instance, celebrate after every 10,000 words. You might treat yourself to a relaxing evening, pick up a new book, or simply post a progress update on social media. This keeps your spirits high and helps you see tangible results for all your efforts.
Invite accountability
If you trust a few writing buddies, share your goals. Let them know when you expect to reach a new word count target. Accountability can trigger that extra push you need on days when writing feels more like a chore. You can also join online forums or groups that encourage progress check-ins. Knowing others are rooting for you can make a huge difference.
Keep momentum after finishing
After you type “The End,” it’s natural to feel some letdown, but there’s always revision or new projects on the horizon. You might decide to start your next book idea or refine your final manuscript with editorial feedback. If you’re feeling stuck, revisit how to become a better writer for ways to continuously hone your craft. Writing is a journey, and every milestone moves you another step forward.
Conclusion
Finding out how many words are in a novel is only the beginning, but it’s a critical piece in the bigger puzzle of story-building. By setting a flexible target, crafting a clear outline, establishing a workable routine, and then revising thoughtfully, you guide your story from idea to final manuscript. You’ll learn exactly how to shape each chapter so it carries the narrative forward at the right pace, without straying too far from your original vision.
Remember, this process of planning, drafting, and refining is meant to help you stay motivated and keep your story on track. There’s no magical word count that guarantees success. Instead, focus on telling a compelling tale at a length that feels complete and satisfying. Whether you wind up with 60,000 or 120,000 words, clarity and engagement matter more than chasing a specific number.
As you fine-tune your manuscript, keep exploring resources like how to structure a novel and how to start writing a novel. And if you get stuck, look at how to overcome writers block to push through the rough spots. The more you write, the better you’ll get at balancing word count with rich storytelling. So keep going—you’re one step closer to completing the novel you’ve dreamed of writing.