Understanding Word Count in Literary Genres

Introduction: The Significance of Word Count

Word count, the total number of words in a document or passage of text, is a critical aspect of writing and publishing. It helps categorize books into specific genres and guides authors in meeting industry standards.

Checking Word Count:

  • In Microsoft Word: Open the document, click on the ‘Review’ tab to view the word count. Highlight specific sections for their word count.
  • On a Mac: Use the Launchpad to open Word and follow the same steps.

Word Count Guidelines by Genre:

  1. Fiction:
    • Short Story: Up to 7,500 words.
    • Novelette: Between 7,500 and 17,500 words.
    • Novella: Between 17,500 and 40,000 words.
    • Romance Novel: Typically between 50,000 and 100,000 words.
    • Fantasy and Sci-Fi: Generally 90,000 to 150,000 words, but can go up to 200,000 for complex worlds.
    • Literary Novel: Around 80,000 to 120,000 words, with some going up to 200,000.
    • Young Adult: Typically between 50,000 and 70,000 words.
    • Middle Grade: Ranges from 30,000 to 50,000 words.
  2. Non-Fiction:
    • Biographies and Memoirs: Usually between 70,000 and 100,000 words.
    • Popular Nonfiction: Ranges from 70,000 to 120,000 words.
    • Niche Nonfiction: Can vary widely depending on the subject matter.

Amazon’s Text Stats:

An interesting side note: Amazon’s Text Stats reveal that the average length of all books on Amazon is about 64,000 words.

Why Word Count Matters:

  • Reader Expectations: Different genres have established norms that readers expect.
  • Publishing Standards: Publishers often have specific word count ranges for genres.
  • Story Development: Word count can influence the pacing and development of your narrative.

Conclusion: Tailoring Your Word Count

Understanding word count norms is essential for authors. It not only ensures that your book aligns with genre expectations but also helps in structuring your narrative effectively. While creativity shouldn’t be restricted by word count, being aware of these guidelines is crucial for marketability and audience engagement.