Table of Contents
What Is a Novella?
If you're planning to write a book, you've probably come across the terms novella and novel. While they may seem similar at first glance, there are several important differences between the two. Understanding those differences can help you decide which format is best for your story, your publishing goals, and your readers.
A novella is a fictional work that falls between a short story and a full-length novel. It is longer than a short story but shorter than what most publishers and readers would consider a standard novel.
Most industry professionals consider a novella to be between 20,000 and 50,000 words. While definitions can vary slightly, this range is widely accepted throughout the publishing industry.
Novellas are often focused on a single storyline, a smaller cast of characters, and one central conflict. Because they are shorter, they typically move at a faster pace and avoid lengthy subplots or extensive worldbuilding.
Many authors choose the novella format when they have a compelling story that doesn't require 80,000 words to tell effectively. In fact, trying to stretch a novella-sized story into a novel can often weaken the final result.
Standard Novella Word Count
The generally accepted word count range for a novella is:
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20,000 to 50,000 words
This places it comfortably between a novelette and a novel.
Characteristics of a Novella
Most novellas share several common characteristics:
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One primary storyline
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A smaller cast of characters
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Minimal subplots
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Fast pacing
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Focused conflict
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Shorter reading time
Because every word matters, novellas often feel tighter and more focused than longer books.
Famous Novella Examples
Some of the most respected works in literature are novellas:
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Animal Farm by George Orwell
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Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
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The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
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The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
These books demonstrate that shorter stories can still deliver powerful emotional impact and memorable characters.
What Is a Novel?
A novel is a longer work of fiction that provides more room for character development, multiple plotlines, and deeper exploration of a story's world.
Most novels start at around 50,000 words, although many publishers and readers consider 70,000–100,000 words to be the standard range for a typical novel.
Because novels are longer, they often contain:
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Multiple character arcs
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Several subplots
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More complex conflicts
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Richer worldbuilding
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Larger casts of characters
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More detailed settings
Novels give readers more time to connect with characters and become immersed in the story.
Standard Novel Word Count
Typical novel lengths include:
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Short novel: 50,000–70,000 words
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Standard novel: 70,000–100,000 words
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Long novel: 100,000+ words
Genre expectations can significantly influence these numbers.
Characteristics of a Novel
Most novels feature:
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Multiple storylines
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Greater character depth
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Several subplots
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Detailed worldbuilding
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More complex themes
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Longer narrative arcs
Popular Novel Examples
Some well-known novels include:
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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
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The Hunger Games
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Pride and Prejudice
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The Hobbit
These books use their larger word counts to create more expansive narratives and deeper character journeys.
Novella vs Novel at a Glance
|
Feature |
Novella |
Novel |
|
Word Count |
20,000–50,000 |
50,000+ |
|
Reading Time |
1–4 hours |
Several days or more |
|
Story Scope |
Narrower |
Broader |
|
Characters |
Smaller cast |
Larger cast |
|
Subplots |
Few or none |
Common |
|
Worldbuilding |
Limited |
Extensive |
|
Pacing |
Faster |
More flexible |
|
Writing Time |
Usually shorter |
Usually longer |
While both formats tell complete stories, their structure and reader expectations are often quite different.
Novella vs Novel Word Count
Word count is often the first factor writers consider when comparing novellas and novels.
The generally accepted categories are:
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Short Story: Under 7,500 words
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Novelette: 7,500–20,000 words
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Novella: 20,000–50,000 words
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Novel: 50,000+ words
However, word count alone doesn't determine whether a book feels like a novella or a novel.
A 45,000-word manuscript with multiple subplots and extensive worldbuilding may feel more like a short novel. Likewise, a 55,000-word manuscript focused on a single conflict may still share many characteristics of a novella.
Genre also matters. Fantasy and science fiction readers often expect longer books, while romance and mystery readers may be comfortable with shorter works.
Rather than obsessing over a specific number, focus on telling the story effectively.
Key Differences Between a Novella and a Novel
Story Scope
One of the biggest differences between a novella and a novel is scope.
Novellas tend to focus on a single storyline. There is usually one major conflict driving the narrative forward.
Novels often contain multiple storylines that intersect throughout the book. Authors have more space to explore side plots and secondary conflicts.
Character Development
Novellas typically focus on a small number of characters.
Because there are fewer pages available, authors must be selective about whose stories receive attention.
Novels allow for more extensive character development. Readers can watch characters evolve over longer periods and through more complex situations.
Number of Subplots
Most novellas contain few, if any, subplots.
Every scene must contribute directly to the central story.
Novels often include multiple subplots that enrich the main narrative and provide additional layers of conflict.
Worldbuilding
Worldbuilding is another area where novels generally have an advantage.
Fantasy, science fiction, and historical fiction novels often spend significant time developing settings, cultures, histories, and systems.
Novellas usually provide only the details necessary to support the story.
Pacing
Because novellas have fewer words, they tend to move quickly.
Readers are often introduced to the conflict within the first few pages.
Novels can afford a slower pace, allowing for more buildup and exploration.
Reader Expectations
Readers typically expect a novella to deliver a focused experience that can be completed in a single sitting or over a weekend.
Novel readers generally expect a more immersive journey with greater depth and complexity.
Is It Easier to Write a Novella Than a Novel?
Many new authors assume that writing a novella is easier simply because it's shorter.
While there is some truth to that, the reality is more nuanced.
A novella requires fewer words, fewer scenes, and less overall planning than most novels.
However, shorter doesn't always mean easier.
Because there is less room for error, every chapter must work harder. Weak scenes, unnecessary characters, and excessive exposition become much more noticeable.
In many ways, writing a strong novella requires exceptional discipline.
Every word must earn its place.
Should You Write a Novella or a Novel?
The right choice depends on your story.
Choose a Novella If...
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You're writing your first book
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Your story focuses on a single conflict
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You want a faster publishing timeline
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You're building an audience
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The plot doesn't require multiple subplots
Choose a Novel If...
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Your story has multiple storylines
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You need extensive worldbuilding
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Character development is central to the story
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You're planning a larger series
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Your genre typically favors longer books
Ultimately, the story should determine the format—not the other way around.
Can You Successfully Self-Publish a Novella?
Yes, many authors successfully self-publish novellas.
In fact, novellas can be a valuable tool for independent authors.
Some writers use novellas as:
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Series starters
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Reader magnets
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Companion stories
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Bonus content for fans
The biggest challenge is pricing.
Readers sometimes hesitate to pay the same price for a novella that they would for a full-length novel.
However, a well-written novella can still perform exceptionally well when positioned correctly.
Another important factor is presentation. Elements like your cover, book description, and author bio can influence purchasing decisions. If you're unsure what to include, these about the author examples can help you create a stronger author profile.
How to Get Reviews for a Novella or Novel
Regardless of length, reviews play a major role in a book's success.
Many readers look at reviews before deciding whether to purchase a book.
One of the most effective ways to gather early feedback is through ARC readers. If you're unfamiliar with the process, learn more about what an ARC reader is and how they can help generate reviews before launch.
Building reviews early can:
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Increase credibility
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Improve conversion rates
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Help with Amazon visibility
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Provide valuable reader feedback
Whether you've written a novella or a novel, having a review strategy in place can significantly improve your launch results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 40,000 words a novella or a novel?
Most publishing professionals would classify 40,000 words as a novella.
Is 50,000 words a novel?
Generally yes, although some publishers may consider it a very short novel.
Can a novella be published traditionally?
Yes. While traditional publishers release fewer novellas than novels, they are still accepted in many genres.
Do novellas sell well on Amazon?
They can, particularly when they are part of a series or serve a specific audience.
How many pages is a novella?
Most novellas range from approximately 80 to 200 pages, depending on formatting.
Can a novella become a novel later?
Absolutely. Many authors expand novellas into full-length novels by adding additional storylines, characters, and worldbuilding.
Conclusion
When comparing a novella vs novel, the biggest difference is length—but that isn't the only factor.
Novellas typically focus on a single storyline, fewer characters, and faster pacing, while novels offer greater depth, more subplots, and more extensive worldbuilding.
Neither format is inherently better than the other.
The best choice depends on the story you want to tell.
If your story thrives on focus and efficiency, a novella may be the perfect fit. If it requires deeper character development and multiple narrative threads, a novel is likely the better option.
Whichever format you choose, reviews remain one of the most important factors in helping readers discover your book. If you're ready to gather more reviews for your books & audiobooks, you can start your free trial and begin building momentum for your next launch.
