A Word Count Guide: How Long Should Your Book Be?

What is the Word Count of a Book?

A book's word count is the number of words in the book. This includes all words, including titles, subtitles, chapter titles, and any other text that appears in the book. The book word count can be found by looking at the book's copyright page or by using a word counting tool online. The average word count for a novel is around 80,000 words. However, there is no set word count for a novel. Some novels can be as short as 50,000 words, while others can be over 100,000 words. The important thing is that the novel is well-written and tells a good story. If you're working on a book project, it's helpful to know the average word count for novels in your genre. This will give you a better idea of how long your book should be. Keep in mind, though, that your book doesn't have to be exactly the same length as other books in your genre. As long as it's a good story, readers will enjoy it regardless of its length.

How Many Words Per Page In A Book Is Suitable?

When it comes to how many words per page in a book is ideal, there is no one definitive answer. It largely depends on the type of book, its audience, and the author's desired style. However, most books tend to have between 250 and 300 words per page. This allows for a good flow while still providing enough detail to keep readers engaged. Too few or too many words can lead to boredom or confusion, so striking a balance is essential. Ultimately, the number of words per page is less important than ensuring that the overall story is well-told and enjoyable to read.

Top 3 Reasons Why Word Count Is Important In Writing a Book in 2022

1. It helps you to stay on track. If you have a goal of, say, 50,000 words, you know that you need to stay on task in order to reach it. This can help to keep you motivated and focused while writing.
2. It can help to determine the pacing of your book. If you know that a certain book word count is necessary for a certain genre, you can pace your book accordingly. This can make for a more enjoyable read for your audience.
3. It can be used as a benchmarking tool. Once you have reached your desired word count, you can use it as a benchmark to ensure that the rest of your book is of the same caliber. This can help to keep your writing consistent and of high quality.

Word count is important for a variety of reasons. These are just a few of the most important ones. Keep these in mind as you write your next book and see how they can help you to create a better-finished product.

Word Count Can Determine The Quality of Your Book

When it comes to writing a book, the quality of your work is directly proportional to the word count. The more words you write, the better your book will be. This is because the more words you have, the more opportunity you have to develop your characters, plot, and themes. You can also use more descriptive language, which will make your book more enjoyable to read. In short, if you want to write a high-quality book, you need to write a lot of words.

quality book, you need to write a lot of words. There are a few exceptions to this rule. If you're writing a short story or novella, you don't need to worry about book word count as much. In these cases, quality is more important than quantity. However, if you're writing a novel, you should aim for at least 80,000 words. This will give you enough space to flesh out your ideas and create a well-rounded story.

How Long Should a Book Be in 2022?

In 2022, the ideal length for a book is around 400 pages. This is due to the fact that readers are more pressed for time than ever before and are looking for shorter reads that can still provide them with a high level of satisfaction. While there are exceptions to this rule, books that fall within the 400-page range are generally seen as being the perfect length for today's reader.

Thriller Book

A thriller book typically ranges from around 80,000 to 100,000 words. This is the sweet spot for maintaining the reader's interest while still providing a level of complexity and plot development that allows for a satisfying conclusion. Thriller books that are too short or too long can lose the excitement and tension that make them so enjoyable to read.

Science Fiction and Fantasy Book

Science fiction and fantasy books can be of any length, but the ideal word count for these books is around 300-500 words. This is not a hard and fast rule, but it is a good guideline to follow. Books that are too long or too short can lose the reader's attention, so it is important to find the right balance.

Books that are too short may feel unfinished, while books that are too long can be difficult to slog through. The perfect length for science fiction or fantasy book is one that will keep the reader engaged from beginning to end.

Word counts can vary depending on the genre, so it is important to consider what type of book you are writing before you start. If you are unsure, ask your editor or publisher for guidance. They will be able to tell you what is standard for the genre and what word count is appropriate for your book.

Romance Book

A romance book should be around 100,000 words. This is the perfect length for a book that tells a complete story while also providing readers with enough pages to get lost in the love story. Anything shorter may feel rushed, while anything longer may start to drag. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule, but this is a good general guideline to follow.

Historical Fiction Book

Historical fiction books can be anywhere from 200 to 500 pages long, but the ideal word count for this genre is around 300 pages. This allows for enough story to be told while also keeping the book at a manageable length. Too much longer than 500 pages and the book may start to feel sluggish, while anything shorter than 200 pages may feel rushed. Historical fiction is all about taking the readers on a journey, and 300 pages are just the right amount of time to do this.

Non-Fiction Book

Non-fiction books should generally be around 100,000 words, give or take. This allows for a good amount of detail and information while still being a manageable length for the average reader. Some exceptions can be made for particularly dense or technical subject matter, but in general, this is a good rule of thumb. If your book is significantly shorter or longer than this, it might be worth reconsidering your word count.

When Should You Be Concerned With Word Count?

It's important to be aware of your word count when you're writing a book, as it can affect the overall quality of your work. If you're too short, you may not have enough room to develop your plot or characters fully. If you're too long, you may risk boring your readers. It's important to find the right balance for your story.
There's no hard and fast rule for how long a book should be, but a general guideline is that novels are usually around 80,000 words. If you're writing a non-fiction book, the word count will vary depending on the subject matter.
If you're unsure about your book word count, it's always best to consult with an experienced editor or publisher. They'll be able to give you advice on whether your book is the right length for its genre and audience.

When It Comes To Self-Publishing, Does The Word Count Matter?

Yes, word count does matter when you are self-publishing your book. The general rule of thumb is that your manuscript should be at least 80,000 words if you want to publish it as a trade paperback. This may seem like a lot, but remember that you are not paying someone to edit and format your book for you—you are doing all of that work yourself. So it is important to make sure your book is as long as it needs to be in order to tell the story you want to tell. If your book is too short, readers may feel like they didn't get their money's worth. On the other hand, if your book is too long, readers may get bored or lost and give up before finishing it.

There are, of course, exceptions to this rule. If you are writing a children's book, for example, it should be much shorter than 80,000 words. And if you are writing a non-fiction book that is more like a reference guide or an anthology, it can be much longer than 80,000 words. But in general, if you are self-publishing a novel-length work of fiction, 80,000 words is a good target length.

Fixing An Excessively Long Book

If you have a book that's too long, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem. First, you can try cutting out some of the content. If there's a lot of excess material, this can be a good way to slim down the book. Alternatively, you could try breaking the book up into smaller parts. This can make it easier for readers to get through, and it also makes the book more manageable overall. Finally, you could try rewriting parts of the book to make it more concise. This is often the most effective way to reduce the length of a book without compromising its quality.

No matter which method you choose, remember that fixing a too-long book is often a lot of work. But if you're willing to put in the effort, it can be well worth it in the end. Your readers will appreciate your efforts, and you'll be able to take pride in knowing that you've created a high-quality product.

You could also avail Book Writing Cube's professional book editing services to help you produce the perfect manuscript. Our team of experienced and skilled editors spot and correct even the slightest of errors. As a leading book writing company, Book Writing Cube also offers book writing, marketing, publishing, and formatting services for aspiring authors around the nation.