Novella vs Novel vs Epic — Which Is Right for You?

Not every story needs to be a doorstop—or a quick snack. Choosing the right length for your book can affect how readers experience your story, how long it takes you to write, and even how you market it. Whether you’re leaning toward a tight novella, a classic-length novel, or an immersive epic, here’s everything you need to know to pick the perfect word count for your next project.

The Basics of Novel Word Counts

Before deciding what length to aim for, it helps to know the general ranges for each type of story:

Keep in mind that these are flexible ranges. Some genres or indie publishing platforms may accept slightly shorter or longer works, but this gives you a useful starting point.

2. Pros and Cons for Authors

Novella

• Pros: Faster to write, easier to publish, perfect for experimenting with new ideas.
• Cons: Harder to market as a standalone; may be perceived as “less serious” by some readers.

Novel

• Pros: Sweet spot for traditional publishing, satisfies readers, fits most genres.
• Cons: Still requires careful pacing and editing.

Epic

• Pros: Immersive and rewarding, builds a devoted readership, can establish prestige.
• Cons: Long production time, risk of losing readers’ attention, more rounds of editing.

3. Psychological Impact on Readers

Your story’s length communicates more than just pages — it signals commitment, pacing, and emotional investment:

• Novellas: Quick satisfaction, bingeable, low-commitment. Perfect for readers with limited time.
• Novels: A balanced experience with enough depth to satisfy, without overwhelming.
• Epics: Immersive journeys that demand time and dedication, rewarding readers with a rich, complex world.

Examples:

• Novella (~40–50k words):

• The Turn of the Screw by Henry James (~43,000 words) — short, psychological horror, still widely respected.
• Novel (~70–80k words):

• We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson (~72,000 words) — cult classic, eerie, literary, and under the radar for most readers.
• Epic (~250–350k words):

• Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons (~320,000 words in some editions with notes and extended text) — long satirical epic in a single volume; not a mainstream blockbuster.

4. How to Outline Your Story by Intended Length

Novellas:

• Focus on one main arc
• Limit the number of characters
• Keep pacing tight

Novels:

• Plan 2–3 main arcs
• Include secondary characters and moderate subplots
• Balance depth with readability

Epics:

• Multiple arcs and POVs
• Fully developed world-building
• Extensive backstory and detailed settings

Tools to help: mind maps, beat sheets, chapter outlines, writing software like Scrivener or Notion.

5. Subtopics to Consider

Word Count Planning:
Set daily or weekly goals to match your target length. Example: 500 words/day → 50k words in 100 days.

Editing Considerations:

• Novellas: tight editing, fewer passes
• Novels: moderate editing, beta reader feedback
• Epics: multiple editing rounds, extensive feedback

Marketing Angle:

• Novella: bundled or marketed as a quick read
• Novel: standard pricing, broad audience
• Epic: target devoted fanbases, emphasize depth and immersion

Choosing the right story length is about balancing your story’s needs, your workflow, and reader expectations. Experimenting with different lengths can teach you a lot about pacing, storytelling, and audience engagement. Whether you write a novella, a standard novel, or a sprawling epic, the key is to make every word count.

Call to Action:
Which story length are you writing next? Share in the comments — we’d love to hear what you’re working on!

Read More Awesome Articles

• How to Write a Content Article, Blog Post or Webpage with No Directions
• House of Malay - A Dark Short Story from a High School Me (Hint: It's probably terrible, but I don't care)
• How to Stay Anonymous on This Site and every Other Site You Visit
• How to Efficiently Query an Agent
• How to find a freelancer that writes the type of content you need.