#PublishingReinvented 249 - Write Short Novels or Long Ones? + New Spotify Short Audiobook Option for Indie Authors
The Costs vs Benefits of Writing Under 40,000-Word Novels vs. 80,000+ Word Novels In One Place
We all have to weigh up the costs and benefits of writing short versus longer works.
Novels under 40,000 words—often classified as novellas—offer clear advantages in terms of production speed, reader engagement, and marketability, while longer novels (80,000+ words) provide deeper world-building, more complex plots, and appeal to traditional publishing standards.
That standard is partly based on what looks good on a bookstore shelf.
Heading for Under 40,000 Words?
Shorter novels and novellas have seen a real resurgence, especially with the rise of digital publishing. Writers can complete them quickly, allowing for more frequent releases, which is a major advantage in serialized storytelling or rapid-release strategies. Independent authors benefit from lower production costs in editing too, and formatting.
Examples of successful short novels include Animal Farm by George Orwell (about 30,000 words), Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck (around 29,000 words), and The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka (approximately 22,000 words). These works prove that shorter books can deliver deep impact. Recently, independent authors in genres like romance and thriller have leveraged shorter books to increase publishing frequency, keeping readers engaged.
However, shorter books may struggle in genres, where full-length novels (80,000+ words) are often preferred. Pricing can also be a challenge, as readers may hesitate to pay novel prices for a novella-length book unless it’s bundled or part of a series.
80,000+ Words: Depth, Traditional Publishing, and Genre Expectations
Longer novels allow for greater character development, intricate plots, and expansive world-building. Genres such as epic fantasy, historical fiction, and literary fiction typically demand 80,000+ words. This length meets traditional publishing standards, increasing a book’s chances of acceptance by agents and publishers.
Classic examples include Dune by Frank Herbert (over 180,000 words) and The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt (around 250,000 words). Modern thrillers like Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn (about 140,000 words) showcase how length supports complex narratives.
The downside of writing long novels is the extended time commitment, higher editing costs, and the risk of reader fatigue.
Are you prepared for a time investment three times the length of what’s needed for shorter novels?
Here’s something to add to the debate:
Spotify Audiobooks Launches a New Publishing Program for Independent Authors for short novels (novelettes) from 10,000 to 20,000 words.
To find out more click here.
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Interesting and easy to understand article on the current market for both form.
My Hist-Fic novels run 75,000 words, +/- 5,000. I have two 3-book series on AMAZ. I have six short stories, where I garnered more awards. I'd write more shorts/novellas, but they do NOT sell well on AMAZ?????????