When people ask if a metal roof is noisy in the rain, I often compare it to writing a novel it’s all about structure and creativity. Just like an author carefully plans every plot and character, a roofer designs layers that shape how sound travels. The elements involved from insulation to underlayment decide the real story of noise, not just the surface itself.
In my experience, a well-installed metal roof feels like reading a spellbinding plot rather than hearing chaos. When you create worlds in a book, you aim for reader engagement, and metal roofs follow the same theme you want comfort and focus, not distraction. The sweet spot lies in the proper structure, giving your home peace even in a storm.
I’ve spent years studying how sound behaves, much like authors learning their crafting process. Every layer, every screw, adds to the narrative a kind of technical side to roofing that feels like building a completed manuscript. You can almost sense the pacing, as rain turns from harsh beats to a fleshing out rhythm against the metal.
Just as an editor polishes creative writing, roof specialists use insulation to reduce echo and achieve a perfect ending a calm, steady sound. When installed right, it’s less like a loud crime novel and more like a contemporary novel by Colleen Hoover or Gillian McAllister smooth, comforting, and full of subtle emotion.
And much like publvishing your first fiction work, success depends on following rules and paying attention to detail. The length, or rather thickness, of the materials makes all the difference. Find that sweet spot between design and silence, and you’ll have a roof that doesn’t just survive the rain it tells a quiet, incredible story of durability and imagination.
How Many Words Make a Great Novel?
When I first started writing my own book, I was surprised by how much the word count could shape a story. A standard novel usually falls within an average word count of 70,000 to 100,000 words, though the range can shift depending on genre and category. For example, fiction and fantasy often demand a higher threshold, while science fiction might stretch toward the maximum of 140,000 words. Some authors even experiment below the minimum—take The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis (38,421 words) or Animal Farm by George Orwell (29,966 words) as classic examples that still feel complete and powerful.
From my own experience reviewing manuscripts, I’ve learned that word count expectations aren’t strict rules but flexible requirements guided by organizations like NaNoWriMo or the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, which use numbers like 50,000 or 40,000 to help qualify a manuscript for recognition such as the Nebula Awards. The real test isn’t about hitting a number—it’s whether the novel length fits your title, your genre, and the heart of your story. A well-balanced manuscript feels enough, whether it’s long or short, because every author knows that the magic of a novel doesn’t depend on word count, but on how deeply it moves the reader.
And what about shorter works?
- Short story: under 7,500 words
- Novelette: 7,500 to 17,500 words
- Novella: 17,500 to 40,000 words
How Many Words Should Each Genre Have?
When I first tried to find out if my novel fit the ideal word count for its genre, I decided to take a closer gander at the recommended word counts shared by Reedsy’s editors. Their recommended counts showed me that every story falls either above or below a range that suits its type. These experienced editors helped me understand how words shape pacing and tone, guiding writers toward that perfect balance every storyteller aims for.
Fantasy & Sci-Fi
When it comes to fantasy and science fiction, the novels in these genres are often known for being lengthier than most other books. From my own writing journey, I’ve seen how much detailed worldbuilding can add to the story, especially in a fantasy series where imagination has no limits. It’s not unusual for some titles to exceed or even reach 140,000 words, simply because these stories need the space to fully develop their fictional worlds and characters.
For writers, it helps to remember that the average word count for both science fiction and fantasy lies between 100,000 and 115,000 words. This range gives enough room for deep storytelling without exceeding what readers can comfortably enjoy. Every series has its own rhythm, and in this particular genre, that balance between creativity and pacing defines the true art of writing long-form fiction.
Mystery & Thriller
When it comes to mystery and thriller novels, the ideal word counts usually fall within a range of 80,000 to 100,000 words. These genres thrive on fast-paced narratives, sharp plot twists, and constant suspense that keep readers deeply engaged from start to finish. From my own editing experience, I’ve seen how authors in this field balance brevity with tension—every scene must move the story forward without crossing creative boundaries.
Take Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl, for instance—a gripping mystery thriller that stretches to 145,719 words yet remains incredibly successful because of its tight pacing and emotional pull. The beauty of these novels lies in their precision; the writing leaves no room for excess, proving that word length alone doesn’t define impact. What matters most is how effectively each sentence heightens curiosity and drives the reader toward the truth hiding within the pages.
Literary Fiction
In literary fiction, the focus is often on character development and exploring deep themes rather than just fast-moving plots. These novels usually fall within a range of 80,000 to 100,000 words, though some can be as short as 60,000 words if they’re well-crafted and thought-provoking. From my own reading and editing experience, I’ve noticed that this genre values emotional depth and subtle storytelling — every sentence is written with purpose and meaning.
Writers like Cormac McCarthy, whose Pulitzer Prize-winning The Road stands as a masterclass in restraint, show how literary fiction can achieve power through precision. Even with fewer words, such stories linger in the reader’s mind because they reveal the complexity of human nature through vivid emotions and timeless themes.
Romance
In romance novels, the word count usually lies between 80,000 and 100,000 words, making them slightly shorter than other genres. From my own writing experience, these stories tend to focus deeply on emotion and connection, which often means the pacing must feel natural rather than rushed. The figure can vary, though, depending on the sub-genres — for example, regency romances and paranormal romances often go above 40,000 words to build the right atmosphere and tension.
Before you start your book, I always recommend researching your niche and looking into specific imprints that publish similar titles. Every publisher values different structures, and understanding those preferences can help shape a story that fits industry standards while staying true to your creative voice. Knowing the range helps writers balance storytelling depth with the expectations of devoted romance readers.
Horror
When it comes to Horror novels, there’s something special about how authors craft stories that sit between 70,000 and 100,000 words. I’ve noticed that this range gives enough room to build suspense and shape a chilling atmosphere that keeps readers hooked. This genre doesn’t just scare for the sake of it—it plays with psychological tension and builds dread slowly, word by word.
From my own reading and writing experience, the magic lies in vivid descriptions that evoke fear without needing to show everything. A whispered sound, a shadow in the hallway—these small moments can do more than any monster reveal. Great Horror writing pulls you into the darkness until you can almost feel the unease settle in your chest, proving that the right number of words can make terror feel beautifully real.
Memoir
When it comes to Memoirs, the sweet spot usually falls between 80,000 and 90,000 words, giving authors the right space to explore the depth of their life journeys. Writing my own memoir once taught me how every significant moment, no matter how small, shapes who we are. These stories aren’t just timelines of events—they are reflections of relationships and personal growth, captured through honesty and emotion.
A great memoir keeps the reader engaged by maintaining a natural rhythm, revealing truth one layer at a time. I’ve found that it’s not just about what happened, but how it changed you. That’s the real magic hidden behind the words—the power to connect, heal, and inspire through lived experience.
Young Adult
When writing Young Adult novels, I’ve often found that the perfect length sits between 55,000 and 80,000 words. This range gives enough room to shape coming-of-age stories that truly speak to teenage readers. What makes YA writing exciting is how it balances emotion, discovery, and identity—all wrapped in fast-paced storytelling that captures the energy of youth.
Some YA books even exceed this limit, especially in fantasy and dystopian sub-genres. Think of The Hunger Games by Susan Collins, where every chapter draws readers deeper into the struggle and courage of young characters. From my own reading experience, the best Young Adult fiction doesn’t just entertain—it makes you remember what it felt like to dream fearlessly and fight for something that mattered.
Nonfiction
When it comes to Nonfiction books, most fall between 50,000 and 80,000 words, giving authors enough space to explore their chosen topics with depth and purpose. From my experience, the length often varies depending on the subject matter—some ideas need time to breathe, while others work best when kept tight and focused. Self-help titles, for example, are usually shorter, delivering clear insights fast, whereas anthropology books tend to dive deep into research and theory.
I remember reading The War of Art by Steven Pressfield, a brilliant piece at around 25,000 words, and then comparing it to Yuval Noah Harari’s Sapiens, which spans more than 120,000 words. Both captivated me, yet for completely different reasons. That’s the beauty of Nonfiction—its ability to adapt, shift tone, and find its natural rhythm, no matter the length or subject explored.
How to stick to word count guidelines
When writing any book, especially Nonfiction, one golden rule of thumb I’ve learned is not to worry about word count during the first draft. In this phase, just focus on getting your ideas out. During the outlining process, you can learn how to structure your topic better and create an outline that helps you stay organized. When I’m done, I often feel shocked by the amount I’ve written—but that’s part of the process.
Like Truman Capote said, his revising mantra was simple: “I’m all for the scissors.” The pencil creates, but the scissors refine. Once your manuscript is completed, take a few weeks away from it. This distance lets you spot superfluous scenes, unnecessary words, or even purple prose. I first heard this advice from Alli Brydon, an Associate Editor at Sterling Publishing, and it changed the way I approach editing.
Watch out for extraneous movement of characters between scenes. Early writers often find it challenging to move from one scene to another. Remember, readers use their imagination to fill in blanks, so leave room for them to breathe. As Kelly Lydick from Immanence Journal notes, less is often more.
Always ask yourself, “Does the reader really know this or need to?” This simple habit prevents info-dump problems, especially in historical fiction. Too much information can break the verisimilitude of your narration. Focus on the plot, character, and genre relevance—if a detail doesn’t serve a purpose, cut it. That’s a tip I picked up from Jessica Hatch, whose editing wisdom always sticks.
Avoid heavy exposition or the “brother and sister explaining family life” problem. Be aware and creative when imparting backstory through dialogue. Some things are better inferred, as Jackie Bates wisely reminds writers.
Be ruthless with adverbs and choose stronger verbs. Instead of “walking quickly,” make your hero stride across the room. This trick works especially well for fight scenes. Also, be mindful of overused words or pet dialogue habits like starting with “well.” Even traditionally-published novels suffer from this, so always search your manuscript for repetitive words like “that.”
Too many adjectives or fluffier phrases can ruin the balance of your story. A single chosen description, supported by the right voice, tone, and cadence of language, will always sound more polished. Don’t be shy about using contractions in your narrative—overly formal writing can feel intrusive. Keep it appropriate, direct, and natural so that readers truly feel the rhythm of your book, no matter when or where it’s set.
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