How Many Words Does a Quality Book Contain in 2025?

Readers’ expectations for book length vary by genre, and straying from these norms can alienate your audience. Publishers often reject manuscripts that don’t meet genre-specific word count standards.

Understanding the typical word count for your genre helps you structure your plot and pacing effectively. But how do you determine the ideal book word count? The publishing industry sets these standards, and we’ll explore them in detail.

Since books vary in font, spacing, and format, page count isn’t a reliable measure of length. Word count is the most accurate indicator.

Most writing software—Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Scrivener, Grammarly, or Ulysses—includes a word count tool. You can set a target and track your progress until you reach it.

Word count matters because every book makes a promise to its reader, and genre dictates the expected length.

As a writer, I’ve learned the significance of word count across genres. Below, I’ll guide you on how many words per page are suitable and more. Keep reading to learn how to craft a book that meets industry standards!

How Many Words Per Page in a Book Is Suitable?

A common question with a straightforward answer: use your writing software’s word count tool.

In Microsoft Word, find “Word Count” under the “Review” tab. In Google Docs, go to “Tools” > “Word Count.” Scrivener also tracks your progress.

A single-spaced manuscript in 12-point font averages about 500 words per page, though this varies based on formatting.

For example, if you have an hour to write 300 words, that’s less than one page. Simple, right?

To estimate pages for a 50,000-word book, divide by 500 (words per page). That’s 100 pages.

Writing 50,000 words in a year, spread over five days a week, is just 193 words per day—very achievable!

With these tools, tracking word count is easy, ensuring your book aligns with reader expectations.

Top 3 Reasons Why Word Count Is Important in Writing a Book in 2025

While there are no strict rules, traditional publishing has strong guidelines, especially for debut authors. You’re not J.K. Rowling or Nicholas Sparks—yet—so word count matters. Here’s why:

Shorter Books Are More Marketable
Literary agents and publishers are hesitant to take risks on lengthy novels from new writers. Sticking to the ideal word count makes your book more marketable.
Printing Costs Increase with Longer Books
More words mean more pages, raising printing costs. Longer books are a bigger investment for publishers.
Readers Expect Specific Lengths
Each genre has an expected word count. Meeting these expectations attracts more readers.

How Long Should a Book Be in 2025?

For a first novel, aim for 80,000–100,000 words. Books as short as 40,000 words can qualify, but 50,000 is the minimum for most genres. Anything over 110,000 is often considered too long.

J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy, with its longest book at nearly 175,000 words, is an outlier. Most books should be concise.

Here’s a breakdown by genre:

Thriller Book

Thrillers need fast pacing to keep readers hooked. Typical length: 70,000–90,000 words.

Science Fiction and Fantasy Book

World-building requires more words to create immersive settings. Average length: 90,000–120,000 words.

Romance Book

Romance novels are often quick, engaging reads. They range from 50,000–100,000 words, with shorter ones perfect for beach reads.

Historical Fiction Book

Detailed historical settings demand higher word counts. Typical length: 100,000 words.

Non-Fiction Book

Word count varies by subgenre. Memoirs typically range from 80,000 to 90,000 words. Research similar books in your niche for guidance.

These are general ranges, not rigid rules. Outliers exist, but sticking to these guidelines helps meet reader expectations.

It’s Fine If Your Book Is Too Long or Too Short

Revisions exist for a reason. Some writers, like me, draft quickly and add depth later. Others write long drafts that need trimming. Both are normal. Few get it perfect in the first draft—and that’s okay! Celebrate finishing your draft, then refine it.

Bestselling author Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale (167,000 words) is longer than typical historical fiction (100,000–120,000 words), but she’d been published for over 20 years before it. Novellas, like Susan Minot’s Rapture (35,000 words), also succeed, but debut authors face higher scrutiny.

Exceptions are rare. Focus on crafting a book that fits industry norms rather than banking on being the next outlier.

When Should You Be Concerned with Word Count?

Don’t obsess over word count while drafting—just write. First drafts are often too long, too short, or too rough. That’s what revisions fix.

Focus on word count when you’re ready to pitch agents, query publishers, or self-publish. A non-standard word count can raise red flags, reducing your chances in a competitive market.

Think of it like hiring a contractor. If the market rate for a job is $10,000, you’d hesitate to hire someone quoting $20,000 or $999, especially if they’re new. Agents and publishers think similarly.

Does Word Count Matter in Self-Publishing?

Yes and no. As a self-publisher, you have full control. You could publish a 12,000-word “book” or a 400,000-word epic. But should you?

Readers expect a certain length based on genre. A 12,000-word novel may disappoint, while a 400,000-word book could overwhelm (and cost more to print).

Consider films: three-hour movies by unknown directors rarely succeed. Established creators can take risks, but new authors should aim for a polished, appropriately sized book.

Fixing an Excessively Long Book

Splitting a long book into multiple volumes isn’t a quick fix. Each book in a series needs a complete story arc—protagonist, conflict, resolution. You can’t end mid-story and expect readers to wait.

For non-fiction, each book should cover a distinct theme or approach, and not stop abruptly.

Edit ruthlessly to streamline your manuscript while preserving its core. Urban Quill Publishing can help refine your draft for maximum impact.

FAQs

1) How many words are in a 100-page book?

Assuming 250–300 words per page, a 100-page book has about 25,000 words.

2) How many words are in a 200-page book?

A 200-page book typically contains 50,000–60,000 words, depending on font, spacing, and formatting.

3) How many words are in a 300-page book?

Most 300-page books have 65,000–90,000 words, varying by genre and formatting.

4) How many words are in a 400-page book?

A 400-page book averages around 100,000 words, depending on the layout.

5) How many words are in a 500-page book?

A 500-page book contains approximately 150,000–200,000 words.

Conclusion

Word counts exist for a reason, but don’t get hung up on numbers. Understand why your book is too long or short, then revise.

Stay focused—avoid padding or defending your draft. Edit relentlessly to create a compelling, market-ready book.

With Urban Quill Publishing’s guidance, you now have the tools to craft a top-selling book that meets industry standards. Get started today!

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