Novella vs. Novel: What’s the Difference

This was a question I asked when I  started writing my Moreton Scientific Investigation book series. Not so long ago, pitching a novella to a literary agent was one of the quickest ways to get rejected—maybe even laughed out of the room. For unpublished authors especially, the novella simply wasn’t a viable option in the traditional publishing world.

But the landscape has shifted. Thanks to the rise of self-publishing and changes in reader habits, novellas have carved out a respected space in the literary world. Today, they’re a legitimate format for both indie and traditionally published authors. And for readers with limited time or a taste for tightly-woven stories, novellas are more appealing than ever.

So what exactly sets a novella apart from a novel? And which format should you choose as a writer? Let’s break it down.

Novels vs. Novellas: The Basics

The primary difference comes down to length.

• A novel is a work of fiction that runs 40,000 words or more.

• A novella falls between 17,500 and 40,000 words.

For context, here’s a quick look at how other forms stack up:

• Flash fiction: under 1,000 words

• Short story: 1,000 to 10,000 words

• Novelette: 7,500 to 20,000 words

These aren’t hard rules, but they’re widely accepted guidelines—especially when it comes to industry expectations and reader habits.

How Length Shapes Storytelling

At first glance, a novella might seem like “just a short novel.” But writing in a compressed format requires a different kind of storytelling muscle.

With fewer words to work with, novellas typically:

• Focus on a single central conflict

• Follow one or two points of view

• Limit or skip subplots entirely

• Move at a faster pace

• Feature a smaller cast of characters

• Center character development on the protagonist rather than the ensemble

In contrast, novels have more room to breathe. They often include multiple story arcs, shifting perspectives, deep world-building, and richly layered character dynamics.

Neither format is “better”—they simply offer different experiences to both the writer and the reader.

Genre and Word Count Expectations

One important caveat: genre matters when it comes to word count.

Some genres naturally demand more page space. For example:

• Epic fantasy and science fiction often run well over 100,000 words due to complex world-building.

• Romance novels tend to fall between 80,000–90,000 words.

• Mystery and thrillers may range from 70,000–90,000 words depending on pacing and complexity.

So while a novella in a romance or literary fiction genre might be well received, a 25,000-word space opera may leave readers wanting more. Always consider your audience—and their expectations.

The Rise (and Rise) of the Novella

Today’s publishing world is more flexible than ever. With the explosion of eBooks, audiobooks, and serialized fiction, shorter formats like novellas are finding fresh audiences. Some best-selling authors now use novellas to bridge gaps between novels, expand a side character’s arc, or even test new genres without committing to a full-length manuscript.

Whether you’re building a series or exploring a standalone idea, the novella has become a creative tool worth considering—not just a fallback.

Novella vs Novel – Final Thoughts

If you’re weighing whether to write a novella or a novel, ask yourself:
What does this story need to be told well?
If it fits neatly within 30,000 words, don’t stretch it for the sake of length. If it needs more room to breathe, let it evolve into a novel. Format should serve the story—not the other way around.

Thanks to evolving reader habits and the rise of indie publishing, authors now have the freedom to explore stories of any length. Whether it’s a sweeping epic or a razor-sharp novella, what matters most is the strength of the story itself.