What is a Novella? [Definition, Word Count, and How to Write One]

The perfect middle ground between a short story and a novel—here’s how to master it.

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A novella sits right in that sweet spot—too long to be a short story, but not quite long enough to qualify as a full-blown novel. It’s the Goldilocks of fiction writing, with a word count that gives more room for depth than a short story, yet doesn’t stretch into the full commitment of a novel.

This unique literary genre is perfect for telling a work of fiction that readers can enjoy in a single sitting without feeling like they’re lugging the weight of the earth.

If your idea has more substance than a short story but doesn’t need a novel’s length, a novella might be just the right format. So, what makes a novella special, and how do you write one? Let’s break it down.

What is the difference between a short story, a novella, and a novel?

The world of prose fiction is filled with different forms, and each has its own unique place within fiction writing. Understanding the difference between a short story, a novella, and a novel helps you choose the right format for your ideas.

• Short Story: Short stories are typically concise fiction works that get straight to the point. They usually range from 1,000 to 7,500 words and focus on a single event or moment in time. If you’ve ever come across flash fiction, think of it as an even shorter form of a short story—just a few hundred words. Short stories are ideal for capturing powerful emotions or key moments in a very condensed format.

• Novelette: Sitting between a short story and a novella, a novelette is slightly longer—usually between 7,500 and 20,000 words. It allows for a bit more character development and complexity than shorter works like short stories or flash fiction, but still doesn’t venture into the depth of a longer work.

• Novella: A novella, or novelle, is a longer work of fiction than a short story or novelette but shorter than a full-length novel. Typically ranging from 20,000 to 50,000 words, a novella strikes a balance by offering a complete narrative with more character development than shorter works, while maintaining a shorter length that makes it easy to read in one or two sittings. The novella’s length allows for a richer exploration of characters and plot without the full commitment of a longer book. It’s often described as a short novel, bridging the gap between a short story’s brevity and a novel’s expansiveness.

• Novel: A full-length novel or full novel is the longest form of prose fiction, usually ranging from 50,000 words and upwards, with longer works even exceeding 100,000 words. Novels offer the space to build intricate worlds, develop complex characters, and weave multiple subplots into a detailed narrative. They allow for depth and breadth that shorter forms simply can’t achieve.

In short, the primary difference between these forms is their length and depth. Short stories, novelettes, novellas, and novels each have their own strengths—whether you want a quick emotional punch, a bit more detail, or an immersive, layered experience, there’s a form that fits every idea.

Examples of novellas

Novellas have been a cherished form of fiction for centuries. Many of the most influential authors in literature have chosen this format to craft impactful, unforgettable works. Here are some of the most famous ones:

• “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” by Robert Louis Stevenson: This classic British novella from the 19th century explores the duality of human nature. It’s a gripping and timeless story that has influenced countless adaptations.

• “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck: Set in Depression-era America, Steinbeck’s novella follows two displaced ranch workers in California. It is an emotionally powerful exploration of friendship and dreams, and remains one of the great American classics.

• “The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway: This novella, which won Hemingway the Nobel Prize, tells the story of an elderly fisherman’s struggle with a giant marlin. Set off the coast of Cuba, this work is both simple and profound.

• “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka: This German novella tells the strange and existential story of Gregor Samsa, who wakes up one morning transformed into a giant insect. Kafka’s work is one of the most famous examples of early 20th-century literature, reflecting themes of alienation and despair.

• “Animal Farm” by George Orwell: This British novella is a political allegory that uses farm animals to satirize the Russian Revolution and the rise of totalitarian regimes. Orwell’s story is concise, powerful, and timeless in its critique of power and corruption.

• “Heart of Darkness” by Joseph Conrad: This novella takes readers into the depths of the African Congo and serves as an exploration of colonialism and human nature. It’s one of the most studied works of 19th-century English literature, known for its haunting narrative and complex symbolism.

• “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens: This beloved novella tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation after being visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve. Dickens’s tale is iconic in British literature and continues to shape how we celebrate Christmas today.

• “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry: This French novella is a philosophical tale disguised as a children’s story. It tells the adventures of a young prince traveling between planets, touching on themes of love, loss, and the human condition.

• “The Turn of the Screw” by Henry James: This British novella is one of the best-known ghost stories of all time. James’s narrative leaves readers questioning the nature of reality and the reliability of the narrator.

• “Byzantium Endures” by Michael Moorcock: Although more recent, this novella captures themes of chaos and transformation that hark back to earlier renaissance and byzantine literature styles.

• “We Have Always Lived in the Castle” by Shirley Jackson: A modern American classic, Jackson’s novella blends gothic elements with a chilling psychological story, showcasing her signature eerie style.

• “The Death of Ivan Ilyich” by Leo Tolstoy: This Russian novella is a poignant examination of mortality, the superficiality of society, and the search for meaning in life. It’s a powerful work of 19th-century literature that highlights Tolstoy’s philosophical insights.

• “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” by Truman Capote: Capote’s American novella follows the enigmatic Holly Golightly in 1940s New York. The story, filled with charm and melancholy, captures a unique slice of life in the city and has become an enduring cultural icon.

• “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption” by Stephen King: Originally published in the collection “Different Seasons,” this novella tells the story of Andy Dufresne’s wrongful imprisonment and his quest for freedom. King shows that he’s not only a master of horror but also of compelling human drama.

• “The Decameron” by Giovanni Boccaccio: Though The Decameron is a collection of 100 stories, it contains several shorter works that are considered novellas. Boccaccio, an Italian author, offers a vivid portrayal of life during the Renaissance, blending humor, tragedy, and human insight.

• “The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha” by Miguel de Cervantes: While Don Quixote is generally recognized as a novel, Cervantes also wrote shorter prose fiction, and his work often features the kind of deep personal exploration typical of novellas.

• “The Plague” by Albert Camus: Camus’s work straddles the line between novella and novel, exploring themes of human suffering and resilience during a fictional plague outbreak. Camus’s narrative is a powerful statement on the human condition.

• “The Time Machine” by H.G. Wells: Wells’s novella is a cornerstone of early science fiction, telling the story of a scientist who travels far into the future.

How to write a novella

If you’ve got an idea that feels just right for a shorter, punchy narrative with room to breathe, then a novella might be the perfect choice. Here’s how you can craft one that captures your readers from start to finish.

1. Understand the form

The first step to writing a great novella is to truly understand the form. Start by reading a bunch of novellas to get a feel for how they work—the pacing, structure, and how much depth you can explore within a shorter word count. Notice how novellas tend to focus on a single plotline or central character.

Different genres approach the novella form in unique ways. A science fiction novella, for instance, might quickly build an imaginative world and focus on one significant event or concept, while a literary fiction novella often delves deeply into character exploration and emotional nuance. Historical fiction novellas may require carefully balancing world-building with storytelling to transport readers into the past while keeping the narrative tight.

2. Focus on one central conflict

A novella isn’t long enough to juggle a complex plot with multiple subplots—it’s all about zeroing in on one central conflict. Choose a single plotline that will carry the weight of the story and make sure it’s strong enough to sustain interest without needing too many side stories.

While a novel may weave in several subplots and intricate twists, a novella’s shorter form benefits from simplicity. Focus on the core conflict or turning point your characters are facing and let that drive the narrative from start to finish.

3. Keep it moving at a fast pace

Many readers will pick up a novella with the intention of finishing it in a single sitting, so pacing is crucial. Unlike with a full-length novel, you don’t have the luxury of sprawling subplots or slow buildups—you need to keep your reader engaged from start to finish.

Avoid unnecessary meandering and make sure every scene drives the story forward. Each plot twist should be purposeful and keep the momentum alive, bringing the central conflict closer to resolution.

That said, the pacing will vary based on genre. A sci-fi novella might move at a breakneck speed with twists that keep the reader on their toes, while a children’s book might take a slightly slower approach with a more straightforward rhythm.

4. Choose one clear point of view

While a novella can include a cast of characters, it doesn’t really afford you the space to jump into too many different perspectives. To keep things focused, it’s best to choose one clear main character and stick to their point of view—whether first person or third person.

By keeping your story rooted in a single character’s perspective, you ensure that the reader forms a deep connection with that character and their journey, making for a more compelling narrative.

5. Keep your cast small

Until you’re proficient at this form, limiting the number of characters and the adventures they go on will help you avoid unnecessary complexity and confusion. With a shorter word count, you don’t have the space for an ensemble cast, so it’s essential to focus on just a few well-developed characters who are directly tied to the central conflict. This allows you to give each character meaningful development without overwhelming the reader.

The smaller cast also means you can dedicate more time to each character’s growth and backstory. Focus on developing the relationships between the core characters, adding depth without diving into endless new storylines.

6. Introduce a plot twist

A key feature of many novellas is the wendepunkt, or unexpected turning point. Borrowing from the German tradition of the novelle, a novella’s fast pace often leads to a surprising twist that changes everything.

These unexpected turns are often high-impact moments that bring emotional intensity to the story. Whether it’s a gasp-worthy twist or a poignant revelation, a well-placed wendepunkt can elevate your narrative and leave a lasting impression on your readers. Since you don’t have the luxury of length to build intricate storylines, a surprise twist can be the perfect way to maximize the emotional impact in your novella.

7. Edit tight

In a novella, every word counts. You don’t have the luxury of wasting words, so make sure every sentence pull its weight.

Cut out anything that doesn’t serve the story, and streamline your prose to ensure that every word adds value. This is true for any piece of work, but with a novella, it’s even more important.

Keep it tight, stay focused, and make the most of the limited space you have to tell your story effectively.

8. Don’t forget to experiment

A novella is the perfect playground to find your writing voice and develop your style. With its shorter length, it gives you the freedom to experiment without the pressure of committing to a full-length novel.

Try different tones, play with structure, and allow yourself to take risks.

Most importantly, give yourself permission to make mistakes—every misstep is a chance to learn and grow as a writer.

How to publish a novella

While short fiction and novellas are beginning to do well in the market, they’re still in the minority and can be harder to sell compared to full-length novels. Here are some ways you can get your novella published:

• Self-publishing: For most writers, self-publishing is the best route for novellas. Platforms like Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) allow you to publish quickly and easily, giving you full control over your work, from pricing to distribution. Self-publishing also allows you to directly reach your audience without going through gatekeepers.

• Digital platforms: Consider releasing your novella as an ebook through platforms like Amazon, Apple Books, or Smashwords. Digital releases are perfect for novellas since readers are often willing to download shorter works for quick reads.

• Print on demand: If you want physical copies, services like Amazon KDP or IngramSpark will let you print on demand. This means you can offer paperback versions without needing to invest in a large print run.

• Traditional publishing: While harder to achieve, some traditional publishers do release novellas, especially if they are part of a series or have an established audience. Smaller, independent presses are also more open to shorter works. However, expect a more challenging path to acceptance.

• Literary magazines and journals: Some literary magazines and journals accept novellas or serialized fiction. While this doesn’t offer the same exposure as a book release, it can be a good way to get your work out there and build your audience.

• Serialized platforms: Consider platforms like Wattpad or Radish, where you can release your novella in installments. This approach can help build an audience and generate buzz as you share each part of the story.

• Box sets and collections: If you have multiple novellas or shorter works, consider bundling them together. Box sets or collections can make the offering more appealing and add value for readers, helping boost sales.

While publishing a novella might be more challenging compared to a full-length novel, self-publishing and digital options make it easier than ever for writers to share their stories and connect with readers who love shorter fiction.