Writing a novel is an exciting and daunting task, and for first-time authors, it can be difficult to know how long your novel should be. Generally, a novel should be between 80,000 and 100,000 words, although anything over 40,000 words can be considered a novel. Anything over 110,000 words is considered too long for a fiction novel.
For first-time authors, the 80,000 to 100,000 word range is the ideal length for a novel. This range is long enough to tell a full story with interesting characters and a satisfying plot, but not so long that it becomes difficult to keep track of all the details. This length also allows for enough flexibility to explore different plot points and characters without getting bogged down in too much detail.
The 50,000 word mark is considered the minimum novel length, and anything below this may be considered a novella. A novella is a shorter work of fiction, usually between 17,500 and 50,000 words, and is often used to explore a single theme or plot point in more depth.
When writing your first novel, it is important to keep in mind that the length of your novel will depend on the story you are trying to tell. If your story requires more than 100,000 words to tell, then it is perfectly acceptable to go over the suggested word count. However, if you find yourself struggling to fill the page, it may be best to consider cutting some of the plot points or characters to keep the novel within the suggested word count.
Ultimately, the length of your novel is up to you, but it is important to keep in mind that a novel should be between 80,000 and 100,000 words. This length allows for enough flexibility to tell a full story without getting bogged down in too much detail. For shorter stories, consider writing a novella, and for longer stories, feel free to go over the suggested word count.