When it comes to writing a novel, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how long it should be. However, there are some general guidelines that can help authors determine if their novel is too short. In general, the safe zone for adult fiction is 70,000-100,000 words, and the safe zone for adult nonfiction is 60,000-90,000 words. If a novel is shorter than this, it is likely too short.
There are a few exceptions to this rule. For example, some genres, such as children’s books, can be shorter than the safe zone. Additionally, some authors choose to write shorter novels for a variety of reasons, such as to make them more accessible to readers or to make them easier to write.
That being said, if an author is writing a novel that is shorter than the safe zone, they should be aware that it may be more difficult to get it published. Publishers may be less likely to take a chance on a shorter novel, as they may not believe it will be able to compete with longer works.
Ultimately, the decision of how long a novel should be is up to the author. If an author is confident that their novel can be successful at a shorter length, then they should go for it. However, if they are unsure, it may be best to err on the side of caution and aim for the safe zone.