Writing a novel is no easy feat, and the length of the book is a key factor in its success. While there is no definitive answer to the question of whether 70,000 words is too short for a novel, there are some guidelines that can help authors determine if their book 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. Anything less than that and your book is probably too short. While it is possible to write a great novel with fewer words, the majority of publishers and agents prefer books that are within the safe zone.
That being said, there are exceptions to the rule. For example, some genres, such as romance and children’s books, can be shorter than the safe zone and still be successful. In addition, some authors have had success with shorter books, such as Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, which is only about 30,000 words.
Ultimately, the decision of whether 70,000 words is too short for a novel depends on the author’s goals. If the author is looking to get published, then it is probably best to aim for the safe zone. However, if the author is self-publishing or simply writing for fun, then the length of the book is less important.
In conclusion, while 70,000 words is not necessarily too short for a novel, it is generally recommended that authors aim for the safe zone when writing a book for publication. However, exceptions can be made depending on the genre and the author’s goals.