Durchschnittliche Wortanzahl eines Romans nach Genre

Average novel word count for published adult fiction falls between 70,000 and 100,000 words. That's the sweet spot in most genres.

Literary fiction often runs 80,000–100,000. Romance tends shorter, 50,000–90,000. Epic fantasy regularly exceeds 100,000 and nobody blinks.

First-time authors face tighter expectations. A 150,000-word debut is a harder sell than a 85,000-word one, regardless of quality.

Word count is not only about publishing. It shapes pacing. A 60,000-word thriller feels tight. The same story at 120,000 might drag unless every scene earns its place.