Have you ever started a book that seemed interesting, but then gotten intimidated by its sheer size? Or maybe you never started that really fat book you saw, because you knew you'd never finish it. Or maybe you finished a short story and wished there was just a little more to it.
If so, then you, my friend, might be the perfect candidate to delve into the wonderful world of novellas.
What Exactly is a Novella?
A novella is a work of fiction that falls somewhere between a short story and a novel in terms of length and complexity. Think of this as a literary Goldilocks zone – not too short, not too long, but just the right amount of story to leave you satisfied. Generally, novellas range from around 20,000 to 50,000 words (between 70 and 160 pages), though there can be some wiggle room depending on the publisher or writer.
Here's a bit more about the differences between short stories, novellas, and novels.
Where Short Stories End and Novellas Begin
The most common distinction is word count. While there's no universally set definition, here's a common guideline:
- Short Story: Up to 7,500 words
- Novelette: 7,500 - 20,000 words (This is sometimes used as a category between the two)
- Novella: 20,000 - 50,000 words
Aside from pure length, novellas tend to be more complex than short stories. This entails things like:
- Characters: Novellas usually accommodate deeper character development and more relationships.
- Plot: While a short story may hinge on a single event or conflict, a novella allows space for a more intricate plot with potential subplots.
- Setting: A novella has more room for detailed setting descriptions and scene changes than a short story.
Where Novellas End and Novels Begin
Generally, the lower end of a novel might start around 50,000 words. However, a typical full-length novel usually stretches to about 80,000 words or more.
Novels offer even more space than novellas for exploring themes, characters, and a complex world. Novels often might include:
- Multiple Points of View (POVs): A novel comfortably juggles perspectives from several characters, unlike a novella.
- Larger Cast: Novels can handle a much bigger cast of both core and secondary characters.
- Subplots: Along with the main conflict, novels typically weave in several subplots that add depth.
- World-building: A novel can immerse you fully in a world with detailed history, societies, or even invented systems (think fantasy or science fiction).
It's Not Always Clear-Cut
These are guidelines, not rigid rules. You'll sometimes find works that blur the lines. A very short novel might still feel like a novella in its focus. And, a writer might have crafted an incredibly deep novella that feels as expansive as a short novel.
Why Read a Novella?
There are many reasons why novellas are a great reading choice. Here are a few:
- Perfect for busy schedules: With their concise format, novellas can be devoured in a sitting or two, making them ideal for fitting into a packed week.
- Deeper exploration than a short story: Novellas offer more space for character development and plot intricacies than a short story can provide, allowing for a richer reading experience.
- More focused than a novel: Novellas tend to center around a single conflict or event, offering a tighter, more streamlined narrative than a sprawling novel.
- Great introduction to a new genre or author: If you're curious about a particular genre or author but hesitant to commit to a full-length novel, a novella is a fantastic way to dip your toes in.
Famous Examples of Novellas
Novellas have been around for centuries, and some of literature's most celebrated works fall into this category. Here are a few well-known examples:
- The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
- Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
- Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
- Billy Budd, Sailor by Herman Melville
Ready to Dive In?
If you're intrigued by the idea of reading a novella, there are countless options out there! Many publishers curate novella collections, and online retailers often have dedicated novella sections. With a little browsing, you're sure to find the perfect bite-sized story to take you on an unforgettable literary adventure.
In my catalog, you'll find that the Ceiba Cartel steamy romances and the Seasonal Singles sweet romcoms are novellas. One of the books in the Cynthia Webber crime thriller series (A Taxing Affair) is also a novella. The other books in that series are short novels ranging from 50,000 words to 60,000 words.
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