Ever found yourself with a story that feels too big for a short story but not quite expansive enough for a full-length novel? You might have a novella on your hands.
A novella is a work of narrative prose fiction that occupies this unique middle ground, offering a blend of depth and brevity.
This guide is your all-in-one resource for understanding the novella, covering its definition, writing steps, practical tips, and a list of frequently asked questions.
What Is a Novella?
A novella is a work of narrative prose fiction that is longer than a short story but shorter than a novel. It is a distinct literary form with its own unique characteristics. The novella’s length allows for more detailed character development and a more complex plot than a short story, yet it maintains a focused scope that distinguishes it from the expansive canvas of a novel.
The form has been popular for centuries and has produced some of the most celebrated works in literature. A novella typically focuses on a single, central conflict or a limited number of subplots.
Because of its brevity, it often features a smaller cast of characters and a more tightly controlled narrative timeline than a novel. This tight focus can create an intense, compelling reading experience, where every word and every scene feels essential.
The term itself comes from the Italian word novella, meaning “new.” Historically, it referred to a short, realistic tale.
Famous examples from literature demonstrate the novella’s versatility and power. Some of the most notable include The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, and Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. These works showcase how the form can be used to explore profound themes, capture a specific mood, or tell a memorable story without the need for a sprawling epic.
Novella Writing Steps
Brainstorm Your Idea
Find an idea that fits the form. A great novella idea often centers on a single crisis, a profound character change, or a tight, compelling conflict. Avoid ideas that require extensive world-building or numerous subplots. Instead, look for a concept that can be explored in a single, intense burst.
Refine Your Idea
Once you have a core concept, refine it until you have a clear understanding of the central character and their primary goal. Consider the genre you are writing in and what readers of that genre expect. This will help you focus your story and ensure it delivers on its promises, whether it’s a mystery with a thrilling reveal or a romance with a satisfying emotional arc.
Outline Your Structure
A novella requires a deliberate plot structure. Use a three-act framework to guide your narrative. The first act introduces the character and the main conflict. The second act, the longest part of the story, builds tension and escalates the conflict. The third act brings the story to a swift, impactful conclusion. Focus on the core story beats and make sure each scene is essential to the overall arc.
Develop Characters
Character development in a novella is a delicate balance. You don’t have the space for a character’s entire life story. Instead, focus on showing their personality through actions, dialogue, and reactions to the central conflict. Concentrate on one or two main characters, exploring a single, significant aspect of their life or personality.
Create Your Setting
A novella’s tight focus is often supported by a contained setting. Before you begin writing, establish the physical space of your story. Think of a single building, a small town, or a ship at sea. Limiting the setting can heighten the tension and force your characters to confront each other without distraction.
Write the First Draft
The initial draft is about getting the story down from beginning to end. Because the word count is lower than a novel, some writers find they can complete a draft more quickly. Don’t worry about perfection or detailed descriptions at this stage. Focus on getting the plot, characters, and key scenes in place so you have a solid foundation to work from.
Find Support
The drafting phase can be challenging. If you encounter issues with motivation or direction, consider seeking support. This might involve enrolling in a writing course, joining a writing group, or using a writing software like Fictionary to help you plot and organize your story.
Edit Your Manuscript
Editing is a crucial step for a novella. The goal is to trim any unnecessary fat and ensure the narrative is as tight as possible. Read through your draft with a critical eye, looking for scenes or descriptions that don’t directly serve the plot. Every sentence should feel purposeful.
Revise and Polish
Once the content is solid, move on to revising and polishing your work. This is the stage where you refine your prose, improve your dialogue, and check for consistency. Read the entire novella aloud to catch any clunky sentences or awkward phrasing. The goal is to make sure the final text is impactful and compelling.
Novella Writing Tips
Consider Your Format
Before you start writing, ask yourself if the novella is truly the best format for your story. A novella is a very specific type of story. If your idea requires a vast world or many subplots, a novel may be a better choice. If it’s a simple character moment, a short story may be all you need.
Create a Single Focus
A novella’s strength lies in its concentrated narrative. Pick a single, high-stakes conflict or a specific moment of change for your protagonist and stick with it. Avoid the temptation to introduce multiple subplots or a wide array of secondary characters. Every element should serve to propel the main story forward.
Reveal Characters Through Action
Instead of using exposition to explain who your characters are, let their actions and dialogue speak for themselves. In a novella, you have less time to build a rapport with the reader, so you need to establish personality and motivation quickly and efficiently through what the character does and says.
Use a Confined Setting
A focused setting can help contain the scope of your story, which is ideal for the novella form. Think of a single building, a small town, or a ship at sea. Limiting the physical space can heighten the tension and force your characters to confront each other—and their problems—without distraction.
The Power of Subtext
Because you have limited space, much of your story’s emotional weight can come from what is unsaid. Use subtext and implication to convey character relationships, past events, and unspoken desires. This gives your writing a sense of depth and invites the reader to fill in the blanks, making for a more immersive experience.
A Powerful Beginning
Hook your reader immediately. Novellas don’t have the luxury of a slow-burn introduction. Start your story as close to the central conflict as possible, dropping the reader right into the action. A compelling opening will capture their attention and set the tone for the fast-paced narrative to follow.
An Unforgettable Ending
A novella’s ending should be memorable and resonate with the reader long after they’ve finished the story. Whether it’s a shocking twist, a moment of profound realization, or a bittersweet resolution, the conclusion should feel earned and impactful. Avoid tying up every loose end; sometimes, a sense of ambiguity can be more powerful.
Novella Examples
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
This classic story follows George Milton and Lennie Small, two migrant ranch workers in California during the Great Depression. The narrative is a powerful exploration of their friendship and their shared dream of owning a piece of land.
The story unfolds over a short period, focusing on their arrival at a new ranch and the tragic events that follow.
The novella format is perfect for this story because it creates an intense, claustrophobic atmosphere.
The limited cast of characters and the contained setting of the ranch allow for a deep, focused examination of the central themes of loneliness, friendship, and the American Dream without the need for a broad, expansive plot.
The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
In this story, an aging Cuban fisherman named Santiago struggles to catch a giant marlin far out in the Gulf Stream. The narrative chronicles his days-long battle against the fish and his subsequent struggle to bring the carcass back to shore. It is a story of determination, courage, and man’s relationship with nature.
The novella format is ideal for this tale because it maintains a singular, intense focus. The entire story is centered on Santiago’s solitary struggle, allowing the reader to experience his physical and psychological journey in real time.
A longer novel would risk diluting the narrative’s power, while a short story might not have enough space to build the necessary tension and emotional weight.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
This well-known novella tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly and unkind man who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner and three Christmas spirits. Over the course of a single night, Scrooge is taken on a journey through his past, present, and future, which ultimately leads to his redemption.
The novella format works perfectly for A Christmas Carol because of its condensed timeline. By confining the narrative to one night, the story achieves a sense of urgency and allows for a concentrated character arc.
The form effectively delivers its moral and emotional message without the need for a more complex plot, making it a timeless and impactful story.
The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
The story begins with a traveling salesman, Gregor Samsa, waking up to find that he has been inexplicably transformed into a giant insect. The narrative follows his struggle to adjust to his new body and the reaction of his family to his horrifying change.
A novella is the most fitting format for this unique story because its primary focus is on a single, surreal event and its consequences. The contained nature of the narrative—mostly taking place within the family’s apartment—heightens the sense of absurdity and isolation.
The form’s brevity allows the story to maintain its central tension and bizarre premise without needing to explain or justify the fantastical event.
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
This gothic tale follows Dr. Henry Jekyll, a respected London scientist, who creates a potion that transforms him into the violent and remorseless Edward Hyde. As Hyde’s actions grow more sinister, Jekyll struggles to keep his dual identity hidden, leading to devastating consequences.
The novella format is ideal for this story because it maintains a tight focus on the mystery and moral implications of Jekyll’s transformations. The brevity heightens the tension, allowing Stevenson to explore themes of duality, morality, and the darker aspects of human nature without diluting the impact with unnecessary subplots.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote
Narrated by a struggling writer, this novella tells the story of Holly Golightly, an enigmatic young woman in New York City who dreams of a glamorous life. Through a series of encounters, the narrator becomes fascinated by Holly’s charm, contradictions, and hidden vulnerabilities.
The novella form perfectly suits this story, keeping the narrative intimate and character-driven. Its compact length allows Capote to maintain an air of mystery around Holly while painting a vivid portrait of 1940s Manhattan, all without overstaying its welcome or dispersing the story’s emotional focus.
Novella FAQs
What’s the Difference Between a Novella vs Novel?
A novella is defined primarily by its shorter length and a more focused narrative scope. While a novel often explores multiple characters, subplots, and themes over a longer period, a novella typically centers on one primary conflict and a limited cast of characters.
It is a more streamlined narrative, sacrificing the breadth of a novel for a greater sense of narrative urgency and concentration.
What’s the Difference Between a Short Story vs Novella?
A short story is a brief work of fiction, usually focusing on a single incident or a few moments in a character’s life. A novella, on the other hand, is a longer form that allows for more extensive character development and a more complex plot.
A short story can be read in a single sitting, while a novella may take a few hours. The key difference lies in the level of detail and narrative expansion that each form permits.
What Is the Length of a Novella?
The length of a novella can vary, but it’s generally considered to be between 17,500 and 40,000 words. Here are all the most common fiction formats and the general word counts for them.
- Flash Fiction: Typically under 1,000 words
- Short Story: Usually between 1,000 and 7,500 words
- Novelette: Between 7,500 and 17,500 words
- Novella: Between 17,500 and 40,000 words
- Novel: Over 50,000 words
Is a Novella a Book?
Yes, a novella is a form of book. It can be published as a standalone book, or it can be collected with other works, such as a group of short stories or other novellas by the same author.
While its length is shorter than a traditional novel, it is a complete, self-contained work of fiction and is widely considered a legitimate form of literature.