novella

A novella is a work of fiction longer than a short story but shorter than a novel. It typically runs about 20,000 to 40,000 words; some traditions extend this to around 50,000 words, while others narrow it to roughly 17,500 to 40,000. The exact boundaries vary by country, publisher, and literary tradition.

The term comes from the Italian novella, meaning "new thing" or "short tale," and the form has roots in medieval and early modern storytelling. In practice, a novella is regarded as a compact, self-contained narrative that can be read in a single sitting or over a short period.

Characteristics: Novellas usually center on a single plot with a limited cast and setting. They emphasize tighter pacing, heightened intensity, and a focused exploration of a theme or character arc, often delivering a decisive mood or insight.

Differences and relationship to other forms: Compared with novels, novellas cover less sub-plot, fewer characters, and less expansive world-building; compared with short stories, they offer more development and complexity while avoiding the breadth of a full novel.

Notable examples include Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis, George Orwell's Animal Farm, Leo Tolstoy's The Death of Ivan Ilyich, John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men, and Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness. These works are frequently described as novellas because of their length and concentrated narrative.

In contemporary publishing, novellas appear as standalone books, in collections, or as shorter installments within magazines or online platforms. Some writers use the form to experiment with structure or tone, and publishers may market novellas differently from novels.