Novella…didn’t Orwell write one of those, and weren’t we forced to read it in secondary school? Yes, he did, and yes, we were, but don’t panic; this will only be half as boring! (Kidding, it’s going to be fun).
What is a Novella?
A novella is a short work of fiction, typically longer than a short story but shorter than a full-length novel. It usually ranges from about 20,000 to 50,000 words and focuses on a single, more streamlined plot or character arc, allowing for deeper development than a short story but without the complexity of a novel.
To get to grips with the general idea of a novella, we’re going to look at a few things, including its ‘counterparts’ (short stories and novelettes) of sorts and the basic definition itself.
4 Main Differences Between a Novella and Short Story
| Aspect |
Novella |
Short Story |
| Length | Novellas are like the “just right” middle ground—usually between 20,000 and 50,000 words. | Short stories keep it brief, usually under 10,000 words. |
| Plot Complexity | novellas can get a little more complex with multiple scenes, twists, and even some subplots. They pack a lot more action into a slightly longer read. | Short stories usually zoom in on a single event or moment. |
| Character Development | A novella lets you dive a bit deeper into character backgrounds and motives. | Short stories, on the other hand, often give us a quick snapshot, focusing on just one key moment or feeling. |
| Focus and Theme | Novellas, with their extra length, can explore a single theme more deeply or even touch on a couple of different themes. | Short stories usually stick to one clear theme or idea, making them super focused. |
Long Story Short
In their most basic definition, short stories are simply literary pieces of 3,500 to 7,500 words and typically contain simple plots and/or subversive themes, sometimes retelling popular stories through a new lens, as in Angela Carter’s feminist retellings of fairy tales in The Bloody Chamber.
They’re known, however, for creating nuanced morality tales wherein a meaningful message can be taken from the story (see Hans Christian Anderson).
So, unlike a novel, the purpose of the short story is not a complex reimagining of a story told from a different character’s perspective (e.g., Sapir Englard’s His Haze, a reimagining of The Millenium Wolves written from a male perspective).
Rather, it is to create what Edgar Allan Poe called the ‘unity of effect.’ Decide what effect you want to have on your audience and craft a short, simple narrative to provoke that reaction.
Then there is a Novelette
A novelette is a work of fiction that falls between a short story and a novella in terms of length, typically around 7,500 to 20,000 words. It offers more space for plot and character development than a short story but remains more concise than a novella. Novelettes usually focus on a single storyline or theme, allowing for a bit more depth than a short story while still keeping a quick, engaging pace. They’re great for readers who want a rich story without the commitment of a full-length book.
Novella VS Novelette
| Aspect |
Novella |
Novelette |
| Length | A novella is longer, typically ranging from 20,000 to 50,000 wordsю | A novelette is shorter, generally between 7,500 and 20,000 words. |
| Plot Complexity | Novellas often include a more complex plot with multiple scenes, conflicts, or even subplots. | Novelettes tend to focus on a single, straightforward storyline. |
| Character Development | A novella provides more space for detailed character development, exploring characters’ backgrounds and growth over time. | A novelette, being shorter, usually offers a snapshot of the character’s experience, with less emphasis on deep character exploration. |
The Biggest Names in Short Fiction
Novelettes and novellas are among the longer, weightier works in shorter fiction.
Novellas, the more popular of the two, include well-known examples like Animal Farm and Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
They usually have simple plots, sometimes include moral lessons, and can often be read in one sitting. Think of a novella as the fun of a novel without the length or time commitment.
Small Stories in a Vast (Worldwide) Web
- Increased technological access and shorter attention spans have led to faster writing and publishing online, with demand for shorter works like short stories and novellas growing.
- Ebooks and online forums have made it easier for writers to share short stories, novelettes, and novellas quickly.
- Categorizing shorter prose allows writers with limited time to publish under specific labels, supporting their literary goals.
- Novellas have produced many iconic works of fiction and continue to be a popular format for storytelling.
- Certain genres favor shorter formats to explore themes without complex plots, making novellas a timeless choice for both readers and writers.
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