How Many Pages Should a Book Have? A Complete Guide to Book Pages Number Across Genres

This is complete guide to Complete Guide to Book Pages Number, that is how many pages a book should have to publish.

When you set out to write a book—whether it’s a novel, a children’s picture book, or a nonfiction guide—one of the first questions you’ll inevitably face is: How many pages should my book be? The book pages number is more than just a detail—it influences reader experience, publishing costs, marketing strategies, and even your credibility as an author.

In this article, we’ll break down the ideal number of pages for different types of books, explore how word count translates into printed pages, and provide insider tips for authors who want to make smart decisions about their manuscripts. Along the way, we’ll touch on related aspects of publishing, such as working with self publishing companies best suited for your needs, how to write a children's novel, and choosing illustrators for hire for projects like children's illustrations books.

By the end, you’ll have a clear sense of what page length works for your book’s genre, how to balance creativity with practicality, and where to find professional support if you need it.

Why Book Pages Number Matters

• Reader Expectations – Every genre comes with a comfort zone. A fantasy epic of only 100 pages might feel incomplete, while a picture book stretching to 200 pages would overwhelm both children and parents.
• Printing Costs – In self-publishing, the number of pages directly affects printing and distribution expenses. The longer the book, the more it costs to produce.
• Pricing and Market Positioning – Page count impacts pricing strategy. A slim 80-page book may not justify a $20 tag unless it’s niche or premium, while a 400-page novel can command higher prices.
• Shelf Presence and Reader Psychology – Thicker books look more substantial. On the other hand, shorter books can appeal to time-conscious readers who want quick insights.
• Editing and Design – More pages require more rounds of editing, typesetting, and, in illustrated books, more artwork.

How Word Count Translates into Book Pages

Before diving into genres, it’s important to know how word count usually converts into book pages number.

• On average, 250–300 words equal one printed page in a standard 6” x 9” format with 12-point font.
• Formatting choices (font, spacing, trim size, images) can expand or shrink page count.
• Illustrated books may have fewer words but still span multiple pages due to artwork.

Here’s a quick formula:

• 50,000 words ≈ 180–200 pages
• 80,000 words ≈ 300–320 pages
• 100,000 words ≈ 380–400 pages

Keep in mind that children’s picture books, graphic novels, and poetry collections don’t follow this rule since visuals often replace text.

Recommended Book Pages Number by Genre

The following table provides a clear breakdown of recommended book pages number, average word counts, and important notes across different genres. Use this as a quick reference to understand how length expectations vary depending on the type of book you are planning to write.

Factors That Influence Final Book Pages Number

The total number of pages in a book is not chosen at random. Several important factors influence this decision, and understanding them can help authors and publishers strike the right balance between storytelling, cost, and audience expectations.

Target Audience: The age and preferences of the reader play a huge role. Children’s books are usually shorter because young readers need simple, engaging stories that hold their attention. On the other hand, adult readers may enjoy longer, more immersive books that allow for deeper character development and complex plots.

Story Complexity: The nature of the story also determines its length. A light romance or a motivational guide may be wrapped up in fewer pages, while an epic fantasy or historical novel often requires hundreds of pages to build the world, develop multiple storylines, and do justice to the plot.

Budget: Practical considerations matter too. Printing, editing, designing, and marketing a longer book costs more money. Authors working with a tight budget may prefer a shorter book to keep expenses under control, while those with more resources can afford longer manuscripts.

Publishing Route: Whether you choose traditional publishing or self-publishing can also influence the final page count. Many self-publishing companies—especially the best ones for cost-effective printing—offer guidelines on trim sizes, standard lengths, and page ranges to optimize production and distribution.

Illustration Needs: Books with illustrations, especially children’s illustration books, naturally have more pages. Each illustration adds visual appeal but also increases printing costs, so authors must carefully balance artwork with the overall length of the book.

Marketing Strategy: Finally, the way a book will be marketed affects its length. Shorter books are often used as affordable entry points or lead magnets to attract readers, while longer books can position an author as an authority in their field and justify a higher price point.

Book Pages Number in Self-Publishing

When it comes to self-publishing, the number of pages in your book is influenced not only by your writing but also by technical requirements and production methods. Understanding these factors ensures your book meets industry standards while remaining cost-effective to produce and appealing to readers.

Minimum Lengths: Most print-on-demand platforms, such as Amazon KDP and IngramSpark, require a minimum page count before a book can be printed. Typically, the lower limit ranges between 24 and 40 pages. This is especially important for children’s books, workbooks, or short guides, where the content must meet these thresholds to qualify as a printed book.

Binding: The type of binding also depends on page count. Slimmer books—usually under 100 pages—are often saddle-stitched, meaning they are stapled along the spine. As the page count grows, perfect binding (where pages are glued to a spine) becomes the standard, giving the book a more professional, polished look.

Trim Sizes: The physical size of your book, known as the trim size, directly impacts how many words fit on a page. For example, a 5.5” x 8.5” book will generally hold fewer words per page than a 6” x 9” book, even if the manuscript is the same length. This decision can make a short book feel more substantial or a long book appear less intimidating to readers.

Cost Efficiency: Self-published authors must also consider costs. Longer books increase production expenses and may lower royalties if the retail price is kept too low. To remain profitable, authors often need to adjust their pricing strategy for books with higher page counts.

Professional self-publishing support can make these decisions easier. For instance, Blueberry Illustrations not only helps with designing and formatting books but also advises authors on choosing the optimal page count, trim size, and layout for their specific target market.

How to Publish a Children's Novel (Page Count Considerations)

Publishing a children’s novel requires careful thought about length, illustrations, and overall presentation. Unlike adult books, children’s novels must be tailored to developmental stages and reading habits. Page count plays a major role in this process, and understanding the right balance can determine whether your book truly resonates with its intended audience.

Know Your Audience: The age group you are writing for will largely dictate the length of your book. For example, chapter books aimed at children between the ages of 7 and 9 are typically shorter, ranging from 100 to 150 pages, as younger readers need shorter chapters and more accessible content. In contrast, middle-grade fantasy novels for ages 9 to 12 may stretch to 250 or even 300 pages, as these readers are ready for more complex plots, subplots, and detailed world-building.

Plan Illustrations: Illustrations are an essential consideration in children’s publishing. Some children’s novels may include spot art—small illustrations that highlight key moments—while others feature full-page spreads that bring scenes to life. Even if you choose to keep the interior text-only, a beautifully designed cover is non-negotiable, as it often determines whether young readers (and their parents) pick up the book in the first place. If you need inspiration, explore our children’s book illustration services to see how artwork can enhance your story.

Work with Professionals: Collaborating with experienced professionals is vital. Skilled illustrators for hire can ensure that your children’s illustrations books meet industry standards and visually appeal to your target audience. Professional design and illustration not only enhance the storytelling but also make the book more marketable across different platforms and retailers.

Editing for Age Appropriateness: Finally, editing is about more than grammar and spelling—it’s about tailoring the book to the right reading level. Vocabulary, pacing, and sentence structure should match the comprehension skills of the intended age group. A well-edited book ensures young readers remain engaged without feeling overwhelmed or, conversely, under-stimulated. To make the process easier, our book publishing services guide you through editing, formatting, and production so your children’s novel is ready for readers worldwide.

Common Mistakes in Deciding Book Pages Number

Determining the right page count for a book is one of the most overlooked yet crucial decisions an author makes. While word count often gets the most attention, the actual number of pages is what readers see when they pick up your book, and it directly impacts cost, design, and marketability. Many first-time authors fall into common traps when deciding on book length, which can hurt both reader experience and sales. Below are some of the mistakes you’ll want to avoid.

• Overstuffing: One of the biggest errors is adding unnecessary filler content just to make a book appear longer. Some writers assume that a higher page count automatically makes their work seem more valuable. In reality, readers can quickly tell when chapters are padded with repetitive explanations or irrelevant tangents. Instead of boosting credibility, this approach risks boring or frustrating your audience. Every page should serve the story or the purpose of your book—quality always outweighs quantity.

• Underdeveloping: On the flip side, some authors cut their manuscripts too aggressively in an attempt to keep the book short and fast-paced. While brevity can be powerful, cutting too much often results in a story that feels unfinished or nonfiction that seems shallow. Readers walk away unsatisfied, feeling as if important details were skipped or characters never fully developed. It’s better to aim for a natural length that allows your ideas or storylines to breathe, even if that means adding more pages.

• Ignoring Genre Norms: Every genre comes with reader expectations, and page count plays a big part in that. For example, a children’s picture book rarely exceeds 40 pages, while a fantasy novel under 200 pages might feel incomplete. Nonfiction business books often fall within the 200–300-page range, balancing depth with accessibility. When authors ignore these norms, their books can feel out of place in the market, leading to lower sales and poor reviews. Studying what works in your genre ensures your book meets audience expectations while standing out for the right reasons.

• Not Budgeting for Length: Another mistake is forgetting that every additional page increases costs. This applies not only to printing but also to editing, formatting, and distribution. Longer books require more time and money to polish, and if you plan to sell in print, the higher page count also raises production expenses. Many self-published authors find themselves with slimmer profit margins because they set their prices too low without accounting for the added costs of lengthier manuscripts.

• Rushing Design: Page count is not just about words—it is also shaped by design and formatting. Poorly managed layouts, oversized fonts, or inconsistent spacing can artificially inflate or shrink the number of pages in your book. A rushed or careless design doesn’t just look unprofessional; it also affects readability. For instance, too much white space may make a book feel padded, while cramped pages discourage readers from engaging. Professional formatting ensures your book has a polished look and an appropriate length that reflects your content honestly. If you want expert guidance, explore our book design and formatting services, which can help you avoid costly mistakes and create a layout that perfectly matches your manuscript.

In the end, deciding on the right book pages number is about balance—balancing storytelling with pacing, reader expectations with creativity, and production costs with professional presentation. Avoiding these mistakes helps ensure your book not only fits industry standards but also delivers a satisfying experience for your audience.

Final Thoughts

The right book pages number depends on your genre, audience, and publishing goals. There’s no universal magic number—but there are industry standards that act as useful guides.

• Children’s picture books: 24–40 pages.
• Middle grade novels: 120–250 pages.
• Young adult: 200–350 pages.
• Adult fiction: 250–450 pages.
• Nonfiction: 150–300 pages (or more, if academic).

If you’re preparing to write a children’s novel, or if you’re considering illustrations for your story, it’s worth consulting professionals who understand both the creative and technical aspects of book production.

That’s where companies like Blueberry Illustrations stand out. From guiding first-time authors through page count decisions to providing world-class children’s illustrations books and connections with illustrators for hire, they simplify the publishing journey while keeping your vision intact.

Ultimately, your book’s length should serve the story—not the other way around. Focus on delivering value to your readers, and let page count become the natural result of a well-crafted manuscript.

Frequently Asked Questions About Book Pages Number

What is the average number of pages in a book?

Most traditionally published books fall between 200 and 400 pages. However, the ideal book pages number depends on genre, target audience, and publishing goals.

How many pages should a children's book have?

Children’s picture books typically have 24, 32, or 40 pages. Early readers may range from 32 to 64 pages, while middle grade novels usually run 120–250 pages.

How do I know if my book is too short or too long?

Compare your manuscript to industry standards in your genre. If it’s far outside the norm, readers may feel unsatisfied (if too short) or overwhelmed (if too long).

Do self-publishing companies have page count limits?

Yes. Print-on-demand platforms like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark require a minimum of 24–40 pages for print. There are no strict upper limits, but costs rise with longer manuscripts.

Can illustrations affect book page count?

Absolutely. In children's illustrations books, every illustrated spread counts toward the total page number. This makes collaboration with professional illustrators for hire especially important.

Does page count affect pricing?

Yes. Longer books cost more to produce and can justify higher retail prices. Shorter books are often priced competitively or used as entry points for new readers.