A novella is simply a short novel, usually about a quarter or third of the size of a full-length book. It contains all the same elements as a novel: well-drawn characters, interesting plot, love interest (for romances), and internal character growth. But the story is much less complicated and moves fairly quickly.
As publishing and books have entered the digital age, novellas have increased in popularity. In fact, over the past few years, I’ve published two novellas. This week my third novella, An Awakened Heart, just released. And I’m currently working on a fourth novella.
Why have novellas increased in popularity?
1. Novellas are shorter and thus take less time to write.
Novellas aren’t necessarily easy to plot (especially for those of us who are accustomed to long novels!). But novellas are less time-consuming to write and thus easier to squeeze into a busy writing schedule.
2. Novellas help keep an author visible.
With thousands of authors vying for attention, it’s all too easy for an author to fall by the wayside or get lost in the crowd. In the current competitive book market, publishing multiple books a year helps authors stay visible.
Novellas offer authors a way to keep their name in front of readers in between full-length novels.
3. Novellas can act as a marketing tool, especially for a series.
Often when a book is sold at a discounted price (or perhaps offered for free), it can act as a means of attracting attention to the author’s other books. Readers see the discounted or free book, read it, then (hopefully) fall in love with the writer and go on to purchase her other books.
While writers may balk at discounting or giving away full-length novels that require considerable time and effort, we’re more apt to consider discounting a novella.
For example, my new e-novella, An Awakened Heart, introduces my orphan train series. The first full-length novel, With You Always, comes out in June, but the free e-novella just released and will hopefully get readers excited about the upcoming story.
4. The lower price and shorter length of novellas makes them an appealing purchase.
With the plethora of books available and the busyness of our modern culture, readers are more hesitant to pay $10-$15 on a new book they might not have time to read.
But readers are more willing to pay a couple of bucks and often appreciate a “quick read” that fits into their hectic schedule. The shorter, inexpensive book offers an appeal that can put novellas at an advantage over longer more expensive books.
5. Novellas can bridge the gap with new readers.
Many readers are wary about trying new authors, generally sticking to authors they know and love. Buying and reading a book is an investment, so readers are often careful about where they spend their hard-earned dollars and their limited time.
In the age of self-publishing and with the explosion of new authors, there are those daring readers who like to explore and branch out. But many readers have become even more wary about trying new authors, especially if they’ve purchased a book that sounded good but didn’t deliver.
Novellas offer readers a way to “try” an author without having to make a big investment in money or time. If they don’t like the author’s style, then they don’t feel they’ve “blown” their money. But if they do like the story, then they’re excited to find a new author they can add to their must-read list.
If you’ve never read a novella (or even if you have!), I invite you to try my newest novella, An Awakened Heart for FREE! You can find it at any online bookstore or you can discover more information about it and download it HERE.
What do you like best about novellas? What do you like least?
Jody Hedlund
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I don’t like novellas. If the story line is good then I feel cheated. Even when they are introductions or prequels to a series I usually feel like too much was missing. I love novels, the longer the better. Would love to see more authors write tome’s like OUTLANDER. I read that books (over 1,000 pages) in one sitting. Yes, I’ve read several novellas but I always feel like I wasted my time. I’m a fast reader. Although, I love your books I just don’t like novellas – even by favorite authors. They are just too short.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Patricia! I appreciate hearing your perspective!
Congrats on the release of An Awakened Heart, Jody! I enjoy reading the occasional novella whenever I’m in the mood to enjoy and finish a fast-paced story in one sitting. It makes me feel so productive!
Thank you, Becky! I just read your novella last week! Loved it and it made me excited for your new series!
You have summarized the appeal of the novella beautifully. From a reader’s perspective, I love the brevity of the story, especially when it prequels or sequels another book in a series. I also love reading stories in between longer novels, which from a speed reader’s perspective (like me) seem to take forever to release. And if an author is new to me, I can “dabble” in their style without a long time commitment.
“An Awakened Heart” is on my short list of books to read in April!
I like novellas because they set you up and pique your interest. I have read some , however, that I think we’re a little rushed and would like to see them developed into a full blown novel. I didn’t feel that way with Richard Mabry’s latest Doctor’s Dilemma, though! Then there are the ones that are published after some novels ( between some , too) that fill in the gaps!
I got An Awakened Heart a few days ago and finished it. It was great. I now am looking forward to the rest of the series. I like those that introduce me to other books and authors.
I enjoy novellas for a quick read when I don’t have time to get involved in a longer book. I also like them for a sample of a new-to-me author’s writing. The cons are that I sometimes wish the story had more to it, and sometimes the novella compilations that include different authors are hit-and-miss. There might be a couple of them that I enjoy, but some of them seem kind of thrown together quickly.
The best thing about novellas is they are short. The worst thing about novellas is they are short.
Looking forward to your new series!
Often I don’t like it when a publisher will have a book with about 4 or 5 novellas in it. Makes for a big book and a lot of reading. Admittedly I have met some new to me authors this way and have moved on to read their novels. On the other hand if the novella is only about 130 to 150 pages as you say it is a short and pleasant read.
I like novellas for the way the author gets right to the heart of the story. I meet the characters quickly. Reading a novella is also a good introduction to a new author, and often a good prequel to a book.
Most of the time as a senior citizen with health issues, I personally prefer the full length novel. However, there are a few times that I really enjoy the novellas. One of those times is at Christmas because of the business of the season with limited reading time! The other times would be while on a plane, waiting at the doctor’s office, as a time filler while waiting for someone. But I’m sure there are many business women/girls who would really go for the novellas.
One of the reasons I especially like the full length story is when I like a character particularly well, I hate to leave them never to see them again. I can very partial to the individual character and love to see them blossom and grow up emotionally and spiritually too.
It’s prom season for me so that means I don’t have time to read as I do alterations on formal wear. A novella is perfect for this time of year when I can’t get into a full length book that I can’t put down. Once I start reading, I tend to be a marathon reader. I did read An Awakened Heart this week…now to get these dresses done!
I’ve been impressed with the improvement in novellas in the last two years. The plots are more involved and characters better developed, so I’ve changed my mind about them. Starting a new series with one seems like a great idea.
Everything is very open with a really clear explanation of the issues.
It was definitely informative. Your site is very helpful.
Many thanks for sharing!