If you’ve always thought shorter, punchier novels only mattered in traditional publishing, you might want to reconsider your strategy.
If you're independently publishing with the goal of earning more money, shorter novels might just be your golden ticket. Shorter novels mean less time spent writing, which means more books released, which translates to greater market visibility. Instead of slaving away on a 150,000-word epic that takes years (and possibly several emotional breakdowns) to complete, you can produce a series of shorter novels in the same time frame, giving you more opportunities to attract readers.
Now, don’t get me wrong—long, sprawling sagas have their place. But if you’re trying to turn your writing into a business, it’s all about keeping your audience hooked and coming back for more. Shorter novels are easier to digest, which is a big plus in our TikTok-driven attention span era. Readers are more likely to take a chance on a 60,000-word novel than commit to a epic behemoth. Plus, you can turn that one big story idea into a series, releasing multiple installments that keep readers hungry for what comes next (and willing to pay for it!).
Finally, let’s talk cost. Indie authors often pay for their own cover design, editing, and marketing. If you’re writing shorter novels, the costs are typically lower because there’s simply less content to work through. You spend less, publish faster, and give yourself a better chance at staying relevant in a crowded market. And let’s face it—who needs to toil away in obscurity when you can maximize your audience exposure?
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