What is a book with less than 100 pages called?

What’s a Book Under 100 Pages Called?

When a story is shorter than a full-length novel but still packs a powerful punch, it often falls into the category of a novella. Generally, a manuscript under 100 pages—or roughly 20,000 to 40,000 words—is considered a novella, a form that blends brevity with depth. Despite their length, these compact works can leave a lasting impression, often delivering sharp, focused storytelling without the sprawl of a novel.

Don’t be fooled by size—some of the most influential stories in literature are novellas. Take, for instance, Edith Wharton’s *Ethan Frome*, a haunting tale of isolation and repressed desire, clocking in at just over 30,000 words. Or George Orwell’s *Animal Farm*, a political allegory that reshaped modern thinking, written in about 30,000 words. Then there’s Franz Kafka’s *The Metamorphosis*, a surreal masterpiece of transformation and alienation, told in only 22,000 words. These works prove that emotional weight and literary significance aren’t measured by page count.

Publishing a novella is not only possible—it can be powerful. While traditional publishing has often favored full-length novels, independent platforms and digital formats have opened doors for shorter works. Readers today, with shifting attention spans and busy lives, are increasingly drawn to concise, impactful stories. A well-crafted novella can stand shoulder to shoulder with longer books, offering a complete narrative arc without unnecessary filler.

So if you’re writing a story under 100 pages, don’t see it as incomplete. See it as focused. See it as artful. Because sometimes, saying more with less is the most powerful move of all.