A novel is a long work of fiction that tells a story through a narrative. It typically features a complex plot, developed characters, and a structured storyline. Novels are usually divided into chapters and can explore various themes and genres, such as romance, science fiction, mystery, or historical fiction. They offer an extended form of storytelling compared to shorter works like novellas or short stories, allowing for more depth and detail in the narrative and character development.

What is a "novel"?

novel

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A short story is a brief work of fiction that typically focuses on a single incident, character, or theme. It is shorter than a novel, often ranging from a few hundred to about twenty thousand words. Short stories aim to deliver a complete narrative with a clear beginning, middle, and end, usually concentrating on a specific moment or aspect of a character's life. They can explore various genres and styles, and are designed to provide a concise yet impactful reading experience.

What is a "short story"?

short story

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A novella is a work of fiction that is longer than a short story but shorter than a novel. Typically ranging from about 20,000 to 50,000 words, a novella provides enough space to develop more complex plots and characters than a short story, but with a more focused narrative than a full-length novel. It often explores a single theme or event in depth, offering a complete and satisfying story within a more compact format. Novellas are valued for their ability to deliver a rich narrative experience without the extensive length of a novel.

What is a "novella"?

novella

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A novelette is a work of fiction that is longer than a short story but shorter than a novella. It typically ranges from about 7,500 to 20,000 words. Novelettes offer enough space to develop characters and plot more extensively than a short story, but are more concise than novellas. They often focus on a single event or theme, providing a complete and engaging narrative within a shorter length. Novelettes are commonly used in literary magazines and anthologies, offering readers a satisfying story in a compact format.

What is a "novelette"?

novelette

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Novelization is the process of adapting a story from another medium, such as a film, television show, or video game, into a novel. This involves expanding and transforming the original script or storyline into a full-length prose format. Novelizations often include additional details, background information, and character development that may not be present in the original version, providing readers with a more immersive experience. This process allows fans of the original work to explore the story in a new and different way, offering deeper insights and a broader narrative scope.

What is "novelization"?

novelization

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Flash fiction is a style of very short storytelling, typically under 1,000 words. It focuses on delivering a complete narrative with minimal detail while still capturing key elements like plot, character, and emotion. Despite its brevity, flash fiction aims to evoke strong reactions or highlight a specific moment, making each word count. This form is often used to challenge writers to convey depth and meaning in a concise, impactful way.

What is "flash fiction"?

flash fiction

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An antinovel is a type of experimental fiction that deliberately breaks the conventions of traditional novel writing. It often avoids typical plot structures, character development, and narrative techniques, instead focusing on fragmented, nonlinear storytelling. The antinovel challenges readers' expectations and explores the boundaries of what a novel can be, often emphasizing style, language, and the author's presence over conventional storytelling elements.

What is an "antinovel"?

antinovel

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A cell phone novel is a form of fiction written and published primarily through text messages on mobile phones. Originating in Japan, these novels are usually composed of very short chapters, often written in a casual, conversational tone. Readers receive updates in small installments, and the novels are often shared through online platforms or messaging apps. Cell phone novels tend to focus on themes like romance or drama and are written in a simple style that suits the format.

What is a "cell phone novel"?

cell phone novel

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A three-volume novel is a type of novel that was traditionally published in three separate volumes. Popular in the 19th century, especially in Victorian England, these novels were often lengthy and designed to be rented or sold in installments. The format allowed publishers to sell more copies through subscription libraries, and the division into three parts often followed the novel's plot structure, with rising action, climax, and resolution spread across the volumes.

What is a "three-volume novel"?

three-volume novel

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Web fiction refers to stories or serialized narratives that are published and read online. These works can range from short stories to full-length novels and are often self-published by authors on websites, blogs, or dedicated platforms. Web fiction allows readers to follow ongoing stories, and it can be interactive, with authors incorporating feedback from their audience. This form of storytelling is popular for its accessibility, immediate publication process, and the diverse genres it offers, such as fantasy, romance, and science fiction.

What is "web fiction"?

web fiction

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An airport novel is a type of book typically found in airport bookstores, characterized by its engaging and fast-paced narrative. These novels are often easy to read, designed to provide quick entertainment for travelers during their flights. They usually belong to genres like thrillers, mysteries, or romances and are known for their mass appeal, gripping plots, and straightforward writing style. Airport novels are popular for their ability to captivate readers, making long journeys more enjoyable.

What is an "airport novel"?

airport novel

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Ambient literature is a form of storytelling that incorporates the reader's immediate environment and context into the narrative experience. Utilizing digital technologies such as mobile devices, GPS, and sensors, ambient literature adapts and responds to the reader's location, movements, and even the surrounding atmosphere. This immersive approach blurs the lines between the real world and the fictional world, creating a unique and personalized reading experience that evolves based on where and how the reader engages with the story.

What is "ambient literature"?

ambient literature

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An annotated edition is a version of a text that includes additional notes, explanations, or comments provided by an editor or scholar. These annotations help to clarify the content, offer historical or cultural context, explain difficult passages, and provide interpretations that enhance the reader’s understanding of the original work. Annotated editions are commonly used for classic literature, academic texts, and important historical documents, offering readers deeper insights into the material.

What is an "annotated edition"?

annotated edition

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A chain novel is a collaborative writing project where multiple authors contribute to a single story. Each author writes a section or chapter, building on the work of the previous contributors. The process often involves a set of rules or guidelines to ensure coherence and continuity in the narrative. Chain novels can be organized by a central editor or collectively by the contributing authors, and they are used to create a diverse and complex story through the combined creativity of several writers.

What is a "chain novel"?

chain novel

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A chiller is a type of novel designed to evoke a sense of fear or suspense. Often used to describe books that are meant to thrill or unsettle the reader, chillers may focus on psychological tension, eerie atmospheres, and unexpected plot twists. They can overlap with genres such as horror or thriller, but the emphasis is typically on creating a chilling effect that keeps readers on edge.

What is a "chiller"?

chiller

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An encyclopedic novel is a type of book that covers a vast range of topics or includes a broad and detailed exploration of themes, characters, and settings. This genre often aims to provide an extensive and thorough representation of its subject matter, much like an encyclopedia. Encyclopedic novels typically incorporate a wealth of information, sometimes integrating elements from various disciplines or cultural references, and are known for their complex structure and depth.

What is an "encyclopedic novel"?

encyclopedic novel

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An epistolary is a novel that is written as a series of letters, diary entries, emails, or other forms of correspondence. This style allows the story to unfold through the personal reflections and communications of its characters. The format provides a direct insight into the characters' thoughts and emotions and can create a sense of intimacy and immediacy.

What is an "epistolary"?

epistolary

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A fix-up is a type of book created by combining previously published short stories or novellas into a single, cohesive narrative. The individual pieces are often edited or reworked to ensure they flow together smoothly and form a unified story. Fix-ups are commonly used in science fiction and fantasy genres, where an author may have written several related stories that can be stitched together to create a larger, more comprehensive work.

What is a "fix-up"?

fix-up

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A graphic novel is a book-length work of fiction or non-fiction that uses the format and techniques of a comic book, combining illustrations and text to tell a story. Unlike traditional comic books, which are usually released in individual parts, a graphic novel presents a complete narrative within a single volume or a series of volumes. The storytelling in graphic novels often explores complex themes and employs a range of artistic styles, making them a versatile medium for both literary and visual storytelling.

What is a "graphic novel"?

graphic novel

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A microblogging novel is a novel written and shared in small, frequent updates or posts, typically on a microblogging platform like Twitter. Each post contributes a small part of the story, often using concise text and may include multimedia elements such as images or videos. This format allows readers to follow and engage with the story in real-time, often fostering interactive and participatory storytelling.

What is a "microblogging novel"?

microblogging novel

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A mosaic novel is a type of novel composed of interconnected stories or fragments that collectively form a larger narrative. Each section or chapter often presents a different perspective, character, or storyline, contributing to the overall plot and theme of the book. The individual pieces are like tiles in a mosaic, creating a unified and cohesive picture when combined. This structure allows for a diverse exploration of themes and viewpoints, and the separate elements come together to offer a complete and intricate narrative.

What is a "mosaic novel"?

mosaic novel

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An omnibus edition is a single volume that combines several related works, such as books, stories, or series, into one large book. This edition brings together multiple titles, often by the same author or within the same series, allowing readers to access a collection of works in a convenient format. Omnibus editions are useful for readers who want to experience a complete series or collection without purchasing each volume separately, and they often feature additional content like introductions, illustrations, or annotations.

What is an "omnibus edition"?

omnibus edition

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A potboiler is a work of fiction, such as a book, play, or film, created primarily to generate income rather than for artistic or intellectual purposes. These works are often produced quickly, with little regard for quality, and may rely on popular or formulaic content to attract a broad audience. The term implies that the work is crafted mainly to generate income or keep the "pot boiling," rather than to contribute meaningfully to its genre or medium.

What is a "potboiler"?

potboiler

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A saga novel is a lengthy, multi-generational narrative that spans a significant period of time, often focusing on the experiences and relationships of one or more families or groups. These novels typically explore complex themes, detailed character development, and intricate plots that unfold over several books or volumes. Saga novels are known for their expansive storytelling, providing a rich, immersive experience that traces the evolution of characters and their histories across generations.

What is a "saga novel"?

saga novel

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A yellow-back is a type of inexpensive paperback book, known for its bright yellow cover. These books were often produced quickly and cheaply, featuring sensational or melodramatic content. They were commonly sold in places like railway stations and other public areas. The term "yellow-back" comes from the distinctive color of the cover, which was used to attract attention and make the books stand out in a crowded market.

What is a "yellow-back"?

yellow-back

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A collage novel is a literary work that combines various existing texts and materials, such as images, photographs, and illustrations, to construct a new story. Rather than relying solely on traditional prose, it integrates diverse elements to form a unique narrative. This approach allows the novel to present its story through a blend of different voices and formats, creating a rich and varied reading experience.

What is a "collage novel"?

collage novel

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A light novel is a type of novel that is typically characterized by its relatively short length, often accompanied by illustrations, and is aimed at a younger audience or those looking for a lighter reading experience. Light novels usually feature engaging, easy-to-read stories with a focus on popular genres like fantasy, science fiction, and romance. They often include manga-style illustrations and are designed to be both accessible and entertaining.

What is a "light novel"?

light novel

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Proletarian literature is a genre of writing that focuses on the lives, struggles, and experiences of the working class, often highlighting social injustices and advocating for political change. This type of literature aims to give a voice to the working class, portraying their daily lives, economic hardships, and collective struggles. It often reflects the ideals of socialism or communism and seeks to inspire social and political movements that support workers' rights and class equality.

What is "proletarian literature"?

proletarian literature

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Hypertext fiction is a type of narrative that uses hyperlinks to create a non-linear story experience. Unlike traditional linear storytelling, where readers follow a single, straightforward path from beginning to end, hypertext fiction allows readers to navigate through different sections of the story by clicking on links. This format creates a more interactive and flexible reading experience, where the reader can choose their own path and discover different aspects of the narrative based on their choices. It often involves multiple branching storylines and alternative endings, offering a unique and dynamic way to engage with the text.

What is a "hypertext fiction"?

hypertext fiction

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A visual novel is a type of interactive fiction that combines written narrative with visual elements such as illustrations or animations. Typically, these novels feature a storyline presented through text on the screen, accompanied by character art, backgrounds, and sometimes music or voice acting. Readers interact with the story by making choices that can influence the direction of the plot, leading to different outcomes and multiple endings. Visual novels often resemble a blend of traditional storytelling and video game mechanics, creating an immersive and engaging experience.

What is a "visual novel"?

visual novel

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A chapbook is a small booklet or pamphlet that typically contains poetry, short stories, or essays. It is often a limited edition or self-published work, and its compact size makes it easy to distribute and affordably produced. Chapbooks are usually printed on inexpensive paper and can be bound in various ways, such as saddle stitching or stapling. They are commonly used by poets and writers to share their work with a wider audience or to showcase a specific collection of their writings.

What is a "chapbook"?

chapbook

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Manga refers to a style of comic books and graphic novels originating from Japan. It features a wide range of genres and themes, often characterized by its distinctive art style, which includes expressive characters, dynamic action scenes, and detailed backgrounds. Manga is usually serialized in magazines before being collected into volumes called "tankōbon." The format typically involves reading from right to left, which is the traditional Japanese reading direction. Manga can appeal to various age groups and interests, from children to adults, and includes both serialized stories and standalone works.

What is "manga"?

manga

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Here you will learn some English words related to book lengths such as "novella", "graphic novel", and "epistolary".

English Words for "Book Lengths"