How to Publish a Novella: The Complete Step-by-Step Process

To publish a novella, work through seven ordered steps: finish the draft, edit to a clean 17,500 to 40,000 words, format to standard, write a query letter and synopsis, research suitable publishers, submit and track responses, then sign an offer or self-publish. Each step depends on the one before it.

The Seven Steps in Order

1.    Finish the complete draft. A publishable novella needs a full arc with a resolved central conflict, sitting inside the 17,500 to 40,000 word range.

2.    Edit in three passes. Run a structural edit for the story, a line edit for the prose, and a proofread for errors. Each pass has a single job.

3.    Format to standard. Serif font at 12 point, double spacing, one-inch margins, and a header with your surname, title, and page number.

4.    Write the query letter and synopsis. The query pitches the book in around 300 words. The synopsis covers the full arc, including the ending, on a single page.

5.    Research suitable publishers. Build a list of presses whose stated word count range and recent catalogue match your book.

6.    Submit and track. Follow each publisher's guidelines exactly, then log every submission with its date and expected response time.

7.    Sign or self-publish. Accept an offer after reviewing the contract terms, or move to a self-publishing platform for a faster release.

Where Most Submissions Stall

Two stages account for most rejections that arrive before an editor reads the manuscript. The first is formatting, where a messy file suggests an unprofessional writer. The second is guideline compliance, where sending the wrong sample length or skipping a requested element gives an editor an easy reason to pass.

Clearing both hurdles is straightforward. Format to the standard above, then read each publisher's submission page twice and supply exactly what it asks for, in the order it asks.

Choosing Between an Offer and Self-Publishing

An offer from a press brings editorial investment, distribution and third-party validation, in exchange for a share of royalties and a longer timeline. Self-publishing returns a larger royalty and a faster release, in exchange for taking on production and marketing yourself. The right choice depends on your goal for the individual book.

Before you submit anywhere, confirm your target list is sound. Our submission-ready list of publishers that accept novellas gives you a vetted starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first step to publishing a novella?

Finishing a complete, edited draft inside the 17,500 to 40,000 word range. Every later step depends on a polished manuscript.

How many drafts does a novella need?

At least three editing passes: a structural edit, a line edit, and a proofread. Complex manuscripts often need more.

Want Each Step Handled by Professionals?

Novella Publishers edits, formats and prepares your submission package end to end. Talk to our team.

For the full overview of every route and stage, read our complete guide to how to publish a novella.