Novella ghostwriting services at The Author Publishing turn your idea into a complete, focused story in less time than a full novel. A novella ghostwriter plans a tight plot with you and writes the manuscript in your voice, with your approval at each stage. You keep your rights, your royalties and your accounts.
A novella sits between a short story and a novel, usually between about 20,000 and 40,000 words. It is long enough for a real arc and short enough to read in a sitting. Many authors choose it to test a genre, to start a series cheaply, to give readers a free or low-priced entry or to publish faster. This service is part of our fiction ghostwriting services and sits close to our short story writing and novel writing services.
Novella writing service: a full story with no wasted pages
A novella works by focus. It usually follows one main character, one central conflict and a small number of settings, with few subplots. Your ghostwriter helps you decide what the story is really about and cuts anything that does not serve it. The result feels complete and intense, with a rising pace that a longer novel can sometimes lose.
Structure is tight too. Where a novel might spend a chapter on set-up, a novella often begins close to the turning point. We plan the opening, the escalation, the climax and the ending so each scene earns its place, and we make sure the ending delivers the emotional payoff that readers expect from a story of this size.
Novella types and uses we write
- Genre novellas. Romance, mystery, fantasy, science fiction and horror in a fast, focused form.
- Series starters. A short first book that introduces characters and a world at a lower price.
- Prequels and side stories. A story that deepens an existing series and rewards loyal readers.
- Reader magnet novellas. A free story for subscribers to grow your list. See our newsletter setup.
- Literary novellas. Compact, character-led stories with a distinctive voice.
- Serial instalments. Episodes planned to be read alone or combined into a longer book.
Ghostwriting a novella: pacing, plot and publishing strategy
Because a novella is short, pace is everything. We plan the beats in advance, so each chapter pushes the story forward. Dialogue stays sharp, description stays selective and the cast stays small. We aim for a book that readers finish in one or two sittings and want more of, which makes novellas a strong way to build an audience.
Publishing strategy matters too. Novellas are often priced lower, and many readers expect a shorter book. We help you decide whether the novella should stand alone, start a series or sit in a bundle with other stories. If you plan to publish on Amazon, our Kindle eBook publishing service can help you set the price and categories for a shorter book.
How this service works, step by step
- Idea and genre brief. You share your idea, your characters and your genre. We agree the word count, the point of view and the tone.
- Plot and chapter plan. We plan the arc in a handful of key turning points and a short chapter outline. You approve the plan before drafting starts.
- Opening chapters. You review the first chapters to confirm voice and pace before the full draft begins.
- Drafting in sections. You receive the manuscript in stages and give feedback as it develops.
- Revision and handoff. The finished manuscript goes through professional editing and on to publishing.
Turning a novella into a novel or series
Some authors use a novella to test an idea before committing to a full novel. If readers respond, we can expand the story, adding subplots, depth and a longer arc, or write further books in the same world. We keep a story bible from the start so the details stay consistent if the project grows. A novella is also a good way to learn how working with a ghostwriter feels before commissioning a longer book.
Who this service is for
- Authors who want to publish sooner than a full novel allows
- Writers launching a series with a short first book
- Authors who need a reader magnet or a prequel for an existing series
- Writers who want a complete story with a smaller budget
What affects the timeline and cost
A novella usually runs between 20,000 and 40,000 words, so it takes less time than a novel. Your quote sets out the scope, the schedule and a fixed price before work starts. The main factors are:
- The word count and the genre
- How much of the plot and characters already exist
- Whether the novella is a standalone or part of a series
- How quickly you review each section and send feedback
See our packages and pricing or ask for a free quote. We reply within 24 hours with a scope, a timeline and a fixed price.
Your rights and what you receive
You own the finished work. Your agreement sets out ownership and credit before writing starts, and the work is published under your name. You receive every draft and outline, and nothing is published without your approval. Read more about how our process works or browse our frequently asked questions.
Questions about novella ghostwriting
How long is a novella?
Usually between about 20,000 and 40,000 words, although definitions vary. We agree the exact length with you before we start.
Can you write a novella in my genre?
Yes. We write novellas in most fiction genres, including romance, mystery, fantasy and science fiction.
Can a novella be expanded into a novel later?
Yes. We can expand the story and keep the details consistent using the story bible.
Is a novella cheaper than a novel?
It is shorter, so it usually costs less and takes less time. Your quote gives a fixed price.
Can you write a series of novellas?
Yes. We plan the arc across the series and write each instalment so it works alone and as part of the whole.
Related services
- Short story writing services
- Novel writing services
- Romance ghostwriting
- Mystery ghostwriting
- Kindle eBook publishing
Why authors work with us
- You keep your rights, your royalties and your accounts
- You receive a written scope and a fixed price before any work starts
- You approve every file before it moves to the next step
- One project manager keeps you informed at every stage