How Long Do You Think a Sci-fi Novel Should Be?

I know there are many outstanding science fiction novels that run to 500 pages or more, and plenty of readers love immersing themselves in those worlds. Personally, as both a feader and a writer, I find myself gravitating towards shorter, tighter novels of around 225 to 300 pages that get to the point without sacrificing the story. Hence both my novels are around the 225 to 250 page mark.

When you’re choosing a new sci-fi novel, do you have a preferred length? Does a very long book make you more or less likely to buy it, or does the page count not matter if the story is good?

Does your answer change depending on whether you’re reading on a Kindle or reading a paperback? For example, I sometimes wonder whether people are happier tackling a 500-page novel on a Kindle than they would be carrying around the same book in paperback.

John Westley Turnbull