How long is a novel these days, really?

A while back, my good friend Nigel talked about the average sized science fiction novel.

Faith, Space and Magical: The Average Sci Fi Novel: "I am very lucky. For Christmas, my darling wife got me an ebook reader, something I wanted and needed to read lots of books that I don't hav..."

As Nigel indicated, the usual run of the mill Star Trek novel averages out between 30,000 to 50,000 words. Of course, there were exceptions. While an urban fantasy, with Scottish folklore thrown in, Nigel's story Black Donald is around 34, 000, but that is not science fiction. In addition, both my current work in progress and Vesta Central are about 20,000 and roughly 50,000 words respectfully. Both of my works are science fiction. Like Nigel, I'm comfortable writing around that range (though I'm happier for shorter works that can be read during lunch or over a good cup of coffee or tea). The problem here is that traditional print publishers wouldn't look at a novel that is less than 100, 000 words, which to me seems a lot of work, which needs a lot time - which neither I nor Nigel don't have.

Insofar as story length is concerned, I adhere, generally, to the conventions established by the Science Fiction Writers of America, some of which are listed below:

Drabble: Precisely 100 words
Vignette: 1 – 2,500 words
Short Story: 2,501 – 7,500 words
Novelette: 7,501 – 17,500 words
Novella: 17,501 – 40,000 words
Short Novel: 40,001 – 60,000 words
Novel: 60,000-plus words

Until next time.