The number of words required to publish a novel depended on many factors such as the genre, theme, plot complexity, writing style, and so on. Usually, a more formal novel would require between a few thousand to a few hundred thousand words. However, this number might be different for different people. Some people may prefer short stories while others prefer long novels. In addition, publishing a novel also required consideration of word count, typography, copyright, and other issues. Therefore, the exact number would be affected by various factors. In short, the specific word count of a novel needs to be decided according to the actual situation of the novel. It is recommended to carry out detailed planning and consideration when writing.