You’d think it’d be a simple number. You go to a bookstore, look at that massive shelf dedicated to the Master of Horror, and count them up. But honestly? Getting a straight answer on how many novels has Stephen King published is like trying to map the Maine woods in a blizzard.
The man is a machine. He’s been writing since the early seventies, and he hasn't slowed down even a little bit. As of early 2026, the numbers are staggering. If you’re a completionist trying to clear your "To-Read" list, you might want to clear your schedule for the next decade.
The Magic Number: 68 and Counting
Let’s get the big stat out of the way first. As of right now, Stephen King has published 68 novels.
That number includes his latest heavyweight contender, Never Flinch, which hit shelves in May 2025. It also accounts for the books he wrote under his "Richard Bachman" pseudonym back when he wanted to see if his talent or his name was the reason for his success. Spoiler: It was the talent.
But wait. If you look at Wikipedia or some fan sites, you’ll see different numbers. Why? Because the "King-verse" is messy. Do we count The Green Mile as one novel or the six separate paperbacks it originally was? Do we count Cycle of the Werewolf, which is basically a calendar with a story attached? Most fans say yes to the former and yes-ish to the latter.
Breaking Down the Bibliography
To really understand the scale of what we're talking about, you have to look at the different "types" of books he puts out. It's not just standard horror stories anymore.
- The Bachman Books: There are seven of these. Rage, The Long Walk, Roadwork, The Running Man, Thinner, The Regulators, and Blaze. Rage is famously out of print because King himself asked for it to be pulled.
- The Collaborations: King likes to play with others. He wrote The Talisman and Black House with Peter Straub. He teamed up with his son, Owen King, for Sleeping Beauties. He even worked with Richard Chizmar on the Gwendy trilogy.
- The Epic Series: You can't talk about King without The Dark Tower. That’s eight books right there, if you count The Wind Through the Keyhole.
It’s a lot. If you stacked every page he's ever published, you could probably climb to the top of the Overlook Hotel.
Why the Count is Always Changing
Stephen King publishes at a pace that makes other writers look like they’re napping. He famously tries to write 2,000 words a day. Every day. Even on his birthday. Even on Christmas.
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Just when you think you’ve caught up, he announces something new. In late 2025, word got out about his next projects. We know Always Holly—another story featuring the fan-favorite character Holly Gibney—is on the horizon. He also hinted at a return to the world of The Talisman during a podcast appearance, though whether that becomes a full novel or a collaboration remains to be seen.
Short Stories and Novellas: The "Sneaky" Books
This is where people get confused. If we’re strictly talking about "how many novels has Stephen King published," we usually exclude the short story collections. But King's collections are bigger than most people's novels.
Take You Like It Darker, released in 2024. It’s a massive collection of stories. Then you have the novella collections like Different Seasons (which gave us The Shawshank Redemption and Stand By Me) or Full Dark, No Stars. Technically, those aren't novels. But if you're a fan, they’re essential reading.
If you add his 12+ story collections and 5 nonfiction books (like the legendary On Writing), the total "book" count is well over 80.
The Holly Gibney Factor
Lately, King has been on a crime fiction kick. Ever since Mr. Mercedes in 2014, he’s been obsessed with Holly Gibney. She’s appeared in six different books now, including The Outsider and her self-titled novel Holly.
His 2025 release, Never Flinch, kept that streak alive. It’s a propulsive thriller that follows two intertwining stories—one involving a vigilante and the other a stalker targeting a feminist activist. It proves that even in his late 70s, the guy knows how to build tension better than almost anyone else in the game.
What Most People Get Wrong
A common misconception is that King only writes horror. If you've only seen the movies, you might think it's all killer clowns and telekinetic prom queens.
But look at 11/22/63—it's a historical time-travel epic. The Eyes of the Dragon is straight-up high fantasy. Billy Summers is a noir-ish hitman story. When people ask how many novels he's published, they often forget that he spans almost every genre imaginable.
Another mistake? Thinking he’s "retired." Every few years, a rumor pops up that he’s done. He usually responds by publishing two books in eighteen months.
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How to Actually Tackle the List
If you're looking at that count of 68 and feeling overwhelmed, don't try to read them in order. That's a trap.
Start with the "Big Four": Carrie, The Shining, The Stand, and It. That gives you the foundation. Then, if you like the weird stuff, dive into The Dark Tower. If you prefer the modern, "cleaner" writing style, start with the Bill Hodges trilogy (Mr. Mercedes).
Keep a checklist. There are plenty of PDF trackers online, but honestly, the best way is to just keep an eye on his official site. The man isn't stopping anytime soon.
Actionable Next Steps for King Fans
- Audit your collection: Check if you have the Bachman books. The Long Walk is widely considered one of his best works, regardless of the name on the cover.
- Track the 2026 releases: Stay tuned for the official release date of Always Holly. Rumors suggest a late 2026 window.
- Explore the "King-Adjacent" works: If you finish the 68 novels, move to the novellas. The Mist and The Body are shorter but punch just as hard.
- Watch for the Talisman 3: It’s been teased for years. With Straub having passed away, King has mentioned finishing it solo as a tribute. Keep an ear out for that announcement.
The count is 68 novels today. By this time next year, it’ll likely be 69 or 70. That’s just the way it goes with Stephen King.