A good general rule to follow for novel word count should be:
middle grade = 30k to 69k, average word count 50k
(Examples of published books: Coraline is 30,640 and Gingerbread is 44,510 and Mockingbird is 36,466.)
young adult fiction = YA from about 50k to 85k words
(It seems that paranormal YA or YA fantasy can occasionally run as high as 90k because of the world-building needed. Of course there is always the exception on word counts in YA. Twilight is 118,975 and New Moon is 132,758. Beautiful Creatures is 147,695 and A Great and Terrible Beauty is 95,605.)
cozy mysteries = 50k to 75k
paranormal romance = 80k to 100k
contemporary romance = 75k to 95k
short story = 5 - 10k words
(The ’regular’ short story, usually found in periodicals or anthology collections. Most ’genre’ zines will feature works at this length.)
novella = 20,000 - 30,000 words
(The ’regular’ short story, usually found in periodicals or anthology collections. Most ’genre’ zines will feature works at this length.)
novella = 20,000 - 30,000 words
(Although most traditional publishers will balk at printing a novel this short, this is perfect for the eBook publishers. The online audience doesn’t always have the time or the patience to sit through a 100,000 word novel.)
mysteries, thrillers and crime fiction = from 75k to 95k. (Historical mysteries and noir can be around 90k to 100k. Most other mystery/thriller/crime novels should be around 90k to 110k.)
mainstream/commercial fiction = 85k to 100k
(Some chick lit can be around 90k and literary fiction can run as high as 110k.)
science fiction or fantasy = 100k
(Most editors want these types of manuscripts at 100k, which is the ideal manuscript size for a good space opera or fantasy. For a truly spectacular epic fantasy, some editors will consider manuscripts at 120k, but rarely.)
futuristic/sf /time travel = 90k to 110k
space opera = 75k to 120k
epic /high/ traditional/ historical = 90k to 120k
contemporary thriller/drama = 90k to 100k
urban fantasy = 80k to 120k
(The Better Part Of Darkness is over 90k)
steampunk = 75k to 95k
high fantasy = 80k to 125k
mainstream fiction = 80k to 110k
horror = 50k to 100k
You'll find most agents and editors prefer unpublished manuscripts at 100,000. No more--no less. However, ALWAYS check an agent or publishers word count guidelines before submitting.
Other posts on Novel Word Counts:
indefeasible
Novel Doctor (this blog is hilariously funny and also very insightful for new writers)
Even
if you've already published a few books or you're just starting out in
the indie publishing world, there's always more to learn on the craft of
fiction and book promotion. If you're determined to take your writing
career seriously and make it to the next level, you need to make sure
that your author branding and book packaging are "genre specific" to hit your target audience and build a loyal readership.
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