Word Count for Paranormal Mystery/Romance?

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missteddy16

missteddy16

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Hello.

My completed ms. is at 94,000 words right now (down from 104k). I have read online that 80,000 words is kind of the maximum for YA fiction, and I'm wondering if this number holds true for all genres and target age ranges?

I see the audience for my book being high schoolers up through college students. (Another question nagging at me: with this intended age range, is my book even really technically YA/children's lit?) The novel is a mystery/romance. The mystery involves several supporting characters, and the protagonist has to gather many clues in a believably-paced way, given her surroundings.

Long story short, I'm just doubting I can whittle another 14,000 words off this thing. I could probably get it down to 89k -- what are your thoughts on how a publisher would perceive that number? Is 80k really the cap?

Thanks so much for your help, guys.
 
kaitlin008

kaitlin008

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There isn't a "cap", necessarily. If your book is good, and your query is interesting, agents will still give it a look. It's just easier if you stay within the norm.

Now, are you the only one who's read this? Have you had beta readers? They are really a huge help, if you get good ones. And look at everything down to the word level. Do you use too many adverbs? Has the word 'that' snuck in where it doesn't belong? You'd be surprised how many words you can shave off just from tightening.
 

Danthia

Pacing is far more important than word count. If the book grabs readers and doesn't let go, then you might be fine. If not, you won't be. The warning hairs on my neck did go up when I read "the protagonist has to gather many clues in a believably-paced way, given her surroundings." however. I could be completely wrong here, but that sounds to me like this might be slower paced. If so, that could be an area you could tighten up and improve the book all around. Just cutting out 20 words per page would save you about 7000 words as well (based on a 250 words per page in a 94K manuscript). 20 words is nothing. One sentence can often take care of that. Do a quick check on adverbs, unnecessary dialog tags, redundant info, and empty phrases and you can probably shave off another thousand or so.
 
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