Harlequin word count

Rizzo · Jan 31, 2007

I know the word count topic has been done but I have slightly different question that I can't find anywhere.

I'm targeting Silhouette Nocturne and their line asks for a word count of between 70-75,000 words. I think I might be a bit short and I'm adding in as much as I can without turning it into filler, but my question is, would they hold it against me if I was 500-1000 words short after editing it and still couldn't find room for one more scene? I know the word wounts are specific for their printers, but I was just curious.

Thanks

brainstorm77 · Jan 31, 2007

From what I have heard they are pretty specific on their word counts.

Susan Gable · Jan 31, 2007

Rizzo said:
I know the word count topic has been done but I have slightly different question that I can't find anywhere.

I'm targeting Silhouette Nocturne and their line asks for a word count of between 70-75,000 words. I think I might be a bit short and I'm adding in as much as I can without turning it into filler, but my question is, would they hold it against me if I was 500-1000 words short after editing it and still couldn't find room for one more scene? I know the word wounts are specific for their printers, but I was just curious.

Thanks

You mean if you're at like, 69,000 words? Nah, they wouldn't hold that against you. That's pretty darn close. I don't think they'd reject a really excellent story for lack of 1,000 words. 5,000 words, maybe. 10,000 words, yes. But if you're that close, you're close enough. Submit it. And good luck!

Susan G.

Kasey Mackenzie · Jan 31, 2007

Not that I'm an expert, but I agree with Susan that if you're THAT close (i.e. only short 500-1,000 words) they wouldn't reject you out-of-hand. An editor could no doubt EASILY find somewhere you could expand and add that 500-1,000 words. Good luck!

LilaDubois · Jan 31, 2007

Rizzo said:
I'm targeting Silhouette Nocturne

Rizzo,

I would love it if you kept us updated on how it is goes submitting to Nocturne. I have a story aimed at them but was trying to sneak it to their editor by entering it in a contest. That didn't work so now I have to gear up my courage to submit it.

Lila

L.Jones · Jan 31, 2007

Submit. If you are at the stage when you are fretting over 500-1000 words being held against you, you need to let it go and start on the next project.

That is so close as to just not be significant.
I write short.
Too short sometimes.

So I find ways to build page count... but it rarely means adding word count.
So far I've never been told to pad or add.

annie jones (Steeple Hill)
Luanne JOnes (MIRA BOOKS)
once upon a time - Natalie Patrick (Sil. Romance)

Ronnie · Jan 31, 2007

May I ask a related question??

Is the word count you all are referring to computer word count?

Rizzo · Jan 31, 2007

Thank you

Thank so much everyone,

I feel ten times better and so relieved, even if they reject it now at least I know that won't be the reason. I don't expect I'll be finished for at least another 3-4 weeks because of editing (and I'm taking a Writing for Romance class this semester, so I'm going to try and get some feedback from my professor

) I'll definitely keep everyone posted on when I submit my query and when I get my response.

Right now I'm counting on the microsoft word count because I have yet to put the pages in double space. I'm writing it on Writeboard.com so I can write it whenever I'm at school or the library instead of just at home, but I know it's supposed to be double spaced, 12pt font, Courier New and 250 words per page.

I actually studied this stuff, probably not enough, but if I put the same effort into my accounting class then I might not have so much trouble.

Actually, I should double space it and count it tonight just to see where I am, because my count might be a little lower then it says it is.

Thanks everyone!

chibeth · Jan 31, 2007

Rizzo--your count will go up with manuscript format. In fact, it might go over Nocturne's guidelines!

Susan Gable · Feb 1, 2007

Harlequin is now using computer word counts, yes. (Causing much weeping, gnashing of teeth, and consternation, I might add. Cause it's just plain weird when you're so used to doing it the other way for so long. <G>)

This is one of the reasons they lowered the word counts. For the switchover. Because I don't know about all of you, but my word count by the "traditional method" (25 lines per page, 250 words per page average) is always much higher than the actual computer word count because I'm a big fan of dialog and some short paragraphs, etc.

Example - my last book was 85K by the traditional method -- coming right up the very last page I was "allowed." <G> But, by computer word count, it was only 71K, perfectly within the "new" word count for Super. (Old word count, 80-85K, new word count, 70-75K. Although actually the Senior Ed has requested authors now stick to the low end of that, coming in right around 70. Again making my last ms okay for the new guidelines.)

Susan G.

Rizzo · Feb 1, 2007

Wow, I was actually a little excited when I read Chibeth's responce, because that meant I could go nuts (well, not really) with editing and not worry about coming up short.

Drat, so I have to stick to computer counts eh?

And I thought I finally knew what to do before sending it out. Oh well, I'm pretty close to the end so I guess it won't matter much.

jbayley · Feb 1, 2007

You know...I find it always hits word count in the revisions. I've submitted 5k short and 5K long...both ended up within breathing distance of 60K after revisions. Don't stress as long as it is close.

rihannsu · Feb 1, 2007

Kasey Mackenzie said:
Not that I'm an expert, but I agree with Susan that if you're THAT close (i.e. only short 500-1,000 words) they wouldn't reject you out-of-hand. An editor could no doubt EASILY find somewhere you could expand and add that 500-1,000 words. Good luck!

That's what I was wondering, if during the back and forth with the editor they couldn't suggest a place to expand it more.

And the advantage in that scenario is that you'll have guidance on how to do it and not have to worry if the editor would think it's "filler."

Kasey Mackenzie · Feb 2, 2007

rihannsu said:
That's what I was wondering, if during the back and forth with the editor they couldn't suggest a place to expand it more.

And the advantage in that scenario is that you'll have guidance on how to do it and not have to worry if the editor would think it's "filler."

Yeah. With Harlequin, I wouldn't risk it if it were much over 1,000 words short/long. But if we're talking THAT close--and the writing is as absolutely polished as you can make it--I'm sure an editor will find someplace for expanding if need be.

Harlequin word count

Rizzo

brainstorm77

practical experience, FTW

Susan Gable

Dreamer of dreams, teller of tales

Kasey Mackenzie

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LilaDubois

L.Jones

Ronnie

Rizzo

chibeth

Susan Gable

Dreamer of dreams, teller of tales

Rizzo

jbayley

rihannsu

Mrs. Bruce Wayne

Kasey Mackenzie

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