Book lengths

Mike Martyn said:

I'm sure this question has been done to death so my apologies in advance.

What's the acceptable word count for first time novelists for :

1. Adult;

2. Young adult;

3. Children

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Adult - adult what? What's the genre? Is it science fiction (SF), fantasy, thriller, romance...? Need to know the genre before any intelligent answers can come your way.

For instance, I write fantasy, and an acceptable word count is somewhere between 90,000 and 120,000 words.

~Nancy

Mike Martyn said:

My understanding is that for a first book, it doesn't matter the genre but for the sake of discussion say its thriller.

Bear in mind what I'm asking about is the word lendth that will be accepted by a publisher for a first timer and not Steven King who can get something the size of a cinder block published because the publisher knows it will sell.

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Actually, it does matter what genre it is, because different genres will have different acceptable word lengths (and, believe me, I wasn't talking about Stephen King ).

Mysteries, for example, usually (mystery writers, please feel free to jump in if I'm incorrect) come in at less words than that in spec fic (SF/fantasy/horror).

Why? Damned if I know. I guess publishers have found these particular word counts sell well.

~Nancy

I started this thread recently with a link to one agent's take on the issue. Lots of people gave their feedback and experience. Hope it helps you.