I read all the Threads on this and thought I'd ask a question, as well as confirm what I'd read:
Basically, your word limit should be as many words as it takes to tell the story. That being said, a rough guide would be -
YA:
Lower - 30 k
Upper - 70 k
Adult:
Lower - 45 - 50 k
Upper - 120 k
Some genres seem to have longer word counts - For example SciFi and Historical Romance typically seem to run a little longer, and others seem to run short - category romance, for example.
Now, my piece, a urban fantasy paranormal rom com type thing - is currently between 104 - 120 k. It's way too long. But I haven't started editing yet so I'm hoping to cut some bits out. I'd like to get it under 100k.
Add to that, seriously, in a query, would one actually write the exact word count? As in, Bloodlust Blooming is a Paranormal Rom Com of 104, 863 words. Or would 100 000 be okay in that instance? Enquiring minds need to know!
Have I got this right? Maybe this could be stickied, after we've discussed what everyone thinks, and I've edited it to reflect the majority view point. I'd be happy to add in extra genres and stuff if people would like?
Basically, your word limit should be as many words as it takes to tell the story. That being said, a rough guide would be -
YA:
Lower - 30 k
Upper - 70 k
Adult:
Lower - 45 - 50 k
Upper - 120 k
Some genres seem to have longer word counts - For example SciFi and Historical Romance typically seem to run a little longer, and others seem to run short - category romance, for example.
Now, my piece, a urban fantasy paranormal rom com type thing - is currently between 104 - 120 k. It's way too long. But I haven't started editing yet so I'm hoping to cut some bits out. I'd like to get it under 100k.
Add to that, seriously, in a query, would one actually write the exact word count? As in, Bloodlust Blooming is a Paranormal Rom Com of 104, 863 words. Or would 100 000 be okay in that instance? Enquiring minds need to know!
Have I got this right? Maybe this could be stickied, after we've discussed what everyone thinks, and I've edited it to reflect the majority view point. I'd be happy to add in extra genres and stuff if people would like?
