Hi gang ...
I'm taking a self-guided writing course aimed at walking you through a first novel draft clocking in around 50,000 words. A quick google verified that this length is about right-ish, but I'm starting to suspect that might be a little light in today's publishing world. Thoughts? Other posters on this forum are talking about debut novels in the 80K - 100K++ range and it makes me wonder whether I'm already shooting myself in the foot. How long IS a debut novel supposed to be?
Also getting the sense that genre/type of novel influences the answer to this question, so for context: I'm hoping to be traditionally published and writing a psychological technology thriller aimed at an adult audience. The plot focuses on rising tech executive grappling with how technology can be used against us as the relationship with her mentor teeters between consultant and stalker. It's not an AI-fueled technology thriller, more a juicy examination of how real people -- even educated technologists -- dangerously give away pieces of their privacy through everyday tech use ... while drawing the reader through one helluva cat and mouse game, of course.
Any thoughts or experience on length?
Cheers!
W
I'm taking a self-guided writing course aimed at walking you through a first novel draft clocking in around 50,000 words. A quick google verified that this length is about right-ish, but I'm starting to suspect that might be a little light in today's publishing world. Thoughts? Other posters on this forum are talking about debut novels in the 80K - 100K++ range and it makes me wonder whether I'm already shooting myself in the foot. How long IS a debut novel supposed to be?
Also getting the sense that genre/type of novel influences the answer to this question, so for context: I'm hoping to be traditionally published and writing a psychological technology thriller aimed at an adult audience. The plot focuses on rising tech executive grappling with how technology can be used against us as the relationship with her mentor teeters between consultant and stalker. It's not an AI-fueled technology thriller, more a juicy examination of how real people -- even educated technologists -- dangerously give away pieces of their privacy through everyday tech use ... while drawing the reader through one helluva cat and mouse game, of course.
Any thoughts or experience on length?
Cheers!
W