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A good general rule of thumb for novel word count should be:
middle grade = 30k to 69k, average word count 50k
(Examples of published books: Coraline is 30,640 and Gingerbread is 44,510 and Mockingbird is 36,466.)
young adult fiction = YA from about 55k to 85
(It seems that paranormal YA or YA fantasy can occasionally run as high as 90k because of the world-building needed. Of course there is always the exception on word counts in YA. Twilight is 118,975 and New Moon is 132,758. Beautiful Creatures is 147,695 and A Great and Terrible Beauty is 95,605.)
cozy mysteries = 75k to 90k
paranormal romance = 80k to 100k
contemporary romance = 90k to 95k
short story = 1,000 - 7,500 words
(The ’regular’ short story, usually found in periodicals or anthology collections. Most ’genre’ zines will feature works at this length.)
novella = 20,000 - 50,000 words
(The ’regular’ short story, usually found in periodicals or anthology collections. Most ’genre’ zines will feature works at this length.)
novella = 20,000 - 50,000 words
(Although most traditional publishers will balk at printing a novel this short, this is perfect for the eBook publishers. The online audience doesn’t always have the time or the patience to sit through a 100,000 word novel.)
mysteries, thrillers and crime fiction = from 75k to 90k. (Historical mysteries and noir can be around 90k to 100k. Most other mystery/thriller/crime novels should be around 90k to 110k.)
mainstream/commercial fiction = 85k to 100k
(Some chick lit can be around 90k and literary fiction can run as high as 110k.) science fiction or fantasy = 100k
(Most editors want these types of manuscripts at 100k, which is the ideal manuscript size for a good space opera or fantasy. For a truly spectacular epic fantasy, some editors will consider manuscripts at 120k, but rarely.)
futuristic/sf /time travel = 90k to 110k
space opera = 90k to 120k
epic /high/ traditional/ historical = 90k to 120k
contemporary thriller/drama = 90k to 100k
urban fantasy = 80k to 120k
(The Better Part Of Darkness is over 90k)
steampunk = 75k to 95k
high fantasy = 80k to 125k
mainstream fiction = 80k to 110k
horror = 85k to 100k
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You'll find most agents and editors prefer unpublished manuscripts at 100,000. No more--no less. However, ALWAYS check an agent or publishers word count guidelines before submitting.
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Other posts on Novel Word Counts:
indefeasible
Novel Doctor (this blog is hilariously funny and also very insightful for new writers)
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WRITING FICTION BOOKS
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