If you’re wondering whether 200000 words is too long for a fantasy novel, the answer isn’t straightforward. Several factors should be considered when answering this question.
What’s a Typical Novel Length?
Generally, a typical novel spans from 60,000 to 100,000 words. Anything under 50,000 words is seen as a novella, while a manuscript above 110,000 words can be seen as lengthy, especially for debuting authors.
Fantasy Genre
The fantasy genre, however, allows more liberty with length. Novels in this genre may fall within 100,000 to 150,000 words or maybe more. This is why many popular fantasy books often span multiple volumes or parts.
Is Your Novel Too Long?
- Story Quality: Assess if your story maintains focus and relevance throughout or if only certain sections need more detail and development. If the story’s quality isn’t compromised with its length and if all parts are equally engaging, your word count might be justified.
- Genre Expectations: Keep in mind that the readers of specific genres have their expectations. For example, fantasy readers often expect larger, detailed worlds and complicated plots which naturally require higher word counts.
- Publishing Constraints: Publishing revolves around business decisions. A longer novel means more printing costs which can deter publishers from investing in very long debut novels. Your manuscript should ideally match the publisher’s business model and risk appetite.
Potential Solutions
If your story falls greatly above the average novel length, consider these possibilities:
- Split Your Story: If your story naturally allows for it, consider splitting it into two or even three novels. This can be more appealing to publishers who might be interested in a multi-book deal.
- Review and Edit: Getting feedback from beta readers, agents, or other experienced authors can provide valuable insight. You might be able to find areas where the story drags or has unnecessary details.
- Self-publishing: If you believe your story needs 200,000 words to be told completely and cutting it down will compromise its essence, self-publishing is always an option.
Conclusions
In essence, a 200,000-word fantasy novel might be acceptable given the genre’s tendencies for larger worlds and complex plots. However, it’s crucial to ensure that every part of your story justifies its space in the word count. Length should not compromise quality. Cutting or splitting your story might be damaging if done poorly, but, when executed well, it might enhance your story and increase your chance of getting published. Ultimately, telling an engaging and captivating story should be a writer’s primary goal, regardless of word count.