Wondering whether 60,000 words is too short for a novel? The answer is nuanced and mainly depends on factors such as genre, the depth of the story or characters, and the intended audience.
WORD COUNT GUIDELINES BY GENRE
Different genres come with different standard word counts. For most adult fiction, the norm falls between 75,000 and 100,000 words. For non-fiction, a safe zone typically lies between 60,000 and 90,000 words.
Some genres might permit larger word counts. For instance, Science Fiction and Fantasy could extend up to 125,000 words. Historical fiction often leans towards 90,000 to 100,000 words.
CHILDREN’S FICTION
Children’s fiction has a different set of standards. Young Adult (YA) novels typically range from 60,000 to 80,000 words. Middle grade novels usually lie between 40,000 to 60,000 words.
Picture books, far shorter, aim for 500 to 600 words.
IMPORTANCE OF LENGTH AND PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Word count significantly impacts various aspects of publishing, including cost-effectiveness for print production, and reader’s expectations for a given genre. An overly long or short book might indicate potential issues, such as an underdeveloped storyline or pacing problems.
UNUSUALLY SHORT OR LENGTHY BOOKS
Books substantially shorter than the genre norm could indicate a lack of character or plot development. Extremely lengthy books may suggest pacing issues, redundant scenes, or a need for tighter focus.
REVISING FOR LENGTH
Revising your novel may involve either fleshing out underdeveloped elements or trimming excessive details. This process is natural and part of shaping your story into being an engaging piece of work. It’s important not to pad a short story with filler or arbitrarily split a long one; each should complete a narrative arc.
EXTREME CASES
Occasionally, a debut author may have an unusually short or long novel published. However, such cases are exceptions rather than the norm. Most successful debut novels, particularly in mainstream genres, fall within the guidelines for word length.
NOTABLE EXCEPTIONS AND MAJOR AUTHORS
For established authors, there’s more flexibility. For instance, famed author Kristin Hannah’s “The Nightingale” completed at 167,000 words, significantly longer than many other novels. These exceptions, more rule than exception, typically apply to authors with proven track records.
SELF-PUBLISHING
For self-publishing authors, restrictions on word count are less strict. However, adhering to genre norms still provides a guideline for creating a satisfying reader experience.
CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, the ‘right’ length for a novel varies. While guidelines exist, they allow for exceptions. Your primary focus should be on telling your story effectively and engagingly, regardless of its length. However, understanding industry expectations regarding word count can be a helpful tool in crafting your novel for your target audience. Remember, the revision process plays a significant part in the process, with each change leading your story closer to its best form.