When venturing into the world of creative writing, understanding the rudiments of word count is essential. This particular aspect plays a crucial role not only in the storytelling process, but also in the eventual marketability of a book. You might be wondering, “Is 60000 words enough for a fantasy novel?“
How Word Count Impacts Your Novel
Firstly, it’s crucial to understand why the number of words in your novel matters. A book’s word count sends an immediate signal to potential literary agents, publishers, and readers about your industry knowledge and professional commitment. Committing to the mandatory word count of your genre is viewed as an unwritten rule of writing, one that commands respect.
Fall short or exceed excessively, and you may end up jeopardising your book’s opportunity for success.
So, it’s not just about scribbling until you feel you’re done. You have to align with industry requirements, which means knowing the appropriate word count for your book genre.
Understanding Fantasy Novels Word Count
In the realm of fantasy novels, a span between 50,000 and 150,000 words is usually standard. But it’s also important to note that within this range, different categories demand varying lengths. Notably, a young adult fantasy novel should fall under 90,000 words, making a 60000-word young adult fantasy novel perfectly acceptable.
However, if your writing veers towards the lines of adult fantasy or even epic fantasy such as Game of Thrones, your word count could easily hit between 90,000 and 200,000 words. The scope of epic fantasy novels, often encapsulating long, journey-specific plots, makes this word count bracket justifiable.
Word Count and Target Audience
Remember, the target audience is a determining factor for your novel’s word count. Young adult readers, for instance, often prefer books no longer than 90,000 words. This is simply because their attention span better suits a shorter novel.
Older audiences, like new adults or adults, are often more inclined to consume a longer book that crosses the 100,000-word mark.
Conclusions
In conclusion, while 60,000 words may seem adequate for a fantasy novel, it ultimately depends on the category of fantasy you’re exploring and your target audience. Your novel’s manuscript should not be deemed too short or too long; it’s about striking the right balance, delivering a well-crafted story and satisfying your readers’ expectations in line with industry norms.