How Short is Too Short?
Monday, May 17, 2010 Question of the day: I'm an unpublished novelist finishing up my first book. I'm thrilled to say that after all these years, revisions, and the incorporation of feedback from several people who read my first book, I'm happy with the results. But, there might be one problem: the length. As I compiled agent information to start querying, I came across a blog entry from an agent who said that women's fiction should be between 80k-100k words. My book is 70k. My question is: how strict are agents and publishers regarding book lengths? If they fall in love with a book, will they care that it's 10k fewer words? Should I go back and revisit my book to see where I can add stuff or should I start querying? I'm concerned that I might be padding it and not adding useful scenes and/or dialogue. Help! What do you think?
This is a very good question, especially given the fact that just a few weeks ago, I was saying that bigger isn't always better and advising people to use a very firm hand with their editing. That said, I do think there are certain constraints that people have an expectation of, and you need to be within the ball park of those constraints when submitting. Yours is tricky: you're not so off the mark that it's glaring, but at the same time, it's a shorter book but might eke by. I don't know. I definitely DON'T think you should bloat your manuscript, but I might advise you to really take a look at it and be 100% sure that you have added in as much conflict as possible. Is there some angle that you're missing with your character, one place where her life can fall apart in one more way? If so, thread that plot throughout the book, and I think you'd be set. When I write a manuscript, I have a very clear idea of where I am in my word count so I can set different story arcs in motion accordingly. This was something I had to learn as I went, but, for example, I start the final act around 65k. By thinking of your book in parts and with word count as your target for the onset of these parts, you can come close to that 80-100k cushion more easily.
Again, I think your instinct not to write just for the sake of writing is the right one, but I also think that these parameters are in place for a reason: 70k, for example, is a thin book, and publishers may not want to bid (and publish) on a small book when, if you're looking for hardcover (again, for example), they'd be hard-pressed to ask people to pay $24 for 220 pages. Or maybe you do query it, and if an agent loves it enough, he or she will help you bulk it up. If you really don't want to add to it and fear you're doing it more harm than good by doing so, then don't. Stick with your gut. But I also wouldn't mention word count in your query letter. You don't need to, and it might get more doors closed without the first page being read.
I'm torn on this and would love to hear from others. What say you? Bulk it up or leave it be?
craftt
Reader Comments (8)
I think your first bit of advice is on target. Take another look and see if any more meaningful content (some angle or another conflict) can be added, but if not, then start submitting without mentioning word count. If she lands an agent, see if they have any advice to help add word count.
I think Allison's advice is great. What I've read is that if you're just a tad (within 10k) over or under the desired word count, agents/editors won't freak because they know it's not that hard to add/cut that amount and that it will probably happen as they request changes. I mean, you're happy with the ms, which is great! But honestly it will probably still go through more changes. So don't freak out about it, and do give it another look, but don't bloat, and don't freak. If it's a good book, length will not stop it from finding a home. :)
I would give it one more read and then if you are satisfied. . .dont fret too much. . .Maybe send it out to a smaller group of agents , listing the word count of course, to first to see what kind of response you get. . .if more than one or two complain about the word length then maybe you have something to consider but my guess is that most will not care so much about the word length at this stage if it is close.
Thanks so much to Allison for posting my question! You have been such a HUGE help to me over the past several months. And, thanks to everyone who commented here - I really value your insight and opinions. Thanks again!
I think these days it's so hard to catch the attention of an agent, that you don't want to give them a reason to say no in the first line of your query.
I'm not saying you should "pad" your story... but you want to be giving them reasons to say 'yes'. They get a lot of good queries. Breaking guidelines can be the difference in a very competitive field, IMO.
Is there any action that happens 'off screen' that you could bring to the present? Any unresolved subplots or loose ends you could draw to completion? A minor character that could be fleshed out a bit?
In my opinion, a little bit under or a little bit over isn't too much cause for concern. I queried at around 75K and it was never an issue, and during edits we pushed it up to 80K -- not for the sake of increasing the word count, but because the story needed it. If the book rocks, the book rocks. Good luck!
I don't know if your reader is interested in e-books publishers. Their book length varies from 5,000 to 100,000 plus words. My book was published at just under 35,000 words. The story is done when it is done.
I think you're okay with 70K. Several months ago, I was chatting with an agent who said anything over 65K for woman's fiction is acceptable. If it makes sense, add a little, but I wouldn't sweat it. Good luck!