There isn't really a set-in-stone figure. The average is 75-80,000 for genre fiction except for epic fantasy which averages around 100,000-150,000.
I don't try to make my novels a certain length. I just tell the story. The word count helps me keep track of where in the story I should be (beginning, middle, or end) and to make sure I'm meeting my daily writing goals. If I'm way over or way under those averages though (we're talking a different of 20,000 words), it's time to review the plot.
I shot for 75 or 80 k and didn't think I would be able to make it but it went beyond 95k. I cut a lot of filler too and kept only what was necessary for plot. That is, those characters who helped move the plot forward stayed in the novel. Those characters who didn't died or disintegrated, never formed. I don't even think I'll be able to put them in another story. We'll see. hope this helped.
My first 40k novel felt like a hard won accomplishment but when I found out it wasn't even half of what novelists normally write I realized how much work it was. I also realized that getting that kind of contract only means I'm in for a lot more work. Some of which I don't like, too, the business part.
Reaching 95k and going beyond felt like reaching a peak. Once you get there it's smooth sailing. The first draft felt like getting up a very steep mountain. The second and third draft and finalizing the denoument felt like the sailing part.
I was envious of ppl who can knock them out quickly but I'm knocking one out right now. It's not one of those done on first or second draft kind. Those bass... I mean mustards, writers who can do that. But this fast writing novel is fun!
Comments 6
The average is 75-80,000 for genre fiction except for epic fantasy which averages around 100,000-150,000.
I don't try to make my novels a certain length. I just tell the story. The word count helps me keep track of where in the story I should be (beginning, middle, or end) and to make sure I'm meeting my daily writing goals. If I'm way over or way under those averages though (we're talking a different of 20,000 words), it's time to review the plot.
Reply
Reply
(The comment has been removed)
Reply
Reply
Reply
Reaching 95k and going beyond felt like reaching a peak. Once you get there it's smooth sailing. The first draft felt like getting up a very steep mountain. The second and third draft and finalizing the denoument felt like the sailing part.
I was envious of ppl who can knock them out quickly but I'm knocking one out right now. It's not one of those done on first or second draft kind. Those bass... I mean mustards, writers who can do that. But this fast writing novel is fun!
Reply
Leave a comment