…why is the word count so high?
… should you cut it into a trilogy?
The word out there in the publishing world demands smaller books. That fantasy novel should not exceed 90-120k words if you want:
- Published works.
- A novel that actually sells.
- Dreams come true.
But… wait… isn’t it all about readers. If readers feel connected to you and that story then are you moving your forward in success?
FEAR OF TOO MANY PAGES
Fantasy writers—we have all been there. Some suffer more than others. But bottom line, we count words like some people count calories.
Your inner voice says do what sells, but you keep writing and updating and editing… yet that story just did not get smaller.
I tried three times to cut THE OUTLAW KING into a trilogy—and after 8 years of trying to color inside the lines, I just said no more. The other inner voice says, I love the long books. That’s what’s great about fantasy, it’s detailed world building! Like chocolate on ice-cream or what ever your favorite topping is. Without that topping it would not be your favorite!
Does this fact change anything?
- Your favorite book in the adult epic and high fantasy are long books. Game of Thrones, Name of the Wind, The Way of Kings.
Can you compare yourself to the above?
If you can’t that still does not mean that long books should not be written.
I think you get it, or you wouldn’t be reading this page.
Are readers going to turn your book away because you wrote more?
Is it publishers wanting to make more money?
We do know printing costs are high for large books. But we now have eBooks.
There are great fantasy books out there in the agreeable range of 80-120,000 word count. But if your round book can’t fit into the square hole. Then who cares.
What do readers have to say? We would love to hear from you!
Send your opinion to EfronaMor@gmail.com
I have experienced many successes and failures in my life. I count my blessings for all—good and bad. But it’s that moment when the hair on your arm rises—when happiness flushes your face, and you inhale the success-laden air of knowing you did something amazing—something that whispers upon the breeze that you feel complete. That happened to me when I gave birth twice. First, my son, then The Outlaw King Book I, and the long journey over the eight years felt normal. Normal in that I was doing was I was born to do.
Efrona
