Dr. Gonzo's picture
Dr. Gonzo from Manchester, UK is reading Blood Meridian January 15, 2012 - 6:27am

I have looked. I've seen threads on other forums, but, if I were to ever take advice on a matter, I'd rather it be from you lot. You all seem to know the score, and also, I'm taking it that there's a higher percentage of people on here with similar tastes to mine--Ellis, Palahniuk, Clevenger, Vonnegut. I'm boardering on literary and mainstream--a commercial-literary hoedown, of sorts. I suppose for simplicity we can call it literary with some mainstream elements.

So, I really don't need to worry about overwriting. I'm worried my story doesn't have the legs to make it to 80K, which I've been hearing is the 'sweet spot' for a first timer. I'm almost done. It's going to be about 70K. The thing is, I like it a lot. I don't believe in padding my writing out to hit a limit. It is what it is. I'm a minimalist writer, anything other than that just isn't my style.

I know I'm not making myself very clear. Sorry. Maybe some conversation here will make room for clarity.

I'm just wondering if I should look for a subplot or two I can get another 10K out of or if I should keep it as it is--tight and fast.

So could anyone give me an estimate of what word counts are acceptable for literary novels and mainstream-contemporary novels for a first timer--that is, a first timer who is hoping to snag an agent and sell to a publishing house.

Thanks in advance, and my apologies if a word-count thread is an annoyance.

Jay.SJ's picture
Jay.SJ from London is reading Warmed and Bound January 15, 2012 - 6:35am

Most presses have a 50k minimum. You should be fine.

Jay.SJ's picture
Jay.SJ from London is reading Warmed and Bound January 15, 2012 - 6:35am

Most presses have a 50k minimum. You should be fine.

bryanhowie's picture
bryanhowie from FW, ID is reading East of Eden. Steinbeck is FUCKING AMAZING. January 15, 2012 - 1:02pm

From what I hear, most presses have a 50k minimum. You should be fine.