How Long Should a Novel be?

February 20, 2013October 9, 20136 Comments

Is your novel too long?

Is your novel too short?

I often find myself editing clients’ manuscripts that are far too long and (occasionally) far too short. Whenever I approach a writer about changing the length of their novel, they frequently attempt to “prove” that the word count is acceptable by throwing around famous novels:

“Well, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is only 36,363 words!”

“Everybody loves Harry Potter, and The Order of the Phoenix is over 250,000 words!”

But the problem with these arguments is that they don’t prove anything. There are exceptions to every rule and there always will be, but that doesn’t make knowingly breaking the rules a good strategy for those seeking publication.

So What’s the Ideal Length of a Novel?

That depends on several factors, including where you publish and the genre.

Mainstream/Contemporary/Literary

The Low End: Many agents and publishers will automatically reject novels that are shorter than 60-70,000 words (Sorry NaNoWriMo writers). Exactly where they draw that bottom line depends on the individual. If you keep it above 65k, you probably won’t be rejected on word count alone.

The High End: Somewhere around 100-120k is the cut-off length for most agents and publishers. Anything above 100k puts you in the high-risk zone for rejection, so make sure your query is top notch.

Ideal Length: I’ve heard from several agents and publishers that 80k is their favorite length.

Romance/Erotic Fiction

The Low End: If you’re going with traditional publication, anything under 50k is probably too short (65k for historical). If you’re self-publishing or e-publishing, you will find there is a market for stories as short as 3,000 words.

The High End: Typically, anything over 70k is too long for a romance. Historical romances and genre-bending romances (scifi, fantasy, etc.) can push as high as 95,000 with some publishers.

SciFi/Fantasy

The Low End: Generally, anything less than 80k is too short, but there may be exceptions for “light” SciFi/Fantasy, books that could be marketed as mainstream.

The High End: SciFi/Fantasy can easily get way up there in word count! First-time novelists (note: self-publishing still makes you a first-time novelist to the traditional publishing world) should try to keep it under 120k, but certainly lower than 150k. Publishers specializing in SciFi/Fantasy are more comfortable with high word counts than those that are simply open to publishing it.

Mystery/Thriller

The Low End: Cozy mysteries may be as short as 55-60k. Thrillers should push a little higher: 65-70k on the low end.

The High End: Cozy mysteries are usually no longer than 75-80k. Non-cozy mysteries and Thrillers can get as long as 100-110k.

There’s nothing wrong with deviating from the length recommendations. Some writers will successfully publish an unusually long or short first novel. But you can almost definitely increase your odds of publication by staying in a word count range that publishers are comfortable with.

Need help cutting down or beefing up your word count? Watch my video on how to shorten your novel or check out my editing services.

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Writers, Are You Treating Your Readers Like They’re Stupid?

February 19, 2013October 9, 20132 Comments

Are you treating your readers like they’re stupid?

It happens all the time! But many writers don’t even know they’re doing it. It just happens so easily, sneaking into your writing, polluting your beautiful prose.

The little worm I’m referring to is handholding. Avoid at all costs!

What is Handholding?

Handholding is when writers pull their readers through their story with a strong grip. It’s when, instead of letting readers breathe in the world of their story, they drag them through it, pointing out every important pebble and shouting, “There, there, you see it! Right there! Let me explain it to you so you definitely won’t miss it!”

Let’s look at some examples:

In Descriptions

The cliff leaned inwards like a jagged tooth, its rocky border as sharp as a knife. It felt imposing.

What? Imposing? Sounds lovely to me!

Avoid overly and blatantly describing important details. Write your descriptions in a purposeful way and your readers will have no trouble catching your meaning.

There was an imposing cliff in the distance.

Never do this! Give your readers some wiggle room, demanding they think and feel a certain way ruins the experience of reading your work. Not to mention that descriptions of this nature are a snooze-fest.

Instead, find ways to show that the cliff is imposing without blatantly saying so.

In Dialog Tags

“I hate you more than anything in the world!” he screamed, angrily.

Unless your character has serious psychological issues, it’s going to be pretty damn obvious that he’s angry, even without the “screamed,” even without the “angrily,” and (shockingly) even without the exclamation point.

“Owe,” he said in pain.

Because people usually say “owe” just for fun?

“I love you,” he said, lovingly.

Okay, this last one’s kind of a joke, but seriously: your readers are not stupid. They can understand your characters’ emotions without blatant cues, and if they can’t, you need to learn how to write more evocative descriptions.

In Character’s Emotions

Jasper gasped, shocked.

Don’t you think your readers know what a gasp is? Of course they do! So cut out “shocked” and keep it simple.

Big, sorrowful tears ran down Emily’s depressed face.

Emily’s depressed? Her tears are sorrowful? I would never have guessed!

When in doubt, keep it simple. Let your audience breathe, don’t drag them through your novel with brutal force. The best novels are those that require the audience to participate and interpret.

Still need help? I’m a professional editor with affordable prices and I don’t bite….promise. Check out my services.

What (Not) to Say When People Ask Why You Self Published

February 18, 2013October 9, 20131 Comment

There are lots of reasons to self publish a book. Some of them sound better than others. So it’s a good idea to premeditate your response to the question: “Why did you self publish?” Because, rude or not, people will ask and they will judge your answer.

What Not to Say

“I tried to get an agent (or editor) but everyone rejected my book.”

Even if this is true, it makes you sound lame. No one wants to read a book that no one wanted to publish. If you attempted to go through traditional channels, just keep that to yourself and pretend like self publishing is what you wanted all along.

“The publishing industry wouldn’t know a good book if it smacked them in the head.”

Whether or not this statement is true isn’t the point. It makes you look arrogant and delusional. It also makes you sound like a sore loser.

“I don’t want to give royalties to an agent or publisher.”

This just makes you sound money grubbing. People want to support artists who love their art, not ones out to make a quick buck.

“I don’t need an agent, editor, cover artist, [fill in the blank].”

Again, even if this is true, it just makes you sound arrogant. Everybody needs help of some kind to make their book a reality.

“I can sell more and get rich on my own.”

The odds of this happening are infinitesimally small. Around 50% of self-published authors (including those with multiple books released) make less than $500 in royalties per year. So this statement makes you look both delusional and arrogant.

So What Should You Say?

Whatever you say, keep it humble and sincere. Focus on your passion for what you do. Try to get people excited that you’re following your dreams.

Here are some examples:

“Publishing is something that I’ve always wanted to do so I’m making my dream come true.”

“I just want to tell my stories. For me, it’s not about all the bells and whistles of traditional publication.”

“I love writing and I wanted to share my passion with the world.”

Whatever you say, just remember to avoid sounding critical or judgmental towards traditional publishing. It won’t prove any points you have about the industry, but it will make you look petty and arrogant.

Need help with your self-published book? Or need help landing an agent or publisher? I’m a professional developmental editor for both self publishing and traditionally publishing authors. Check out my editing services.

How to Write and Edit a Novel: The Ultimate Guide

February 14, 2013October 9, 20132 Comments

Have you always wanted to know how to write a novel? Well apparently, 81% of Americans believe they have a book in them! But how do you write one? More specifically, how do you write a good one? Here’s my ultimate guide on how to write a novel.

The Writeditor’s Ultimate Guide on How to Write a Novel

Step #1: Create a Plot

First, make sure what you have is actually a plot and not a premise. A premise is the concept behind a book (aliens have taken over the world). A plot is the conflict or obstacle the characters must face (John must stop the aliens from assassinating the president).

A plot must also have a risk. If the character fails, something bad will happen (the aliens will become president and control the human race).

Step #2: Create Characters

Your characters should have strong personalities and identifiable differences between them. If everyone talks and acts the same, you’re in trouble.

Furthermore, characters must have something they want, a desire. The climax for the character is either achieving that desire or failing.

Watch this video and learn eight steps to writing unique characters.

Step #3: Choose a Point of View

This is where a lot of would-be authors fail right off the bat. You need to not only understand the differences between the types of point of view, but you also need to make a conscious decision to choose one!

If you can’t name which point of view you’re using for your novel, you’re in serious trouble.

Step #3: Write the First Draft

Sit down and don’t worry about your inner editor, just bang out the first draft. Try to include all of the elements and plot points you want in the final novel. Don’t worry too much about voice, consistency, or cohesion, you can fix that later.

If you like outlines, create one before this step. Outlining or not outlining is a matter of preference.

Step #4: The First Edit

The first edit should focus on the big picture: which chapters/scenes should stay and which ones should be cut (learn how to spot bad chapters here). Each chapter/scene should have a conflict and should push the story forward. If it’s not doing either of those things, it needs to be cut.

You may find it helpful to use flashcards (physical or digital) to map out each chapter or scene. Reorder them as necessary for clarity and to increase tension.

Step #5: The Second Edit

Now you should take a step closer to your novel and look for inconsistencies and issues with cohesion. Is your character blonde in one chapter, then brunette in the next? Does a character’s quirk disappear in chapter eight?

And here’s a big one: are you breaking your own rules? This is particularly relevant in SciFi and Fantasy. If you created a rule for your world (only wizards can use wands), then in chapter fifteen you break that rule (a squirrel uses a wand to create an endless supply of acorns), you need to fix that.

Step #6: The Third Edit

This is where you need to put each sentence under a magnifying glass. Ask yourself: does this sentence sound good? Could it be worded clearer or more smoothly? Is this the best way to get this concept across? Is it in the character’s voice? Is it needed? Is it repetitive?

Step #7: Get a Second (or third, or fourth) Opinion

Now that your book is the best you can make it, you need to get the opinion of another person. Depending on many factors, this could be a writing group, one or more beta readers, or a freelance editor.

Your mom, brother, husband, friend, child’s opinion does not matter. They are too close to you to tell you the truth. They also don’t know what the heck they’re talking about (some beta readers might not either, so be careful with who you choose).

Step #8: Final Edit (maybe)

Take the notes and comments given to you by your beta readers or freelance editor and integrate them into your novel. But don’t forget that this is your baby. If you don’t want to make a certain change (because you don’t believe in it, not because you’re lazy), then don’t change it.

And Finally (you’re going to hate this)

Just because you followed all of the steps above, that doesn’t mean your novel is publishable.

Some people have a natural writing style that is relatively error free. They don’t even know what the writing mistakes are, but somehow they just naturally avoid them (feel free to pout about this, it’s totally unfair). And there are other writers who will make nearly every writing mistake in the book no matter how many times they revise.

What to Do

The best way to improve your writing at this point, is to learn what mistakes you are making. This can be done by going to writing classes, getting more beta readers, stalking writing forums, reading writing advice articles and videos, etc.

But in my totally biased opinion, the best way to learn your mistakes is to work with a freelance editor who will painstakingly explain every teeny-tiny thing you’ve done wrong. Yes, it’s an investment, but I guarantee that it is the fastest and easiest way to improve your writing (my wonderful clients have told me so).

If you’d like to hire me as your freelance editor, check out my editing services.

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Why Dreams Make Great Writing Prompts

February 13, 2013October 9, 20133 Comments

Every writer experiences writer’s block. But there’s an easy, all-natural solution! Use your dreams as inspiration. If you have trouble remembering your dreams, start a dream journal and write down anything you can remember, no matter how small. Over time your brain will learn to remember your dreams (this really works).

Here’s how using your dreams as writing prompts can benefit your writing:

Uninhibited Ideas

When you’re asleep, your mind is relaxed. Ideas flow freely without worrying about your inner editor. Your imagination takes you to unbelievable places and crafts plots so unique and bizarre that you’d never come up with them in your waking life.

Drawing Connections

Dreams can be chaotic. They can jump around, blend genres, and take you on an emotional roller coaster ride. Taking the disjointed elements of a dream and drawing a strong, solid connection between them (to create a cohesive narrative) can really put your writing chops to the test.

Symbolism

Great novels have subtle symbolism that affects the reader in ways they may not even realize. Most people’s dreams naturally contain interesting and complex symbolism that can give your story that extra special something. Check out Dream Moods if you want to learn more about dream symbols.

When using a dream as a writing prompt, don’t feel obligated to stick exactly to what happened. Expand the dream, change it where needed, use it as a jumping off point for your creativity. The best part about using dreams as writing prompts? You can manufacture a new one every night!

Need more writing tips? Follow me here or on Twitter.

Need a freelance editor? Check out my editing services.

Writers, Stop Repeating Yourselves!

February 8, 2013October 9, 20132 Comments

You know that feeling when someone is telling you something they’ve already told you? It makes your palms sweat and fingers twitch. It takes all the self control you possess to not scream in their face, “You told me this already! I know, I know, shut up!” (maybe that’s just me?)

A lot of writers create this irritation in their readers without even knowing it.

This repetition takes many forms:

Repeated Emotions/Motivations

This is when a character feels a certain way about something and we hear about it over and over and over. Often it’s related to the character’s motivation or what they’re trying to accomplish.

For example, maybe a character really wants a boyfriend. That’s all fine and good, but if the narration of every single scene features something along the lines of “She wished she had a boyfriend,” it gets very old, very quickly. Establish motivation early on, then let it go. Readers can remember your character’s motivation without constant reminders.

Scenes with the Same Purpose

Say you want to show that Abby has a crush on Bill. You write a scene where Abby watches him from the back of the classroom. Okay, no problem, that introduces her motivation, it pushes the story forward. But then you write another scene, where she doodles his name in her notebook. Okay, we get it, she likes him. Then you write another scene in which Abby writes him a love letter that she doesn’t send. Alright already! We get it! She likes him!

There would be nothing wrong with these scenes IF something else happened in them (she writes a love letter and gets caught; she doodles his name in her notebook and loses it). A scene must have conflict and must move the plot forward. You can’t use scene after scene just to establish character motivation. You can test whether a scene is repetitive/redundant by taking it out of your story – does the story still make sense? If so, cut it out! It’s useless! I wrote more about this here.

Sentences with the Same Meaning

Nearly every writer does this, and it is much harder to catch in your own work than in others. This is when two sentences appear relatively close together (within a page or two, but often they’re back to back) that carry the exact same meaning. For example:

The couch was dark red. She dropped into it with a sigh. It was the color of blood.

See how the first and third sentences are saying the exact same thing?

Writers should avoid repetition at all costs! It makes the story grow stale and it can irritate readers (even if they don’t know why they feel irritated).

Need more editing help? Check out my freelance novel editing services.

Make Sure the Dialog in Your Novel Makes Sense!

February 8, 2013October 9, 2013Leave a comment

Writers often create conversations between their characters that don’t make sense. Usually this is because dialog tags and narration create so much space between what one character says and what another character responds with that it’s easy to forget what the conversation was about in the first place. This most often happens with questions. For example:

“When do you want to eat?” Oscar asked, running his hands through his hair. He seemed distracted, probably wondering if I still wanted to eat at our usual restaurant after everything that had happened.

“Let’s eat at the burger joint,” I said.

At first read through, you may not notice that her response doesn’t answer Oscar’s question. Sure she might have some motivation for not answering it, but in this conversation, that doesn’t seem to be the case. And if that is the case, it’s the author’s responsibility to make that clear.

I see an issue like this one in just about every single novel I edit. You can solve this problem easily by reading through your dialog without tags or narration. Read it like a normal, natural conversation (this is also useful for creating good flow).

“When do you want to eat?”

“Let’s eat at the burger joint.”

Now it’s easy to see that her response doesn’t make sense.

Need more writing tips? Follow me here or on Twitter.

Need a freelance editor? Check out my editing services.

Stop Using “-ing” Verbs in Your Novel

February 5, 2013October 9, 20138 Comments

Want to add instantaneous strength to your novel? Cut out verbs ending in “ing.” These verbs weaken your writing and reduce the reader’s perception of immediacy. So avoiding these verbs can increase tension and improve flow.

Consider the following sentences:

He was walking to the park.

I was dancing on stage.

She is staring at me.

Now check out these replacement sentences:

He walked to the park.

I danced on stage.

She stares at me.

See how much more direct and powerful these sentences are? And of course, this has a cumulative effect. The more “-ing” verbs you cut out, the stronger your writing will seem. Consider this paragraph:

Abigail was walking along the bike trail. There was a boy riding his bike. He was smiling up at her as she passed. She started wondering what the boy was so happy about.

Now consider the alternative:

Abigail walked along the bike trail. A boy rode his bike and smiled as he passed her. She wondered what the boy was so happy about.

Need more writing tips? Follow me here or on Twitter. Need more help with your book? Check out my editing services.

Leave Hands Out of Your Novel…No, Really

February 1, 2013October 9, 20132 Comments

Unless your characters’ hands are doing something that hands don’t normally do, leave the word out of your writing. What am I referring to? Consider the following phrases:

She grabbed the cup with her hand.
She gripped her chair with her hands.
He wiggled the fingers on his hand.
He rubbed his eyes with his hands.

The word “hand(s)” is not needed in any of these examples. Nobody is going to think your character rubbed their eyes with their feet or gripped the chair with their butt. So save words, space, and redundancy by leaving hands out of your writing. See how much stronger and simpler these sentences are without hands?

She grabbed the cup.
She gripped her chair.
He wiggled his fingers.
He rubbed his eyes.

Want more writing tips? Follow me here or on Twitter. And if you need major help, I’m a full-time freelance book editor.

How to Write a Great Middle Grade Novel

February 1, 2013October 9, 2013Leave a comment

Middle grade readers are in the “golden age of reading.” But that doesn’t mean they’re easy to write for. In this video, I outline the elements necessary in creating a great middle grade novel.

Above everything else, remember not to write down to kids. They are much smarter than you probably give them credit for. And if you’re interested in writing a children’s novel because you think it’ll be easier to write and publish than an adult novel, you are sorely mistaken. Middle grade novels are one of the toughest sells in the current market.

Need a freelance novel editor? Check out my editing services.

Ellen Brock

Novel Editor | YouTuber

Tag: novel