Saltydoghayden

I am 17 years old and am just nearing the end of my first novel.

I have been working on the book for the last 3 months and as it is, the book is currently 51 thousand words or so and as a childrens/teen novel, I was wondering if people thought that would be too much.

thnks.

Malaika

hmm... no I don't think so. That would make it, what... 100 pages?

A4 pages... Which would mean prolly 350 or so book-size pages... Yeah, thats a good length. If you go to a publisher, they edit it anyway, so if there is anything that shouldn't be there, they'll cut it out.

__________________
If it be life to wear within myself, this barrenness of spirit, and to be my own soul's sepulchre. For I have ceased to justify my deeds unto myself - the last infirmity of evil.
-George Gordon, Lord Byron

Talia_Brie

That's probably too short in my opinion, even for young adults.

But I write long stories (my first book was 215,000 words, that's after a savage edit).

__________________

mammamaia

it depends entirely on the age range of your target market... you say 'children's/teen' which is a wide range... what ages is your book intended for?

50k is really only about 200 book pages [average is 250 words per page in a standard hardcover format], which may not be too short for younger pre-teens... and it also depends on what kind of story it is...

the best way for you to find out what the average size is for your book, is to go to a book store and see what's on the shelves similar to yours in genre and for the same ages... check the page total and list the publishers of all that 'match' and you'll have targets for your queries...

best of luck...

love and hugs, maia

ps: there's a good info website for childrens book writers... you can find it on absolute write's water cooler forum, on the children's writing board...

__________________
For 100% free writing help/mentoring:
www.saysmom.com

"You must BE the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

demonic_harmonic

no. kids and young adults will read the entire thing and enjoy it if its really good. dont worry, getting the story out is more important that word count.

pharseer

Look at the Harry Potter books. They're as long or longer than any book targeted specifically to adults. Whereas books by authors like John Bellairs or Madeleine L'Engle are about the length of your novel. It's all situational.

__________________
That which could hunger, could starve. - Octavia Butler

blademasterzzz

I really think it depends on the story.. if it is good, no one will care how long/short the book is.

Maybe I'm a bit idealistic

Kimberly Bird

Hi Salty, every publisher out there has their specific word count that they allow. When you request their guidelines, it will state the word count. You can find many of these publishers on-line, and their guidelines should be there to read. If this is teen fiction, I would think 51 thousand words would be okay, but investigate it yourself so you know for sure. The Writer's Market 2004 should be all that you need.

Best of luck
Kimberly

__________________
There are two types of wisdom in this world; one is seeking and loud, the other is silent and true. (Chief Dan George)

Saje

This is from www.orcabook.com a Canadian publisher.

"Teen or Young Adult Fiction:


Issue-oriented contemporary stories exploring a universal theme, with a compelling, unified plot and strong, sympathetic protagonist(s).

Well-researched stories dealing with, or taking their inspiration from, historical subjects, but not thinly disguised history lessons.



Teen fiction manuscripts range up to 50,000 words. Queries regarding teen or young adult fiction should be sent to the attention of Teen Fiction Editor."

So it sounds like you are about right. For them anyway.