Yes, generally, 200,000 words is considered significantly too long for a typical novel, especially for debut authors seeking traditional publication. While there are exceptions, this length often presents challenges in publishing, marketing, and reader engagement.
Understanding Average Novel Word Counts
To put 200,000 words into perspective, it's helpful to look at the average word counts for various types of fiction. Most publishing houses and agents prefer manuscripts that fall within a certain range, as this often correlates with marketability, production costs, and reader expectations.
| Fiction Type | Average Word Count Range |
|---|---|
| Adult Fiction | 70,000 – 120,000 words |
| Young Adult (YA) | 50,000 – 70,000 words |
| Middle Grade | 30,000 – 50,000 words |
| Children's Books | Varies widely, generally much shorter than MG |
Source: Adapted from Jericho Writers' insights on novel word counts.
As you can see, 200,000 words far exceeds the average for even adult fiction, which typically tops out around 120,000 words. This makes a 200,000-word manuscript an outlier.
Why Length Matters in Publishing
The length of a novel isn't just an arbitrary number; it impacts several aspects of the publishing process and the book's reception:
- Production Costs: Longer books mean more pages, which translates to higher printing costs for publishers. This increases the financial risk associated with a new author.
- Marketability: Retailers often have limited shelf space, and a very long book might be perceived as a more significant commitment for readers, potentially deterring impulse buys.
- Pacing and Story Structure: A lengthy manuscript can sometimes indicate pacing issues, where the story might drag, or there's unnecessary exposition or subplots. Maintaining reader engagement over 200,000 words requires exceptional skill.
- Editing Complexity: More words mean more time and effort for editors, which adds to the overall cost of bringing a book to market.
- Reader Engagement: While some readers enjoy epic tales, many prefer novels that can be read in a reasonable timeframe. A daunting page count can intimidate potential readers.
Exceptions to the Rule
While 200,000 words is generally too long, there are specific genres and circumstances where such a length might be more acceptable:
- Epic Fantasy and Science Fiction: These genres often involve complex world-building, intricate plotlines, and large casts of characters, which can necessitate longer word counts. Established authors in these genres sometimes publish books exceeding 200,000 words.
- Literary Fiction: Certain literary novels, especially those with sprawling narratives or deep philosophical explorations, may warrant a longer length.
- Established Authors: Authors with a proven track record and a dedicated fanbase have more leeway with word count, as publishers are more willing to invest in their known success.
It's crucial to note that even in these cases, the length must be justified by the story. Every word should serve a purpose and advance the narrative.
What to Do If Your Manuscript is 200,000 Words
If you've written a novel of this length, consider these strategies:
- Rigorous Self-Editing: This is the most crucial step. Go through your manuscript with a critical eye, looking for:
- Redundant scenes or dialogue.
- Unnecessary descriptions or tangents.
- Subplots that don't significantly contribute to the main narrative.
- Scenes that could be condensed or cut entirely.
- Wordy sentences or passive voice.
- Seek Beta Reader Feedback: Get opinions from trusted readers who can provide honest feedback on pacing and where the story might drag.
- Consider a Series: Is your single 200,000-word novel actually two or even three novels? Many epic stories are naturally split into a series. This can be a strategic move for marketability and allows for deeper exploration of the world and characters over multiple books.
- Professional Editorial Review: A professional editor can offer invaluable insights into where cuts can be made without sacrificing the integrity of the story.
Ultimately, while challenging, a 200,000-word novel isn't impossible to publish. However, it requires a compelling story, exceptional writing, and often a strategic approach to either trim the manuscript significantly or structure it as a multi-book series. For more detailed information on novel word counts and their implications, you can refer to resources like Jericho Writers.
