Is 130,000 Words Too Long for a Book? Here’s What You Need to Know

Understanding Book Lengths: What’s "Normal"?

Well, first things first: 130,000 words might sound like a lot, right? You might even be thinking, "Is this even a reasonable length for a book?" Honestly, I’ve had the same thought when I was working on my first novel. It was around that length, and I kept wondering if I was pushing it too far.

The truth is, the answer depends on what kind of book you're writing and who your audience is. You see, the length of a book is like the size of a pizza. Some people want a big, deep-dish experience, while others prefer a quick, thin crust. It’s all about context.

In fiction, for example, genres like epic fantasy, historical fiction, and sci-fi can go longer than the typical range. But, if you’re writing a short romance or a cozy mystery, 130,000 words might feel a bit too hefty.

What’s the Average Book Length?

Actually, I’ve seen a lot of debates about the ideal book length. And honestly? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But, here are some general guidelines I’ve found:

• Novels: Typically between 70,000 and 100,000 words.
• Epic or High Fantasy: 100,000 to 150,000 words or more.
• Science Fiction: Usually around 90,000 to 120,000 words.
• Historical Fiction: Often pushes toward 100,000+ words.

So, if you’re sitting at 130,000 words, you’re definitely in the ballpark for genres like fantasy or historical fiction. But, what about for general fiction? Well, you might be pushing the boundaries, especially if you’re self-publishing or looking to get picked up by a traditional publisher.

What’s Considered "Too Long"?

Here’s where things get tricky. In my experience, a book feels too long when it doesn’t justify its word count. I mean, I’ve read books that were 400 pages, but it felt like the story could’ve been told in 250. On the flip side, I’ve picked up books around 130,000 words that kept me hooked the entire time (looking at you, The Name of the Wind).

If your book is a sprawling epic with multiple storylines and rich world-building (think Game of Thrones), then 130,000 words might be exactly what it needs. However, if you’re writing a character-driven story, you may want to tighten things up a bit.

How to Decide if 130,000 Words is Right for Your Book

So, how do you figure out if 130,000 words is the right length? Well, here are a few things to think about:

1. Genre Matters: Some genres demand more words. If you're writing fantasy or science fiction, a longer word count is often expected. But for genres like mystery or romance, it’s better to stay on the shorter side.

2. Pacing: Are you keeping the pace tight? Sometimes, authors stretch out a story unnecessarily. If your plot lags in certain sections, it might be worth cutting. I had this issue myself with my first draft—I had a 120,000-word draft and, after some editing, trimmed it down to a more concise 100,000 words.

3. Reader Expectations: Let’s be real—if you’re self-publishing, you might have a little more freedom. But traditional publishers often have strict guidelines. Readers of certain genres expect a certain length. If your book’s too long, it might overwhelm them, especially if it’s a genre that traditionally has shorter books.

The Pros and Cons of Writing a 130,000-Word Book

Now, let’s break down the pros and cons of writing such a hefty book. Honestly, after working on a couple of large projects, I’ve come to realize it’s a bit of a double-edged sword.

Pros of Writing a Longer Book

• More Room for Storytelling: The more words you have, the more room you have for depth. You can develop complex characters, multiple subplots, and detailed world-building. If you’ve got a big, epic story to tell, this length might work perfectly.

• Fulfilling for the Reader: A longer book can give readers that feeling of a complete, immersive experience. I know for myself, when I dive into a 130,000-word book and it’s well-paced, it feels like I’ve really lived with the characters and the story.

Cons of Writing a Longer Book

• Harder to Edit: Longer books take longer to edit. Trust me, I learned this the hard way. After finishing my first 120,000-word draft, I realized a lot of the details were redundant. Cutting those unnecessary sections took a lot of time—and I wasn’t happy with my first edit.

• Publisher Reluctance: If you’re trying to land a traditional publisher, they might not be thrilled with a debut novel that’s over 100,000 words. Unless you’re a seasoned author, you might face some resistance. In fact, I once had an agent tell me to reduce the word count by at least 10,000 before they’d even consider it.

What Should You Do If You Have a 130,000-Word Manuscript?

Well, don’t panic. If you’ve written 130,000 words and you’re unsure about it, the best thing to do is to step back and evaluate. Honestly, some of the most successful books out there are long—but they earned every word.

1. Revisit the Pacing: Is there any section of your book that drags? Can you cut it down without losing vital information? Go through your manuscript with a fine-tooth comb.

2. Consider Your Genre: Is your book in a genre that justifies a longer length? If you’re writing fantasy or historical fiction, a longer book might be expected. If it’s literary fiction, consider trimming it down a little.

3. Get Feedback: Sometimes, you need a fresh set of eyes. Ask beta readers or critique partners to give you feedback on the pacing and length. A second opinion can be invaluable.

Final Thoughts: Is 130,000 Words Too Much?

Honestly, it depends. If your book needs that many words to tell the story properly, go for it. But if it feels bloated or unnecessary, don’t be afraid to trim down. Writing a book is an emotional journey, and sometimes you need to step back, look at it from a different perspective, and ask yourself: “Does every word serve the story?” If not, it might be time for some edits.

You’ve got this!

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