Dec
It’s Just A Number…
No not your age but your word count on your work in progress.
Does this number REALLY matter?? Yes it does. Sorta.
Not exactly while your writing it. After typing that last word, you might want to take a look and see what your finishing word count is. The reason this number is important is because some publishers might not be looking for that 200,000 word manuscript. And some other publishers might not want that skinny 60,000 (but don’t rush too hard to add the fat to this, a short story can be a good thing).
One small trick is to think of who your dream publisher is. See what their guidelines are and try to add a few thousand extra (editing can chop those off). Plus, they might not have a huge hissy fit if you go over their guidelines just a tad. If you have an agent, they can help you figure out your targeted word count.
But before you start to worry about all that , remember the story comes first. If you begin to worry too much about the word count, you might include or exclude some great details or just add junk. Junk is something we all want to avoid with a huge YIKES.
Personally, I’m just over 70,000 words. For some publishers I’m only half way but my target is around 80,000 in a historical/paranormal group. Depending on which publisher I submit to, this is perfect, but others might wish it had more. I’m hoping to attain an agent to help me with this decision.
So now that we have taken a glance at word count, now we have the question, “Do you keep up with your word count?”. If so, where are you at?
For me, I do it more out of curiosity, and yes bragging writes than actual guidelines.
Right now my word count is 41, 342 words. Holy cow, that’s a lot!
Like Haven, I am going to not worry about the word count, and you’re absolutely right, the story comes first! And the characters, of course!
So I always say “Write for yourself, and not for the critiques.” I hold these words to heart.
When I have a finished MS, (I’m taking Jenna’s course about agents starting next week, I’m excited!) than hopefully I’ll have an inkling of where to go, what to do next!
Michelle
December 30th, 2005 at 2:08 amAhhhh, I don’t know my word count yet. But I’m afraid is not as high as both of you ladies. For me the most important thing is writing my story, to hammer out my plot THEN I’ll worry about the word count. I did format my doc so each page (not including first and last that is) has exactly 25 double spaced lines. I’m using a dark courier font, size 12, that gives me roughly 10 words per line which would equal 250 words per page. I believe (correct me if I’m wrong please) that the formula I’m using is “standard” format.
Haven, once again you bring up an important point. Do we want to write with a publisher(s) in mind? Or do we write our story, finish it and then find publishers. I’ve done little research on this topic but I do know publishers set guidelines, so what do to then? Another thing, you may one to target favorite authors’ publishers. Just a though. Good blog, Haven
December 30th, 2005 at 8:49 pm~Isabel
Yup your have it right but you can also use Times New Roman. It just depends on your personal taste. I personally go with Courier New(found one some newer programs instead of Courier).
I’ve heard that its good to kinda shop around with different publishers and their guidelines mostly to get an idea of what they are looking for.
One author told me once that you should follow your heart and write what you want, then find the publisher to fit you. I think this is good advice but it never hurts to have some idea what publishers are wanting.
December 31st, 2005 at 1:16 am