But, despite several edits, my WIP is sitting complete at 129,000 words. Is this a problem? I am inclined to think it might be, but then I look at examples like, say, Brandon Snaderson whose first novel "Elantris" is 190,000 words. How the heck did that monster get published? I mean it's a great story and all... but 190,000 words. That is a pill many agents and publishers won't swallow. Will they?
For a 6% premium over an arbitrary word count limit, any agent would take a project if the writing is good enough and the story is strong. Don't get hung up on artifical barriers. If your agent-to-be thought that some changes or reductions would be worked in, they'd likely work with you to make those changes.
Jayson Merryfield
Some answers, maybe, in interviews here:
http://www.sffworld.com/interview/169p0.html
http://www.wotmania.net/fantasymessageboardshowmessage.asp?MessageID=142431
Some interesting points:
He deliberately set about learning the craft. "Elantris" was his sixth book.
"Elantris" was designed as a single standalone book not the first of a series.
He believes in internet marketing and uses his blog to try out ideas on potential readers.
He avoided writing a "me too" book and tries to find novel or unique ideas--so no dwarves or elves.
And he lists OSC as one of just a few authors who make him "shake his head in admiration" for his (OSC's) ability to plot.
Hope this helps,
Pat
[This message has been edited by TaleSpinner (edited July 03, 2008).]
Sorry, I just get irritated at the concept that the race of the characters is what makes a plot original or not. In fact, I would debate that "originality" in plotting is of any great significance. But that's a debate for another thread. I'm being difficult again. *grins*
[This message has been edited by JeanneT (edited July 03, 2008).]
Do any markets actually sit down and count the words before they buy or reject? Seems to me if a novel misses by, oh, five to ten thousand words either way, it could be dealt with in editing---padded up, or cut down---that is, if the word length needs to be exact. (I gather the abovementioned "seventy thousand words" was to fit a specific number of book pages when they went to press. It may be easier today.)