target word count for literary novel

There's no fixed number. However, many literary novels range from 80,000 to 120,000 words. This allows for a rich exploration of characters, themes, and plots without becoming overly cumbersome.

Consider your pacing. A fast - paced literary novel might be shorter, around 70 - 90k. A slower, more detailed one could be 120k or more. Also, think about the market trends. Publishers might prefer certain lengths for new authors.

The average word count for a literary novel can vary quite a bit, but generally it is around 80,000 to 100,000 words. However, some literary novels can be shorter, around 50,000 words, especially if they are more experimental or minimalist in style. And there are also those that are much longer, exceeding 150,000 words.

There is no strict universal minimum word count for a literary novel. However, generally, it could be around 40,000 words. But some very short novels can be as few as 20,000 words and still be considered literary works.

Word count is important as it can affect the marketability of a literary novel. Publishers often have specific requirements regarding word count for different genres. For example, a short novella might have a different target word count compared to a full - length novel.

If you are using a text editor like Notepad++, although it doesn't have a built - in word count feature by default, you can install plugins that can perform word count. For a literary novel, this can be a bit more technical but still a valid option if you prefer this type of editor.

The plot complexity is a big factor. A complex plot with multiple sub - plots and characters may need more words to be fully developed. Also, the writing style matters. A more descriptive and detailed style will result in a higher word count compared to a minimalist style. The genre within literary fiction can also play a role. For example, a historical literary fiction might need more words to set the historical context.

Well, there's no fixed number for the average word count in literary fiction. Novellas, which are a type of literary fiction, usually range from 20,000 - 50,000 words. Full - length novels in literary fiction often fall between 70,000 - 120,000 words, but it really depends on the story, the author's style, and the publisher's requirements.

You can use word processing software like Microsoft Word. Open the literary fiction document in Word, and usually, the word count is shown at the bottom left corner of the window. Another way is to copy the text and paste it into an online word count tool.

In literary fiction, word count matters for various reasons. It can affect the pacing of the story. A shorter word count might lead to a more fast - paced, concise story, while a longer one can allow for more in - depth exploration of characters and themes. Also, it helps in categorizing the work. Novellas, for instance, have a different word count range compared to novels, and this distinction is important in the literary market.