1. Francis de Aguilar

    Francis de Aguilar Contributor Contributor

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    Word count for Crime

    Discussion in 'Traditional Publishing' started by Francis de Aguilar, Mar 3, 2021.

    I have a complete Crime novel at 56k this is just the way the story unfolded. I fear if I push it to the recommended 80k+ it will lose its punch. However, I want to query this book. Is it a waste of time to query a 56k Crime novel?
     
  2. More

    More Active Member

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    Crime novels fall into the more general category of suspense. Most suspense novels are in the 75 to 100k word count, for the reasons you have pointed out. I don't believe your novel is too short to submit. It just needs to be good.
     
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  3. Bruce Johnson

    Bruce Johnson Contributor Contributor Contest Winner 2023

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    It seemed like your novel had a decent number of characters. Are there any lacking in development? This may not be a crime novel's strong suit but may be a way to lengthen it a bit, maybe add a chapter or two with several scenes (relevant to the plot) that would push it above 60k. Of course doing it in a way that doesn't seemed forced or ruin the suspense may be a challenge and may do more harm than good.
     
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  4. big soft moose

    big soft moose An Admoostrator Admin Staff Supporter Contributor Community Volunteer

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    Peter Turnbull's P Division series (published iirc by penguin) are all in the 60k ish area... 56 might be a bit short but its certainly doable... its better to have a taut well plotted 56k words than an 80k standard where 24k is clearly filler
     
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  5. Francis de Aguilar

    Francis de Aguilar Contributor Contributor

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    Encouraging. I am exploring ways to add to the word count. I am reluctant though.
     

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