A Long One
Last week's post just blew right past me. I had a couple ideas in mind to talk about but failed to settle on one thing. The D&D and board games consumed my weekend. That gets us to here. Seeing as how there's a good chance my brain turns off over the holiday, I figured it might be a good idea to make a longer post. Combine what I missed last week with what I planned for this week into one mega block of text.
As it so happens, length is one of the things on my mind. Most of the replies I get from agents regarding Shikaree are form letters. A vague no with best wishes for my endeavors. One of the most recent replies, however, broke the mold. They cited their reason for passing on my work was its length. That something as long as Shikaree would be too difficult to market.
This prompted me to do some research. Digging around various outlets gave me the impression that most YA books clock in between 50k and 70k words. Possibly up to 90k with fantasy. Shikaree comes in right around... 138k. Almost double the base ceiling for YA. Still too much despite Shikaree being a fantasy work. It's gotten me to wondering just how many folks decided to pass on Shikaree because of its length and simply never specified.
The folks at the agency in question were kind enough to respond to a follow-up query from me. I was curious if they would be open to representing the Shikaree split across two books. This was off the table. Unless the work was overhauled into a duology, their decision would stand. An unfortunate outcome, but I cannot stress how thankful I was for their honesty and kindness.
On a happier note, I've started writing the next story! Another task complete roundabouts when I promised to do so. I think I deserve a gold star, but I digress. This will be the sixth entry (out of a planned seven) in the series.
This comes as a massive breath of fresh air. Working through queries and wading through rejections is a tax on my mind. The ability to dive into something else and create fresh chapters is the best counterbalance. A generative task in one hand and a neutral task in the other.
I'm not terribly far along, of course. Part way through the first chapter. Still, I can tell that I'm going to enjoy this protagonist and their story. The start is a touch more whimsical than I'm used to. Given the last few stories I've produced, this is another breath of relaxation. I can take a moment to let characters be happy. It won't stay peaceful, of course, but that makes the honeymoon period no less sweet.
That'll be all for this brick of text. I'll do my best to resume my normal-ish schedule next week. Happy holidays to those who celebrate, and a wonderful week to everyone else regardless.
Toodles.
As it so happens, length is one of the things on my mind. Most of the replies I get from agents regarding Shikaree are form letters. A vague no with best wishes for my endeavors. One of the most recent replies, however, broke the mold. They cited their reason for passing on my work was its length. That something as long as Shikaree would be too difficult to market.
This prompted me to do some research. Digging around various outlets gave me the impression that most YA books clock in between 50k and 70k words. Possibly up to 90k with fantasy. Shikaree comes in right around... 138k. Almost double the base ceiling for YA. Still too much despite Shikaree being a fantasy work. It's gotten me to wondering just how many folks decided to pass on Shikaree because of its length and simply never specified.
The folks at the agency in question were kind enough to respond to a follow-up query from me. I was curious if they would be open to representing the Shikaree split across two books. This was off the table. Unless the work was overhauled into a duology, their decision would stand. An unfortunate outcome, but I cannot stress how thankful I was for their honesty and kindness.
On a happier note, I've started writing the next story! Another task complete roundabouts when I promised to do so. I think I deserve a gold star, but I digress. This will be the sixth entry (out of a planned seven) in the series.
This comes as a massive breath of fresh air. Working through queries and wading through rejections is a tax on my mind. The ability to dive into something else and create fresh chapters is the best counterbalance. A generative task in one hand and a neutral task in the other.
I'm not terribly far along, of course. Part way through the first chapter. Still, I can tell that I'm going to enjoy this protagonist and their story. The start is a touch more whimsical than I'm used to. Given the last few stories I've produced, this is another breath of relaxation. I can take a moment to let characters be happy. It won't stay peaceful, of course, but that makes the honeymoon period no less sweet.
That'll be all for this brick of text. I'll do my best to resume my normal-ish schedule next week. Happy holidays to those who celebrate, and a wonderful week to everyone else regardless.
Toodles.
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