Literary Fiction: Debut literary novels often fall between 80,000 and 100,000 words. These books typically focus on character development, storytelling, and exploration of themes.
Genre Fiction: Genre fiction, such as fantasy, science fiction, or romance, can vary more widely in length. Epic fantasies and sweeping historical novels may exceed 120,000 words, while contemporary romances may be closer to 50,000-60,000 words.
Nonfiction: The length of nonfiction books also depends on the subject matter. Memoirs and personal essays may range from 60,000 to 80,000 words, while comprehensive nonfiction works about historical events or scientific topics may be even longer.
It's worth noting that these are general guidelines, and there are always exceptions. Ultimately, the length of a debut book should be determined by the author's vision and the requirements of the story they want to tell. A well-written book will captivate readers regardless of its length.
Additionally, it's worth considering the target audience for the debut book. If the book is intended for a general audience, it's advisable to stay within the broader range of word counts mentioned above. However, if the book is aimed at a niche or specialized audience, it may be more appropriate to adjust the length accordingly.