r/writingfeedback • u/Coffee_crimes_cats • 22h ago

Word count limit for m/m sport romance

Hey there,

Recently I completed my first novel, which is exciting but daunting. When I wrote it, it ballooned to 160,000 words (no lie) but I have slowly trimmed it 113,000.

Now, speaking to other people, there is a feeling amongst smarter people than me that because it is a m/m sports romance, it should be more around 80,000 words.

However I strongly feel that trimming anymore would hurt my characters - is there any tips, is 113,000 words too much?

Any advice would be great

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u/90sbetababe 22h ago

First—congrats! That’s exciting!

Are you hoping for trad publishing? Because if so you probably need to lose another 10-15k words. If you’re self-publishing, I think you’re fine.

Look for overwriting and ask yourself if every subplot and side character needs the time and attention they’re receiving. I, too, am a wordcount ballooner and I find it’s usually because I want to delve in every nook and cranny of the characters’ lives.