Intriguing post over at 100 Scope Notes today.
Be sure to read the comments, too. There were 36 at my last count!
Truly, it's not only about PAGE COUNT as far as heft (or lack thereof) goes.
My first novel was 196 pages, not counting the Author Note, etc. But the new book might be a tad longer--not much!-- AND the font's smaller. So there's that.
But Travis Jonker has a point over there on his blog. I love shorter middle-grade novels. 192 works for me!
Click right here and check it out:
http://100scopenotes.com/2014/07/15/all-middle-grade-should-be-192-pages-no-exceptions/
Plus, it's a fun topic to think about. And he's a funny guy.
"What if a story is longer, you say? Either it gets edited down, or slap a #1 on the spine because that sucker’s becoming a series. Shorter? Beef that puppy up."
I tend to write long-er then normal MG, but Scholastic also uses a large font so it's very accessible and fast to read even for 2nd and 3rd graders. It *is* a thick book though - as far as size and weight! :-)
ReplyDeleteI find the discussion about page length, typefaces, etc. endlessly fascinating. I guess a book is as long as it needs to be, with the help of a good editor! I certainly cut a lot out of my early drafts.
ReplyDeleteOr as a friend noted once about her book: I tend to go on and on about food.
(a fellow Southerner, obviously)
:)