Querying Resource
Word Count Guide
When you’re querying, it’s important to know the best word count ranges for each age category and genre you’re writing for.
Recommended word counts by category
Picture Books
300 – 1,000 words
This can vary greatly, however.
Middle Grade
40,000 – 60,000 words
Upper Middle Grade
50,000 – 75,000 words
Fantasy / Sci-Fi Middle Grade
Up to 80,000 words
Young Adult
40,000 – 95,000 words
Sweet spot: 55,000 – 80,000 words
Young Adult Fantasy / Sci-Fi
50,000 – 140,000 words
Sweet spot: 65,000 – 90,000 words
Adult
Usually up to 140,000 words
Sweet spot: 80,000 – 100,000 words
Why word count matters when querying
Literary agents and editors use word count as an early signal. A manuscript far outside the expected range for its category can suggest pacing problems, an undeveloped or overgrown story, or a mismatch with the intended audience’s reading habits. Staying within the typical range — and especially near the sweet spot — shows you understand the market and gives your pages a fairer read. These ranges are guidelines, not laws, but they’re worth knowing before you hit send.