As a book editor, I often receive manuscripts that are much longer than the industry standard. I understand this, since authors often write a full draft and then want feedback on what to trim. Yet it’s also worth discussing what’s an ideal length, and offering tips to help you trim on your own. Shaving your manuscript before an editor reads it will save you time and money.

If you’re traditionally publishing, you’ll receive a “word count” target upon contracting. If you’re self-publishing, you get to choose. Either way, concise writing has its benefits.

Let’s explore the typical word-count ranges based on current industry trends, and influenced by my own experience.