Thinking About Publishing a Book?
Every week, writers ask me the same questions about publishing.
Here are clear, direct answers.
If you’re serious about publishing start here.
I’m Emily Barrosse, founder of Bold Story Press. Before launching the press, I spent more than 35 years in publishing, including serving as Vice President and Editor in Chief at McGraw Hill.
The Questions Writers Ask Most
-
For most adult fiction, the standard range is 70,000–100,000 words.
If you’re writing literary fiction, commercial fiction, romance, or general fiction, this is the range agents and publishers expect.
Why does length matter?
Because publishing is both creative and commercial.
A manuscript that is too short (under 60,000 words) often reads more like a novella. It can feel underdeveloped, and it can be difficult to price and position in the marketplace. Readers sometimes feel cheated if it is not comparable in length to other books they have bought.
A manuscript that is too long (over 100,000 words), especially for a debut author, is more expensive to print, harder to edit, and riskier for a publisher to acquire. Long books aren’t impossible — but they must earn their length.
There are genre exceptions:
• Epic fantasy and some science fiction often run 100,000–130,000 words.
• Historical fiction can exceed 110,000 words.
• Young adult typically lands between 50,000–80,000 words.
• Middle grade is often shorter still.But even within these categories, discipline matters. Word count is rarely arbitrary.
Length isn’t about squeezing your story into a box. It’s about understanding market expectations and making strategic decisions.
-
Most writers ask this when they think they are finished.
Finished is not the same as ready.
A manuscript is ready when the story works structurally and emotionally. That means the plot intentionally builds to a resolution. The middle doesn’t sag, and the ending feels earned. The characters are fully developed and they behave in ways that serve the story.
Can you explain the core conflict in one clear sentence? Do you know why the midpoint matters in your book?
Submitting too early can close doors. Publishing is competitive, and once a reader forms an opinion of your work, it can be very difficult to reverse it.
If you’re not sure, get an objective assessment before you submit. Clarity at this stage is not optional. It is critical to success.
Not sure if your manuscript is ready?
We offer manuscript evaluations to assess structure, pacing, market readiness, and next steps — before you query or publish.
-
Description text goes here
-
Description text goes here
Publishing is Both Art and Strategy
A strong story is essential.
But, so is timing, positioning, and market awareness.
If you want your book to stand out — and stand the test of time — we’re here to help.
-
Description text goes here
-
Description text goes here
-
Description text goes here
-
Item description
-
Item description