I was always intending for the book to be for young adults, but at least currently it doesn't look as if it's going to break the 40,000 word count (not done yet, just thinking ahead). So I am considering trying to pitch it as a middle grade instead, as I am told most publishers will reject a book this short even if it's for older young adults. The issues in the book make it appropriate for mature readers of a younger age, as well as the ages of the characters (kids like reading about people a few years older than themselves, I'm told) so that works out well.
However, fantasy books are often expected to be longer (seems as if most writers have trouble keeping the words count down if anything). Though I have been told 20,000 to 40,000 words is ideal for this age group, I don't know if they would prefer for a fantasy to be longer as that may be what readers expect.
However, fantasy books are often expected to be longer (seems as if most writers have trouble keeping the words count down if anything). Though I have been told 20,000 to 40,000 words is ideal for this age group, I don't know if they would prefer for a fantasy to be longer as that may be what readers expect.
